The world is dependent on a range of different sources of energy. Fossil-based fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal–accounted for more than 81 % of all energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewables, including solar power, wind power hydroelectricity and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5 percent. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet the environmental and economic demands.
Nature’s energy comes in many forms such as wind, sun, waves, and ocean. When harnessed, and transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, they are called primary sources. When the energy source is exhausted, they become nonrenewable energy sources.
The environment is damaged due to a wide range of fossil fuels and also other energy sources that aren’t renewable. Mining oil, for instance can cause the destruction of our forests that are virgin to the earth. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes as well as water pollution. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
Fortunately that many of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower for instance, can generate electricity without the need to search for fresh supplies.
Tidal and Wave Power are two more sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. However, in order to be utilized at a large scale these technologies need effective distribution networks. These need to be built and operate with the use of non-renewable energy sources. These sources are not able to satisfy the majority of our energy demands. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that prices for renewable energy-related equipment have fallen dramatically over the past couple of years, and efficiency is growing rapidly.