What are the most used energy sources in the world

What are the most used energy sources in the world

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The energy sources that we use today are very varied and, although at first glance it may seem that renewable energies occupy an important position, the reality is that the data makes it clear that there is still much to do if we want to have a green and respectful future environment. If you want to meet What are the most used energy sources in the worldas well as the different uses that are made today of each of these energies, continue reading ecology and we tell you.

What is considered a source of energy and what types exist

It is called energy source to any method that the human being has to obtain the energy to be used to do different jobs. That is, energy sources would be the origins that energy has. In this way, the electrical energy that comes from a solar panel will have as its source of energy the sunlight, the energy obtained from the burning of natural gas, the energy source of the natural gas itself will proceed, and thus with each and every one of the existing energy sources.

Currently, energy sources are divided into two great typologies, renewable energies and non -renewable energies, also sometimes called fossil energies. In the case of Renewable energies They are encompassed to all those who, when exploited, do not degrade the environment, at least not at the level of the others and if it is really well degraded, and do not consume themselves (such as solar, wind or hydraulic). On the contrary, fossil energies that are non -renewable They are those that come from fuels that have their origin in the fossilization of organic matter of millions of years ago and that results in fuels that can be burned to transform them into useful energy for the human being (coal, oil and natural gas mainly).

Likewise, it should also be mentioned other types of energies that, without being renewable, would not be accurate to catalog them as fossils. This type of energy would correspond to Nuclear energyobtained from uranium and plutonium, as well as The biofuelsamong which, from biogas to traditional wood or firewood.

What are the most used energy sources in the world - what is considered a source of energy and what types exist

What are the most used energy sources in the world: world data

Keep in mind that the consumption of one or other energy sources It is not the same in each place on the planet. In fact, we can find countries with a strong commitment to renewable energies and, others, which remain anchored in the consumption of fossil and non -renewable energy. However, the impact that energy consumption has on the planet and the environment does not understand borders. In this way, energy consumption can be considered globally, which would leave the following figures taking as reference the World energy consumption in 2014:

  • Oil: 32.89 %
  • Coal: 29.16 %
  • Natural gas: 23.40 %
  • Hydroelectric: 6.78 %
  • Nuclear energy: 4.43 %
  • Wind: 1.45 %
  • Solar energy: 0.43 %
  • Biofurants or biofuels: 0.57 %
  • Rest of sources minority use: 0.89 %

As you can see, to the question what are the most used energy sources in the worldthe first three positions are occupied by the three energies of fossil origin per antonomasia: Oil, coal and natural gas. It is necessary to reach fourth place to find the first renewable energy source, Hydroelectricwhich appears on the list with a shy 6.78 % of the total energy consumed in the world, well below the figures that represent any of the fossil energies that occupy the header.

What are the most used energy sources in the world - what are the most used energy sources in the world: world data

What percentage represents renewable energy in the world team

Following the aforementioned data, we find that The fossil energy as a whole represents the large figure of 85.5 %while the sum of Renewable energies as a whole suppose a 10.1 % figurebarely exceed the dozen of the percentage. Likewise, the other energies that are neither fossils or renewable, such as Nuclear energycomplete the rest of the energy consumed worldwide.

However, although these figures seem discouraging, it is true that we must bear in mind that we are in full Energy transition. That is, in a process of replacement of fossil energies with renewable energies. In fact, in some countries such as China, they are carrying out an important decarbonization program that, if it comes to fruition, you will see how, in the coming years, it becomes the first power based on renewable energy. Perhaps, China can serve as an example and, in the coming years, let’s see how the set of renewable energies is gaining ground to the sum of fossil fuels and we can change the percentages for others more positive.

Here you can watch a video on this interesting topic.

If you want to read more articles similar to What are the most used energy sources in the worldwe recommend that you enter our category of non -renewable energy.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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