Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
1. Conventional Sources of Energy
Definition:
Conventional sources of energy are the traditional sources that have been used for a long time. These are
mostly fossil fuels and are non-renewable, meaning they will eventually deplete.
Types of Conventional Energy Sources:
a. Coal
- A fossil fuel formed from plant remains over millions of years.
- Used mainly in thermal power plants to generate electricity.
- Disadvantages: Emits greenhouse gases, causes air pollution, and is non-renewable.
b. Petroleum (Oil)
- Extracted from underground reservoirs.
- Refined into fuels like petrol, diesel, kerosene, etc.
- Used in transportation, industries, and power generation.
- Disadvantages: Limited reserves, causes oil spills, and air pollution.
c. Natural Gas
- Found along with petroleum in oil fields.
- Used for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.
- Cleaner than coal and oil but still emits carbon dioxide.
- Disadvantages: Finite resource and contributes to global warming.
d. Nuclear Energy
- Produced by fission of uranium or plutonium in nuclear reactors.
- Used to generate large amounts of electricity.
- Disadvantages: Risk of radiation, disposal of nuclear waste, and expensive setup.
2. Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
Definition:
Non-conventional sources of energy are modern, alternative energy sources that are renewable and
environmentally friendly.
Types of Non-Conventional Energy Sources:
a. Solar Energy
- Obtained from the Sun using solar panels.
- Used for lighting, heating, cooking, and electricity generation.
- Advantages: Abundant, renewable, pollution-free.
- Disadvantages: Depends on sunlight availability; high initial cost.
b. Wind Energy
- Generated by wind turbines that convert wind movement into electricity.
- Used in wind farms.
- Advantages: Clean, renewable, low operating cost.
- Disadvantages: Requires windy areas, affects bird life, and has noise issues.
c. Hydropower
- Produced by using flowing water to spin turbines.
- Common in hilly areas with rivers and dams.
- Advantages: Renewable and clean energy source.
- Disadvantages: Affects aquatic life and can displace communities due to dam construction.
d. Biomass Energy
- Generated from organic materials like agricultural waste, wood, and dung.
- Used in rural areas for cooking and electricity.
- Advantages: Reduces waste and is renewable.
- Disadvantages: Can cause indoor pollution if not used properly.
e. Geothermal Energy
Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
- Comes from heat within the Earth, often via hot springs or underground reservoirs.
- Used to generate electricity and heating.
- Advantages: Renewable and stable.
- Disadvantages: Location specific and expensive installation.
f. Tidal and Wave Energy
- Generated by sea tides and ocean waves.
- Still under development in many parts of the world.
- Advantages: Huge potential and renewable.
- Disadvantages: Technology not fully developed and high cost.
3. Conclusion
Conclusion:
While conventional energy sources are widely used and provide the bulk of global energy, they are
non-renewable and polluting. In contrast, non-conventional sources are clean, renewable, and sustainable,
making them essential for a greener and energy-secure future.
