The world has a wide range of energy sources. In 2018 fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, comprised over 81 percent of the energy consumed. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind, hydroelectricity and biomass, make up for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is 5 percent. Different countries use different combinations of energy sources, and are able to balance economic needs with environmental concerns.
Nature is a rich source of energy in many forms: sunlight and wind, waves, ocean and more. These primary sources are transformed into more convenient energy forms, such as heat or electricity, when they are harnessed. These sources of energy become non-renewable sources of energy once they have been exhausted.
Many fossil fuels as well as some of other energy sources that are not renewable are causing harm to the environment. For example mining for oil could destroy the forests of the planet. Hydraulic fracture (fracking) can cause earthquakes as well as water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burned which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, the majority of the most promising sources of energy are sustainable da costruttore le biomasse come fondazioni and renewable. Hydropower, solar energy and wind power for instance, are able to produce electricity without the need to dig for new supplies.
Other sustainable energy sources are emerging, including waves and tidal power. However, in order to be utilized on a large scale these technologies need effective distribution networks. This requires the use of non-renewable energies to build these networks. These sources aren’t able to meet the majority of our energy needs. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of renewable energy equipment have decreased dramatically in recent times and the efficiency is rising.
