The world has a wide range of energy sources. Fossil-based fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal–accounted to more than 81 % of all energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5%. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet economic needs and environmental concerns.
Nature’s energy is available in a variety of forms: sun, wind, waves and ocean. When harnessed and converted into more practical forms of energy, such as heat or electricity, they are referred to as primary sources. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.
Many fossil fuels and some of the other energy sources that are not renewable can be harmful to the environment. For example, mining for oil can strip the planet’s pristine forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can result in 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, wind and solar, for instance, can generate electricity without having to dig for new supplies.
Other renewable energy sources are emerging, such as wave power and tidal energy. However, to be used on a large scale they must have efficient distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. As a result, these sources are not yet capable of meeting the majority of our energy requirements. However, it’s important to keep in mind that costs for renewable energy-related equipment have fallen significantly over the last few years, and their efficiency is increasing rapidly.
Comentários