ENVIRONMENT
SCIENCE
Renewable resources
and Non Renewable
resources
Renewable resources
• The resources that can be replenished through rapid natural cycles
are known as renewable resource. These resources are able to
increase their abundance through reproduction and utilization of
simple substances.
• Ex: Plants, (crops and forests) and animals.
• Some examples of renewable resources though they do not have
life cycle but can be recycled.
• Ex: Wood and wood-products, pulp products, natural rubber, fibers
(e.g. Cotton, jute, animal wool, silk and synthetic fibers) and
leather. d forests) and animals.
Non renewable resources
• The resources that cannot be replenished through natural
processes are known as non-renewable resources. These are
available in limited amounts, which cannot be increased.
These resources include fossil fuels (petrol, coal etc.), metals
(iron, copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc etc.), minerals and salts
(carbonates, phosphates, nitrates etc.).Once a non-
renewable resource is consumed, it is gone forever.
• Non-renewable resources can further be divided into two
categories, viz.
• A) Recyclable and
• B) Non-recyclable.
Recyclable
• These are non-renewable resources, which can be collected after
they are used and can be recycled. These are mainly the non-
energy mineral resources, which occur in the earth’s crust (Ex:
Ores of aluminum, copper, mercury etc.) and deposits of fertilizer
nutrients (e.g. Phosphate sock and potassium and minerals used in
their natural state (asbestos, clay, mica etc.)
• Ex.Iron ,chair ,tables
Non-recyclable
• Theseare non-renewable resources,
which cannot be recycled in any way.
• Ex:
Fossil fuels and uranium, which
provide 90 per cent of our energy
requirements
This Pho
CC BY-N
RENEWABLE
RESOURCES
Solar energy resource
Sunlight is one of our planet’s most abundant and freely
available energy resources. The amount of solar energy that
reaches the earth’s surface in one hour is more than the
planet’s total energy requirements for a whole year. Although
it sounds like a perfect renewable energy source, the amount
of solar energy we can use varies according to:
•The time of day
•The season of the year
•The geographical location
•Wind energy resource
•Wind is a plentiful source of clean energy. especially here in
the UK. Wind farms are an increasingly familiar sight in the UK
with wind power making an ever-increasing contribution to the
National Grid, it now powers around
29.4% of the UK supply! This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
•There are two main types of wind turbines available, offshore
and onshore. Offshore wind generates more power than
onshore options, but is harder to build and therefore upfront
costs are a lot higher. Both are therefore important in the
power market and providing renewable energy.
Hydro energy resource
As a renewable energy resource, hydro power is one of the most
commercially developed. By building a dam or barrier, a large
reservoir can be used to create a controlled flow of water that will
drive a turbine, generating electricity. This energy is:
•Reliable
•Easy to store
•Cheaper to setup than other renewable sources
Hydro's ability to offer a reliable source of energy is really important in
the world of renewables. Whilst wind and solar energy are great, it's
important to also have renewable sources to cover periods of the day
when these technologies cannot generate energy.
Tidal energy
This is another form of hydro energy that uses twice-daily tidal
currents to drive turbine generators. Although tidal flow unlike some
other hydro energy sources isn’t constant, it is highly predictable and
can therefore compensate for the periods when the tide current is low.
While tidal energy is often not as well known as some of the other
forms on the list, according to a recent study, the
UK is actually ranked 5th in the world at technological
advancements in this field. Guess being an island helps!
Geothermal energy
By harnessing the natural heat below the earth’s surface,
geothermal energy can be used to heat homes directly or to
generate electricity. Although it harnesses power directly
below our feet, geothermal energy is of negligible importance
in the UK compared to countries such as Iceland, where
geothermal heat is much more freely available.
Biomass energy
This is the conversion of solid fuel made from plant materials
into electricity. While biomass generation traditionally involves
burning organic matter for electricity, modern methods have
become significantly cleaner and more efficient. By converting
agricultural, industrial and domestic waste into solid, liquid
and gas fuel, biomass generates power at a much lower
economical and environmental cost.
Renewable resource
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Renewable energy won’t run out. • Renewable energy has high
upfront costs.
• Renewableenergy has lower
maintenance requirements. • Renewable energy is intermittent.
• Renewables save money. • Renewables have limited storage
capabilities.
• Renewableenergy has numerous
environmental benefits. • Renewable energy sources have
geographic limitations.
• Renewables lower reliance on
• Renewables aren’t always 100%
foreign energy sources.
carbon-free.
NON RENEWABLE
RESOURCES
Types of Non-renewable
Energy
• Fossil Fuels
• Fossil
fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and
animals that underwent a process of decomposition over millions
of years. They are categorized into three main types:
• Natural Gas
• Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel composed mainly of methane. It
is often found in association with oil deposits. Natural gas is a
versatile energy source used for heating, cooking, electricity
generation, and as a fuel for vehicles.
Coal
Coal is a solid fossil fuel that forms when plant material, such as trees, plants, and ferns,
undergoes decomposition under high pressure and heat over millions of years. It is primarily used
for electricity generation in power plants and is known for its significant carbon content.
Oil
Oil is a liquid fossil fuel that results from the decomposition of smaller organisms like zooplankton
and algae, which were subjected to immense pressure over time. Oil is a crucial energy resource
used in transportation, manufacturing, and producing various petrochemical products.
Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuels are utilised in nuclear power plants, where energy is generated through nuclear
fission. The most commonly used nuclear fuel is uranium, found in the Earth’s crust in relatively
low concentrations. Uranium undergoes fission reactions, releasing large amounts of energy.
Advantages of Non-renewable energy
resource
• Non-renewable sources of energy, such as diesel and oil, are
known for their affordability, making them accessible to a wide
range of applications.
• Non-renewable energy sources offer ease of accessibility and
compatibility with existing infrastructure.
• These energy sources are relatively easy to store, providing
convenience in meeting energy demands.
Disadvantages of Non-renewable energy
• Non-renewable energy is finite in nature, once depleted, it cannot
be replenished.
• The by-products generated from non-renewable energy production
contribute to environmental damage and an increase in
greenhouse gas emissions.
• The transportation, mining, and extraction activities associated
with non-renewable energy sources can result in accidents such as
oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, pipeline leaks, and explosions,
causing severe harm to the environment.
THANK YOU
By A .NIKHILDUTT
