The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world relies on a variety of energy sources. Fossil-based fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal–accounted for more than 81 % of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewables, like solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy contributes another 5 percent. Different countries use different energy sources to balance economic needs and environmental concerns.

Nature’s energy is available in a variety of forms including sun, wind waves, and ocean. These primary sources can be transformed into more practical energy forms, such as electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. These energy sources become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.

The environment is harmed by many fossil fuels, along with other sources of energy that are not renewable. For instance, oil mining can devastate the forest ecosystems of the planet. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and pollution of water. The burning of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

Fortunately some of the most promising energy sources are sustainable and renewable. Hydropower, solar energy and wind power, for instance, can generate electricity without the need to search for fresh supplies.

Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, such as wave power and tidal energy. However, in order to be https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/01/24/da-costruttore-le-biomasse-come-fondazioni/ used in a large-scale manner these technologies need effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. These sources are not able to fulfill the majority of our energy needs. It’s vital to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and the efficiency of these equipments is growing.