What is the number 1 source of energy in the world?

Energy is essential for the development and growth of modern societies. It is the foundation upon which societies are built and without it, life as we know it would not be possible. But which source of energy is the most important, on a global scale?

Most experts in the energy industry believe that fossil fuels are the number one source of energy in today’s world. Fossil fuels include petroleum, coal, and natural gas and are responsible for providing approximately 81% of the energy used across the world. These energy sources have been the foundation upon which industrialized nations have grown and developed and currently continue to provide the majority of energy used in the world.

How does Fossil Fuels Comprise the Majority of Global Energy?

Fossil fuels have an extensive history that dates back to the 1800s when the Industrial Revolution began and coal started to be used as a fuel source. Since then, fossil fuels have been refined and are now made up of petroleum, coal, and natural gas. These fossil fuels are predominantly utilized to power industrial and commercial activities such as transport, manufacturing, and electricity.

The major sources of energy in the US consist of natural gas (31.8%), coal (24.7%), Nuclear (19.2%), renewables (15.3%). Fossil fuels have always held the largest share of energy generation. This is because they are much easier to produce and are more easily available than renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydropower.

What is the Future of Energy?

As the population continues to grow, so does the demand for energy. This means that the demand for fossil fuels is also likely to increase. To meet the rising global demand for energy, the world needs to start decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels. This can be done by gradually transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Renewable sources of energy are becoming increasingly available around the world and already account for 27% of total global power generation. This is greatly encouraging and more countries are expected to start investing heavily in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.

Upscaling the renewable energy sector will require significant investments, but the benefits are huge. Renewable energy sources are clean, emitless, and have the potential to replace fossil fuels in the years to come. Moreover, renewable sources of energy are much more sustainable than fossil fuels and have a much lower environmental impact.

Conclusion

Fossil fuels are currently the world’s primary source of energy and are responsible for providing the majority of energy across the globe. However, the potential for renewable energy sources is far greater than what is currently being utilized and is likely to become the main source of energy in the years to come.

Governments, businesses, and organizations must now invest heavily in renewable energy sources in order to reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels and ensure a much more sustainable future for everyone.