Prior to the use of modern fuel advancements we enjoy today, very simple methods were used in order to fuel an individual's way of life.  Some of these more simple tactics included the use of wind and water as a form of energy.  While energy sources are not directly responsible for civilization and the advancements therein, it is fundamental to the shaping of the overall human condition in a particular area.  Over time, the energy sources we have utilized have become more advanced. 

During the early time of water energy and hydraulic power, Europe arguably benefited the most due to their increased number of potential water power sources.  The vertical waterwheel was invented as early as 200 B.C.  Eventually, water energy sources grew to be the pillar of Western technology.  Water as a power source continued to be pivotal through the fifteenth century, when, in France, water power was used to increasing degrees in industrial settings.  Water powered industrial sites continued to be produced throughout the 1700's when, around this time, additional water energy sources were investigated and the era of steam as an energy source began. 

Steam engines improved in design and functionality throughout the nineteenth century.  During this time, steam energy sources were being imported from Europe to the United States and this energy source began to give earlier methods of water energy use, such as the vertical waterwheel, a run for their money.  Electrical energy sources were not introduced until the end of the 1800's but, when they were, they quickly became the favored option when it came to energy sources. 

Nonetheless, during the twentieth century, electric energy sources slowly became less critical and were replaced by nuclear energy sources.  Fossil fuels became essential as sources of power; these fossil fuels included coal and oil and they became vital to powering and running electric powered energy source providers.  As far back as the 1960's, there was concern over the use of such energy sources and the toll that this might inevitably take on the planet.  A search for fossil-fuel energy source alternatives began.  Unfortunately, few energy sources are as quick, easily employed and convenient as fossil fuel energy sources.

During the beginning stages of potential energy sources, the elements implicated were fairly stable.  For example, water as an energy source was utilized for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.  However, since that time, energy sources have been utilized and replaced in increasingly quick succession. 

The United States, and indeed the world at large, does not show any signs of slowing down when it comes to their need and use of energy.  To combat this need, the U.S. Department of Energy and other such factions around the world are working to determine appropriate clean fuel initiatives.  Some of these sources are years away from development and implementation, but they include fusion, employed hydrogen and other such modernized approaches to cleaner living.  The World Energy Council is one of the most important figures in leading the globe into a future state of cleaner and more ecological energy sources.  Some projects of note include the Danish renewable energy experiment put into service parking lots, which would be designed to act as solar sponges which could then fuel vehicles. 

While many wars have been fought in recent years to control energy sources that are popular, there are still steps being taken to cut down on the reliance of imported energy sources and to instead use cleaner, more ecologically friendly sources.  Solar energy is presently being used to heat water, to generate electricity and to provide a source of fuel for certain vehicles.  Biomass energy is being developed in order to allow users to turn corn, leaves, twigs and the like into fuel which could be utilized to heat homes, among other uses.  Wind is being used once more as an energy source, with some improvements made to allow an increased performance on the part of the wind.  Water is experiencing a similar revival as a source of energy, in part due to its clean and reusable nature, which makes it a very attractive energy source, if we can learn to harness it to its full potential.  Future energy sources are likely to include hydrogen and geothermal energy. 

Many cultures, individuals and societies rely on energy and energy sources.  Since the most powerful and popular energy source options today rely on fossil fuels, it is possible, and indeed probable, that we will eventually run out of these sources of energy.  In order to improve the state of the Earth and our ability to use and create energy, we are all responsible for helping to use alternate, cleaner forms of energy and encouraging the discovery and implementation of such energy sources.  At the very least, alternate energy sources will allow individuals to save money and cut their spending on such more expensive options, such as fossil fuel which is just increasing in price as the days pass.