The world is dependent on a range of different energy sources. Fossil-based fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal–accounted to more than 81 % of the energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewable sources such as solar energy, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5%. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet the needs of their economy and environmental concerns.
Nature provides energy in many forms such as wind, sun, waves, and ocean. When harnessed, and transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like heat or electricity, these are known as primary sources. These energies become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.
The environment is damaged by a variety of fossil fuels and also other sources of energy that are not renewable. Mining oil, for instance can devastate the forests that are virgin to the earth. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) could cause water pollution and earthquakes. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned which causes global warming.
Fortunately some of the most promising energy sources are renewable and sustainable. Wind, solar and hydropower for instance, could generate electricity without the need to search for new sources.
Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, like wave power and tidal energy. To be used on an extensive scale, these technologies need to have effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to build these networks. In the end, these sources aren’t enough to supply the majority of our energy requirements. It’s still important to remember that the prices of renewable energy equipment has decreased dramatically in recent times and the efficiency of these equipments is growing.