Our Hunger for Energy - Renewable Energy and Climate Change - page 3

fi rewood that could be used to melt down metal to produce cannons and other
weapons. This goes to show that energy crises are not just a modern phenomenon
(Figure 1.1 ).
Figure 1.1 Firewood, draught animals, wind and water power supplied most of the energy needed in
the world as late as the 18th century.
In addition to muscle power and fi rewood, other renewable energies were used
intensively until the beginning of the 20th century. Between 500 000 and 600 000
watermills were in operation in Europe at the end of the 18th century. The use of
wind power was also widespread, particularly in fl at areas with a lot of wind. For
example, the United Netherlands had around 8000 working windmills at the end of
the 17th century.
For a long time fossil energy sources were only of secondary importance. Although
coal from underground deposits was known to be a source of energy, it was largely
avoided. It was not until a lack of wood in certain areas of Europe led to energy
shortages that coal deposits began to be exploited. In addition, the higher energy
density of coal proved to be an advantage in the production of steel. There was no
stopping the development of this resource once the industrial revolution dawned. In
1800 60% of coal was used to provide domestic heat, but 40 years later far more
coal was used in ironworks and other factories than in homes.