The world relies on a variety of energy sources. Fossil fuels — including natural gas, petroleum and coal–accounted for more than 81 % of all energy consumed in the year 2018. Renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power biomass, hydroelectricity, and wind power account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries have different combinations of energy sources, while balancing the environmental aspects with economics.

Energy is found in nature https://leonardogiombini.it/2019/02/14/interessante-articolo-sui-biocarburanti/ in many forms, including sunlight and wind, waves, oceans and more. When harnessed and converted into more efficient forms of energy, like electricity or heat, these are referred to as primary sources. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy when they are exhausted.

The environment is damaged by many fossil fuels and also other non-renewable sources of energy. Mining oil, for instance is a destructive process that can destroy the forest ecosystems of the planet. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can trigger earthquakes and water pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

Fortunately, the majority of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Hydropower, solar power and wind for instance, are able to generate electricity without having to dig for new supplies.

Tidal and Wave Power are two more sustainable energy sources that are gaining popularity. To be used on an enormous scale, these technologies need to have effective distribution networks. They need to be constructed which will require the use of non-renewable energy. In the end, these sources are not yet able to provide the bulk of our energy requirements. It’s important to remember that the cost of renewable energy equipment has drastically decreased in recent years and the efficiency is rising.