The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

The world has a myriad of https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/03/01/le-biomasse-i-processi-termochimici/ energy sources. Fossil-based fuels such as natural gas, petroleum and coal accounted for more than 81 % of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5%. Different countries employ different energy sources to balance the environmental and economic demands.

Nature’s energy comes in many forms including sun, wind waves, and ocean. When harnessed and transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, they are known as primary sources. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.

A lot of fossil fuels and a few of other energy sources that are not renewable can be harmful to the environment. Oil mining, for instance can devastate the forest ecosystems of the planet. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in 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, wind and solar, for instance, can generate electricity without the need to dig for new supplies.

Tidal and Wave Power are two more renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. But, in order to be used on a massive scale they must have effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energies to build these networks. Therefore, these sources aren’t capable of meeting the majority of our energy requirements. It’s important to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment have drastically decreased in recent years and the efficiency is rising.


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