How nonrenewable energy differs from renewable energy
Nonrenewable energy is a limited resource. These energy resources are steadily getting depleted as we consume them. We'll eventually run out of nonrenewable energy.
On the other hand, renewable energy either won't run out in many lifetimes or gets replaced relatively quickly. For example, scientists estimate that the sun has enough fuel (hydrogen) to last another 5 billion years, so we won't run out of solar energy in our lifetime. Likewise, the sun plays an important role in wind energy since the uneven heating of the earth by the sun and the earth's rotation causes the wind to blow. Meanwhile, renewable energy sources like hydro, geothermal, and biomass replenish relatively quickly through rain, the earth's heat, or replanting.
Why nonrenewable energy is important
Nonrenewable energy has its share of problems. It's a finite resource, and burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Despite those issues, nonrenewable energy is vital to our modern world. We use fossil fuels to generate power, heat our homes and businesses, fuel much of the transportation sector, and make petrochemicals, among other things. Meanwhile, we also generate power from nuclear energy. Overall, 91% of U.S. energy consumption in 2023 was from nonrenewable energy sources:
- Petroleum: 38%
- Natural gas: 36%
- Nuclear: 9%
- Coal: 9%
While the world is slowly shifting towards renewable energy, there is a long way to go before it will displace nonrenewable energy sources since energy demand continues to increase. Nonrenewable energy will remain crucial to the global economy for decades to come.
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