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World energy trend, importance of renewables

Short answer

World energy use grew from about 45 EJ in 1900 to about 600 EJ today; fossil fuels still supply about 80%, but solar and wind are fastest growing. Renewable energy is important because it is inexhaustible, low-pollution, improves energy security, supports rural development, creates jobs, and improves health.

What is the trend of consumption of energy sources in the world? Describe the importance of renewable energy sources.

Trend of world energy consumption

  • World energy use has grown nearly every year since the industrial revolution, from about 45 EJ in 1900 (including traditional biomass) to about 600 EJ today.
  • Traditional biomass dominated until the late 19th century, coal in the first half of the 20th century, and oil from the 1960s; natural gas, nuclear (from the 1970s) and, recently, wind and solar followed.
  • Fossil fuels are still about 80% of supply, but their share is slowly falling.
  • Growth is now concentrated in Asia; demand in developed regions is flat because of efficiency.
  • The fastest-growing sources are solar PV and wind (double-digit annual growth), and falling costs have made them cheaper than new coal in most places.
  • Electricity demand is growing faster than total energy demand because of electrification (EVs, heat pumps, data centres).
  • Coal use has dipped in some countries but is still high in China and India.
Share of world primary energy (approx.)
Oil     |############        31%
Coal    |##########          27%
Gas     |#########           23%
Hydro   |###                  7%
Nuclear |##                   4%
Others  |####                 8%

Importance of renewable energy

  • Inexhaustible: sun, wind, water and biomass are naturally replenished; fossil fuels will run out.
  • Environment: very low CO₂ and air pollution, which helps fight climate change.
  • Energy security: reduces import dependence (Nepal imports all its petroleum products).
  • Rural development: decentralised systems (micro-hydro, solar, biogas) give energy to remote places.
  • Jobs and economy: local employment, lower long-term cost, stable prices.
  • Health: biogas and clean cooking reduce indoor air pollution.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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