The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world uses a variety of energy sources. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, oil and coal–accounted for over 81 % of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries employ different energy sources to balance environmental and economic requirements.

Energy is found in nature in many forms, including sunlight, wind, waves, oceans and more. These sources of energy are transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like electricity or heat when they are harnessed. When those energies are used up, they become nonrenewable energy sources.

Many fossil fuels and some of the other energy sources that are not https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/03/01/le-biomasse-i-processi-termochimici/ renewable are damaging the environment. For example mining for oil could strip the planet’s pristine forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can cause water pollution and earthquakes. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

Fortunately that many of the most promising energy sources are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, solar energy and wind power for instance, could produce electricity without having to search for new sources.

Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, like the wave and tidal power. To be utilized on large scale, these sources of energy require efficient distribution networks. They need to be constructed which will require the use of non-renewable energy sources. These sources aren’t enough to provide the majority of our energy demands. But it’s important keep in mind that costs for renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically over the past few years, and efficiency is increasing rapidly.