Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The following graph shows the energy delivered to each sector starting in 2003 and projected delivery past
2010.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Present Global Energy Use
Worldwide, most energy comes from nonrenewable sources, primarily the consumption of fossil fuels (petro-
leum, coal, and natural gas) and the use of nuclear power. Fossil fuels are described as
nonrenewable
because
their supply is finite. Their current high rate of use means that eventually we will run out of these energy
sources. Renewable energy sources are replenished in a short period of time and include biomass (peat, trees,
and other plant material), geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind.
Future Energy Use
The energy needs of the United States and the world are increasing, primarily due to population growth, indus-
trialization, and technology. The world population is increasing, and as the population increases, the need for
additional energy increases. Approximately 38 nations are developed, and the remaining countries are in vari-
ous stages of development. As they develop, their energy needs increase to meet the increase in production of
goods and services. Technology usually leads to an increase in energy needs as well. The current technological
