The world is awash with a variety of energy sources. Fossil-based fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal accounted for more than 80 percent of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind power, biomass, and hydroelectricity account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5%. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet environmental and economic requirements.
Nature’s energy is available in a variety of forms: sun, wind, waves, and ocean. When harnessed and converted into more efficient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are called primary sources. These sources are non-renewable resources of energy when they are exhausted.
Many fossil fuels and some of the other energy sources that are not renewable have been causing environmental harm. For instance mining for oil can degrade the world’s forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in earthquakes and water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt and contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, some of the most promising energy sources are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower create, for instance, electricity without digging up new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are also renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. However, in order to be used on a large scale these technologies require effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. As a result, these sources aren’t able to provide the bulk of our energy requirements. It’s still important to remember that the prices of renewable energy equipment have dropped dramatically in recent years and the efficiency is rising.