The world uses many different energy sources. Fossil fuels, including natural gas, petroleum and coal–accounted for over 81 % of the energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy accounts for another 5percent. Different countries have different energy sources to balance the environmental and economic demands.
Nature is a rich source of energy in many forms, including sunlight, wind, waves, ocean and many more. These sources of energy are transformed into more convenient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. These energy sources become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.
Many fossil fuels, as well as some of other energy sources that are not renewable can be harmful to the environment. For example mining for oil can destroy the forests of the planet. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can cause earthquakes as well as water pollution. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
Fortunately some of the most promising energy sources are renewable and sustainable. Solar, wind and hydropower could, for example, generate electricity without having to dig for new sources.
Tidal and Wave Power are two more renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be used at a large-scale, these technologies require effective distribution networks. They must be constructed using a source of non-renewable energy. Therefore, these sources are not yet enough to supply the majority of our energy requirements. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of renewable energy equipment have fallen dramatically in recent years and the efficiency is rising.