Sources of Energy – An Overview

Introduction

The ability to work emanates with energy. For any action, we require energy in the form of mechanical, chemical, electrical, static, kinetic, muscular, and other forms. Understanding the several energy sources is necessary for utilising all forms of energy, which can be obtained from various sources, including both natural and artificial ones. Interestingly, natural energy sources include the sun, wind, tidal, geothermal, and gravitational energies, while artificial energy sources include biomass, coal, petroleum, and a host of others. To ensure that the energy resources survive for a long time, it is crucial to save and use them as effectively as possible. Although not all energy sources release dangerous gases, their use can occasionally lead to pollution. Moreover, energy comes in two forms: traditional and unconventional sources.

Conventional Sources of Energy

Conventional energy sources are non-renewable, which implies that after they have been utilised, they cannot be reused. Coal, oil, natural gas, fuel wood, and nuclear energy are a few examples of traditional/conventional sources of energy. Coal, natural gas, and petroleum account for 90% of the commercial energy produced worldwide, while nuclear power accounts only for 10%.

Types of Conventional Sources of Energy

a. Coal

• Coal, a sedimentary rock in the black-brown range, is the most prevalent conventional energy source and has a long lifespan of 200 years. Long-term exposure to heat and pressure transforms dead plants into lignite and anthracite, which are then finally transformed into coal.
• There are several applications for coal, such as fuel for steam engines in trains and the production of electricity.
• About 70% of the total energy used in our nation is generated by coal.

b. Oil

• Due to the variety of uses for oil, it is one of the most significant conventional energy sources.
• The oil extraction procedure, which entails several processes, is used to obtain the oil.
• Oil is utilised commercially and in a variety of sectors, including the food, cosmetic, and transportation industries.

c. Petroleum and Natural Gas

• Petroleum is made up of Alkanes and cycloalkanes.
• Methane, ethane, propane, butane, and hydrogen sulphide are all components of natural gas.
• Natural gas is created when gas comes into contact with the petroleum layer and is a black liquid when it is in its raw state.
• Petroleum is used to make things like plastic, petrol, and diesel.
• Compared to other fuels, natural gas produces less air pollution.

d. Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear materials that contain radioactive elements are used to create energy.
• 300 or more nuclear reactions are required for the production of nuclear energy.
• Some negative effects of nuclear energy include its radioactivity and danger.
• From one location to another, it is simple to travel by rail or ship. For instance, coal, oil, and natural gas are raw materials.

Advantages of Conventional Sources of Energy

• For any energy, the installation of conventional plants is simple.
• There is no need to wait for energy to be generated because it may be produced quickly depending on the needs.
• Alternative forms of energy are readily accessible and renewable resources that may be utilised again.
• Solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, biomass, and solar energy are a few examples of non-conventional sources.

Non-conventional Sources of Energy 

• Alternative forms of energy are readily accessible and renewable resources that may be utilised again.
• Solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, biomass, and solar energy are a few examples of non-conventional sources.

Solar Energy

• In solar power plants, sunlight is transformed into electrical energy to produce solar energy.
• Although solar energy is the most significant non-conventional energy source, it is also the least consumed.
• Solar energy comes from renewable resources, is widely accessible, and is non-polluting. 
• Solar ovens, solar panels, solar heaters, and solar cells are a few examples.

Wind Energy

• Turbines are used to generate electricity from wind as a source of energy.
• The power output rises along with the wind speed.
• These wind turbines are situated where the wind speed is strongest and at its highest altitude.
• Wind energy is positioned close to agricultural regions and is pollution-free.

Biomass Energy

• Wood, sewage, plants, animals, and other organic materials are used to create biomass.
• Burning this material releases heat energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy.
• Cooking, lighting, and the production of power are among the uses of biomass.
• A total of 14% of the world’s energy comes from biomass.

Tidal Energy

• Tidal energy is produced by turning the mechanical energy of tides into electricity.
• This energy source can be used in areas that are close to oceans and seas.

Advantages of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

• These resources are very less expensive and renewable.
• Non-conventional sources are environmentally friendly.
• These resources require low maintenance.
• Offer long-term use as compared to conventional sources.

A comparison between the Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy.

Conventional Source of Energy	Non-Conventional Source of Energy
Conventional sources of Energy is being used for a longer period.	Non-conventional energy sources have lately been created and are environmentally beneficial.
Conventional resources are a prominent cause of environmental pollution due to the emission of gases and smoke.	Since non-conventional energy is derived from renewable
Non-renewable sources of energy.	Renewable sources of energy.
Examples – Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, oil, and Nuclear Energy.	Examples-Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Tidal Energy, Hydropower Energy, and Thermal Energy.

Summary

Conventional sources of energy emit greenhouse gases while producing power and are limited, therefore then-conventional energy sources, which are renewable and environmentally favourable are suitable for sustainability. The major conventional energy sources are coal, oil, petroleum, natural gases, etc. while the non-conventional sources include solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, biomass energy, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should we Conserve Energy?

Ans: Energy conservation is a measure used to protect and preserve energy sources from becoming extinct. We must save our energy supplies for later use. Utilisation must be reduced to conserve. Our needs are growing daily, yet we only have a limited amount of energy resources. 

2. What is a Renewable Source of Energy?

Ans. Renewable energy comes from naturally occurring, regenerative sources. Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, biomass, thermal, etc. Renewable energy can be continuously replenished without running out.

About 16% of the world’s energy consumption is made up of renewable sources. Renewable energy is a plentiful and sustainable source of power. Sunlight is the most significant and widely available renewable energy source.

3. What are the Advantages of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy over Conventional Sources of Energy?

Ans. The natural limitations of conventional energy sources, which emerged after millions of years and are subject to extinction at any time, make them very vulnerable. The abundance of non-traditional energy sources in nature makes them increasingly significant and practical. Additionally, non-traditional sources of energy are environmentally beneficial and don’t damage or contaminate the environment. The cost of fuel generated from unconventional energy sources is lower than that of traditional energy sources.