Understanding Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy: Explain

March 6, 2025

Conventional Sources of Energy 

Conventional energy sources are those that are widely used but often non-renewable and polluting. Here’s a breakdown of the most common conventional sources:

Coal:

  • How it works: Coal is burned to produce heat, which turns water into steam. The steam drives a turbine to produce electricity.
  • Advantages: It’s abundant and cheap.
  • Disadvantages: It creates a lot of pollution and greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Oil:

  • How it works: Oil is refined to produce fuels like gasoline and diesel. These fuels are used for transportation and also in power plants to generate electricity.
  • Advantages: It is easy to transport and widely used for transportation.
  • Disadvantages: Burning oil releases harmful gases that pollute the air and contribute to global warming. It’s also a non-renewable resource.

Natural Gas:

  • How it works: Natural gas is burned to produce heat, which is used to generate electricity or for heating and cooking in homes.
  • Advantages: It burns cleaner than coal and oil, producing less pollution.
  • Disadvantages: Like oil and coal, it is a fossil fuel and is non-renewable. It still contributes to pollution and global warming.

Non-conventional Sources of Energy

These are newer, renewable, and cleaner energy sources that are more environmentally friendly. They don’t deplete over time and have a smaller negative impact on the environment.

  • In simple terms: Non-conventional energy sources are renewable and cleaner. They are better for the planet and don’t run out as easily.

Examples:

  • Solar Energy: Energy from the sun, captured using solar panels.
  • Wind Energy: Energy from wind, captured using wind turbines.
  • Hydropower: Energy from flowing water (like rivers or dams).
  • Biomass: Energy from organic materials, like plants or animal waste.
  • Geothermal Energy: Energy from heat inside the Earth.

Summary:

  • Conventional Sources (like coal, oil, and natural gas) are widely used but have environmental downsides.
  • Non-Conventional Sources (like solar, wind, and geothermal) are cleaner, renewable, and better for the environment.

 

 

 

 

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