Different energy sources refer to the many ways we can harness and use energy. They include renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The kind of energy we select is determined by a number factors, such as how it affects the environment and if it’s accessible and affordable.
In 2018 fossil fuels comprised 81 percent of energy production worldwide. But these nonrenewable sources of energy can harm the environment in a variety ways. For example drilling for oil causes havoc on communities and wildlife; fracking produces water pollution and coal power stations emit carbon dioxide.
Renewable energy is also known as green power or clean. It is generated by resources that are constantly replenished such as the sun, wind, and rain. It’s an excellent way to decrease our dependence on dirty sources of energy and benefit the planet.
But renewable energy isn’t just about protecting the environment, it’s also about being reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. This is why renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular as a way to power our homes as well as businesses and vehicles.
Solar and wind energy, nuclear energy, and hydropower are among the most widely used renewable energy sources. Solar energy uses technology to convert sunlight into heat and electricity. Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity. It is utilized in a variety of places all over the world. Hydropower harnesses water’s force to generate electricity. Nuclear energy is based on the process of nuclear fission to produce electricity.