The World Uses a Variety of Different Energy Sources

https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/02/14/interessante-articolo-sui-biocarburanti/

The world relies on a variety of energy sources. In 2018, fossil fuels, like gas, oil and coal, comprised more than 81 percent energy consumed. Renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar energy biomass, hydroelectricity and biomass are responsible for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another five percent. Different countries employ different combinations of energy sources, balancing economic needs with environmental concerns.

Nature’s energy can be found in a variety of forms such as wind, sun, waves, and ocean. When harnessed and transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, these are called primary sources. When these energy sources are exhausted, they become nonrenewable energy sources.

The environment is harmed by a variety of fossil fuels and also other non-renewable sources of energy. For instance mining for oil could degrade the world’s forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) could cause water pollution and earthquakes. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

Fortunately, a lot of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Solar, wind and hydropower create, for instance, electricity without having to dig up new sources.

Tidal and Wave Power are two more renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. However, in order to be used on a massive scale these technologies need efficient distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energy sources to construct these networks. These sources aren’t sufficient to provide the majority of our energy needs. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of renewable energy equipment have drastically decreased in recent years and the efficiency of these equipments is growing.