Tag: Electricity generation

The idea of powering a small device with a potato is a staple of school science fairs and often leads to the question, "Do potatoes generate energy?". The simple answer, though surprising to some, is no—the potato itself does not produce electrical power. Instead, it acts as an electrolyte, facilitating a chemical reaction between two different metal electrodes that actually generates the small electrical current.

Globally, petroleum provides more than 90% of the energy consumed by the transport sector. This remarkable statistic underscores the vital role oil plays in modern society and compels a deeper look into the question: how do we use oil for energy in our daily lives?

For the first time in history, renewables surpassed coal as the leading source of global electricity generation in the first half of 2025, but the answer to what is the biggest source of energy depends on how you measure it.

In 2023, non-renewable energy sources accounted for the majority of U.S. energy consumption, highlighting our reliance on a diverse mix of power options. To understand our global power landscape, it is essential to know what are the nine sources of energy and how each one functions.

Globally, approximately 80% of the primary energy consumed still originates from fossil fuels, despite rapid growth in renewables. Understanding **where does most of our energy come from** requires distinguishing between primary energy and electricity generation sources.

According to recent data, fossil fuels still make up a substantial portion of global energy production. The answer to where do we get the majority of the energy that we use is complex, involving a mix of traditional sources and rapidly growing clean energy technologies.

Despite the rapid growth of renewables, fossil fuels—primarily oil, coal, and natural gas—remain our primary source of fuel globally, providing the majority of energy for electricity, transportation, and heating. These resources have dominated the energy landscape for over a century, but the ongoing transition to sustainable alternatives is reshaping the world's energy future.