The world uses a variety of different sources of energy. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, petroleum and coal–accounted for over 81 % of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewables, including solar power, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5%. Different countries employ different energy sources to balance economic needs and environmental concerns.
Nature’s energy comes in many forms like sun, wind waves, and ocean. These sources of energy are transformed into more convenient energy forms, such as electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.
The environment is damaged by many fossil fuels in addition to other non-renewable sources of energy. For instance, mining for oil can strip the planet’s pristine forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) could cause water pollution and earthquakes. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, some of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, solar power and wind, for instance, can produce electricity without having to search for fresh supplies.
Other sources of sustainable energy are gaining momentum, such as waves and tidal power. But, in order to be utilized on a massive scale they must have effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. These sources aren’t able to meet the majority of our energy requirements. However, it’s important to keep in mind that costs for renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically over the past couple of years, and efficiency is increasing https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/03/01/le-biomasse-i-processi-termochimici/ rapidly.