What is Energy?
The word 'Energy' defines the capacity or ability to do work. Energy exists in many forms, including Kinetic Energy, Electrical Energy, Thermal Energy, Potential Energy, Chemical Energy, Nuclear Energy, etc. Motion is associated with all forms of energy. For example – any object or body in motion has Kinetic Energy associated with it. According to the principle of Conservation of Energy or the first law of Thermodynamics, energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can only be changed from one form to another. There are two prime sources of energy, namely, the Conventional Sources of Energy, and the Non-conventional Sources of Energy.
Energy is a major part of life and not only just the economic infrastructure and hence this being the basic energy needed for almost all the needs in life it is true that the energy is being exhausted as days go by. Those energies that are continuously being formed in nature are termed nonconventional energy or also called renewable energy sources. These are of various types depending on their sources. Conventional energy on the other hand is based on fossils and hence these are possibly going to be extinct quite soon. Due to the energy sources being extinct quite soon it has become an important matter on how to save these energies.
Understanding the Conventional Sources of Energy
The Conventional Sources of Energy are also known as the non-renewable sources of energy, which are present in a limited quantity and are being consumed by human beings for many years now. These non-renewable sources of energy are the decaying matters, which take over hundreds of years to form, for example, coal, petroleum, etc. So, if they are depleted once, they can never be generated at a speed or pace, which could sustain their rate of consumption.
The conventional sources of energy can be further classified into two types, namely, the commercial energy sources and the non-commercial energy sources.
What are Commercial Energy Sources?
Commercial energy sources are those energy sources for which the consumer needs to pay the price for the consumption. For instance - coal, petroleum, oil, natural gas, and electricity.
Coal: Without any second thoughts, coal is indeed the most vital source of energy. The formation of coal takes place when dead plant matter decays into peat (accumulation of partially decayed organic matter or vegetation) which is converted into coal by pressure and heat over millions of years. Coal is mostly composed of Carbon. It has variable amounts of other elements also, like Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, and Oxygen.
Natural Gas and Oil: Natural gas is one of the most crucial sources of energy in the world whereas oil is considered to be liquid gold. Oil is formed from a large number of tiny animals and plants, which when die, get trapped at the bottom of the sea under multiple layers of sand and mud, and get exposed to heat and pressure. It is widely used in trains, ships, automobiles, and planes. Natural gas is formed when several layers of decomposing animal and plant matter are exposed to intense pressure and heat over millions of years under the surface of Earth. It is used for various purposes, including cooking, heating, and electricity generation.
Electricity: Electricity is a form of energy, in which there is a flow of electrons (electric charge) in one direction. Electricity can be produced using fossil fuels (coal and petroleum), nuclear power, and renewable alternatives (solar, wind, or hydropower). As a common source of energy, electricity is commonly used for commercial and domestic purposes. The electricity is primarily utilized in electrical appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners (AC), TV, and washing machines.
The Prime Sources of Power Generation are as follows
Nuclear Power
Hydro-electric Power
Thermal Power
Thermal Power: By utilizing coal and oil, thermal power is generated at several power stations. The production of thermal power is the conversion of fuel into heat. It is generated using thermal generators and specifically designed furnaces. A thermal power plant burns fuels for boiling water and making steam. The steam produced then spins a turbine connected to a generator that weaves electricity.
Hydroelectric Power: Hydroelectric power is generated or produced with the help of constructing dams above the flowing rivers, for example, Bhakra Nangal Project and Damodar Valley Project. Flowing water creates energy that can be further captured and eventually turned into electricity. Water is released from the reservoir and then flows through a turbine. The turbine spins the water and activates a generator, which produces electricity.
Nuclear Power: Nuclear power plants use uranium and plutonium as fuel, which is less expensive than coal. The vast majority of electricity from Nuclear Power is produced via nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and nuclear decay reactions.
Understanding the Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
Also referred to as the renewable sources of energy, the non-conventional sources of energy refer to those energy sources, which are replenished by natural processes, that too continuously. The non-conventional sources of energy can’t be exhausted easily and can be generated at a constant rate for their use over and over again. Furthermore, these energy sources do not pollute the environment and natural surroundings and require less expenditure. A few examples of non-conventional sources of energy include wind energy, tidal energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy. The reason why they are also called renewable sources of energy lies in the fact that they can be produced or generated through natural processes, at a rate greater than or equal to the rate of their consumption.
What are Non-Commercial Energy Sources?
In general, non-commercial energy sources are those energy sources that are freely available, and the consumers don't need to pay the price for their consumption. A few examples of non-commercial energy sources include firewood, straw, dried dung, etc.
Solar Energy: Solar energy is the energy produced or generated by sunlight. Based on the form of energy that needs to be produced or generated, the photovoltaic cells are exposed to sunlight. Solar energy is widely utilized for the distillation of water and cooking purposes.
Wind Energy: Wind energy is the energy generated or produced by harnessing the power of the wind. It is widely utilized in the operation of water pumps for irrigation purposes. India is the second-largest producer of wind power in the world.
Tidal Energy: Tidal energy is the energy produced or generated by exploiting the tidal waves of the sea. As a non-conventional source of energy, tidal energy is still left to be tapped due to the lack of cost-effective technology.
Advantages of Non-Conventional Energy over Conventional Energy
Nonconventional energy also called the renewable source of energy is an indigenous source that is available and has a significant impact on local and regional economic industries.
There is also a huge scope of research in the nonconventional energy source sectors regarding its future and its utilization in science and other applications.
The power plants that are based on nonconventional energy do not have much high fuel cost and are hence much more affordable for people and industries.
Renewable energy has low energy density and is also helpful in reducing pollution and providing a sustainable environment to live in.
It requires a short gestation period and a low amount to be invested.
FAQs on Conventional and Non-conventional Sources of Energy
1. What are conventional and non-conventional sources of energy?
Conventional sources of energy are traditional sources that have been used for centuries and are non-renewable, meaning they exist in limited quantities and can be depleted. In contrast, non-conventional sources of energy are modern, renewable alternatives that are naturally replenished and are considered more environmentally friendly.
2. What is the main difference between conventional and non-conventional energy sources?
The main difference lies in their renewability and environmental impact. Conventional sources, such as fossil fuels (coal, petroleum), are finite and their combustion releases harmful greenhouse gases. Non-conventional sources, such as solar and wind energy, are renewable, naturally available, and generate power with minimal or no pollution.
3. What are some common examples of conventional sources of energy?
Common examples of conventional energy sources include:
- Fossil Fuels: Coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas are the most widely used conventional sources.
- Thermal Power: Electricity generated by burning fossil fuels to heat water into steam, which then drives turbines.
- Hydroelectric Power: Energy generated from the force of falling water in large-scale dams.
- Nuclear Power: Energy produced from nuclear fission reactions using elements like uranium.
4. What are the key types of non-conventional (renewable) energy sources?
The key types of non-conventional energy sources, often called renewable sources, include:
- Solar Energy: Energy captured from sunlight using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal panels.
- Wind Energy: Power generated by using wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity.
- Biomass Energy: Energy produced from organic matter like agricultural waste, wood, and animal dung.
- Geothermal Energy: Heat energy harnessed from the Earth's core.
- Tidal Energy: Energy generated from the natural rise and fall of ocean tides.
5. If fossil fuels are harmful, why does the world still rely so heavily on these conventional sources?
The world's heavy reliance on fossil fuels is due to several historical and practical reasons. Firstly, the infrastructure for extracting, processing, and using them is vast and has been established for over a century. Secondly, fossil fuels have a very high energy density, meaning a small amount can produce a large, consistent amount of power, making them reliable for large-scale industrial and urban needs. Finally, the transition to renewable energy requires significant initial investment and solutions for energy storage challenges.
6. Why are non-conventional energy sources considered more environmentally friendly?
Non-conventional sources are considered more environmentally friendly because their operation produces very few or zero greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike the burning of coal or oil, which releases carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and other pollutants contributing to global warming and acid rain, sources like solar, wind, and geothermal harness natural processes without damaging the atmosphere.
7. How is solar energy captured and used for everyday purposes?
Solar energy is captured mainly through photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power homes, offices, and even charge electric vehicles. Another method is using solar thermal collectors to absorb the sun's heat, which is commonly used in solar water heaters for domestic hot water and in solar cookers for cooking.
8. What are the major limitations associated with using solar and wind energy?
Despite their environmental benefits, solar and wind energy have significant limitations. The primary challenge is their intermittency; they are dependent on weather conditions and time of day. Solar power cannot be generated at night or during heavy cloud cover, and wind power requires consistent wind speeds. Both also require large land areas for utility-scale farms and currently face challenges related to efficient, large-scale energy storage to provide a continuous power supply.
9. How is nuclear energy different from other conventional sources, and why is it not considered renewable?
Nuclear energy is unique among conventional sources because it does not involve burning fossil fuels. It is generated through nuclear fission, a process that splits uranium atoms to release immense energy. Although it produces almost no greenhouse gases, it is classified as a non-renewable source because it relies on uranium, a mineral which is mined from the Earth and exists in a finite, limited supply, much like coal or oil.
