The world relies on a variety of energy sources. In 2018, fossil fuels, like gas, oil and coal, were responsible for over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewable energy sources like solar power, wind power, biomass, and hydroelectricity account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5 percent. Different countries use various energy sources, while balancing economic needs with environmental concerns.
Nature provides energy in many forms like sun, wind waves and ocean. When harnessed and transformed into more efficient forms of energy, such as heat or electricity, these are referred to as primary sources. Once these energies are exhausted, they become nonrenewable energy sources.
A lot of fossil fuels and a few of the other nonrenewable energy sources can be harmful to the environment. For instance mining for oil could strip the planet’s pristine forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) can lead to earthquakes and water pollution. The burning of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, some of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Hydropower, wind and solar for instance, could generate electricity without having to search for new resources.
Other sustainable energy sources are emerging, such as tidal and wave power. However, to be used on a massive scale, these technologies must have https://leonardogiombini.it/ effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energies to build these networks. As a result, these sources are not yet able to provide the bulk of our energy requirements. It’s important to remember that the prices of renewable energy equipment have drastically decreased in recent years and that efficiency is increasing.