The world uses a variety of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, comprised over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewables, like solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another 5%. Different countries employ different sources of energy to meet economic needs and environmental concerns.

Energy is present in nature in many forms: sunlight, wind, waves, oceans and more. These primary sources can be transformed into more practical forms of energy, like electricity or heat, when they are harnessed. When article source these energy sources are exhausted, they turn into non-renewable energy sources.

The environment is harmed by a variety of fossil fuels and also other non-renewable sources of energy. Oil mining, for instance can cause the destruction of our planet’s virgin forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) can lead to water pollution and earthquakes. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt which causes global warming.

Fortunately, a majority of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable and renewable. Wind, solar and hydropower create, for instance, electricity without digging up new sources.

Tidal and Wave Power are also sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be used on a large-scale, these technologies require efficient distribution networks. These need to be built and operate with the use of non-renewable energy sources. Therefore, these sources aren’t sufficient to meet the majority of our energy requirements. Still, it’s important to be aware that prices for renewable energy equipment have dropped significantly in the past few years, and their efficiency is increasing rapidly.