The world is awash with a variety of energy sources. Fossil fuels–including natural gas, oil, and coal–accounted for over 80 percent of the energy consumed in 2018. Renewables, including solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for 14 percent. Nuclear energy is responsible for another five percent. Different countries use different sources of energy to meet the needs of their economy and environmental concerns.
Nature provides energy in many forms: sunlight as well as wind, waves ocean and more. When harnessed and transformed into more convenient forms of energy, such as electricity or heat, these are known as primary sources. Once these energies are exhausted, they become nonrenewable energy sources.
The environment is harmed by a variety of fossil fuels as well as some other energy sources that aren’t renewable. For instance, oil mining can cause the destruction of our planet’s virgin forests. Fracking (hydraulic fracture) can lead to earthquakes and water pollution. Carbon dioxide is released when coal is burnt, which contributes to global warming.
Fortunately, a lot of the most promising sources of energy are renewable and sustainable. Wind, solar and hydropower can generate, for instance electricity without the diverse fonti energetiche need to dig up new sources.
Other sources of sustainable energy are emerging, including tidal and wave power. To be used on an enormous scale, these technologies require effective distribution networks. This requires the use non-renewable energies to build these networks. In the end, these sources aren’t enough to supply the majority of our energy needs. But it’s important keep in mind that the costs for renewable energy equipment have come down significantly over the last couple of years, and efficiency is growing quickly.