(Unit 8-Topic 3) Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Indian Geography (Unit 8-Topic 3)

Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Coal, petroleum, natural gas are the conventional sources for Thermal power generation. 

• Other hydrocarbon based energy sources such as wood.
• Water is the conventional source for Hydel Power, etc.

The Non-conventional sources of energy includes :

• Solar Energy, tidal energy, geo-thermal energy, wind energy, etc.

The comparison between the Conventional and Non-conventional sources of Energy is mentioned below :

1. Conventional energy, such as thermal powers (from coal, petroleum, and natural gas), hydel power (from high velocity of running water) are tapped and used abundantly at present. Their uses are practiced for a long time. But, in contrast to conventional sources of energy, non-conventional sources of energy (solar energy, tidal energy, geo-thermal energy, wind energy, etc.) are not used frequently and in large scale (commercially). Their uses are comparatively more recent.
2. Except hydel power, the sources of thermal power i.e. other conventional energies are non-renewable in nature. The enormous reserve of fossil fuels (coal, crude-oil, natural gas, etc.) are fast depleting. But the sources of non-conventional energy are flow-resources. There is no anxiety for their exhaustion.
3. Except hydel power, the generation of other conventional energy produces air pollution and causes environmental threats. But the generation of non-conventional energy does not produce air pollution.
4. Except hydel power, the other conventional energy is costly. But comparatively, the non-conventional energy is much cheaper.
5. The conventional energy sources contribute greatly to global warming and tend to be very bad for the environment. Hence, energy users are increasingly turning towards non-conventional sources of energy.

Conclusion: Fossil fuels are the major sources of conventional energies. At present, many countries are overly dependent on fossil fuels to meet their requirement for power. The known reserves of fossil fuels have depleted to a large extent due to its continued use. If it continues, there is risk of complete exhaustion of these sources of energy.

Nuclear energy plants need to be implemented with proper caution and care. Any accidental leakage in nuclear power plants may lead to severe hazardous condition.

Non-conventional energy is considered the energy of the future. Considering the benefits of non-conventional energy generation, many countries have started producing this energy in large scale. There is continuous research for development of technology in this field to reduce the cost of production and to make it more cost-effective.