Sources of Energy: Conventional and Nonconventional Sources –
Energy is one of the most important component of economic Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE.
It is the basic input required to sustain economic Growth. There is direct relation between the level of Economic Development and per capita energy consumption.
Simply speaking more developed a country, higher is the per capita consumption of energy and vice-versa. India’s per capita consumption of energy is only one eighth of global Average. This indicates that our country has low rate of per capita consumption of energy as compared to developed countries.
Two Main Sources of Energy:
The sources of energy are of following types:
(A) Conventional Energy Sources:
The energy sources which cannot be compensated, once these are used (after their exploitation) are termed as conventional energy sources.
Some important conventional energy sources are discussed below:
- Coal:
Coal is a major conventional energy sources. It was formed from the remains of the trees and ferns grew in swamps around 500 millions year ago. The bacterial and chemical decomposition of such plant debris (which remained buried under water or clay) produced an intermediate product known as peat which is mainly cellulose (C6H10O5)n. Due to progressive decomposition by heat and pressure, the cellulose lost moisture H2 and Oz and got converted in to coal as per the given equation
The average formula of coal is (C3/H4/)n. Out of the 6000 billion tons coal stocks under earth crust, 200 tons have been exploited the present Society. The coal reserves are found in the states like Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, M.P. and A.P. Some important coal fields are : Talcher, Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, Panch Konkam, Signoulli, Chanda etc.
- Petroleum and natural gases:
Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, mostly alkanes and cycloalkanes. It occurs below the earth crust entrapped under rocky strata. In its crude form, the viscous black liquid is known as petroleum and a gas in contact with petroleum layer which flows naturally from oil wells is termed as natural gases. The composition of natural gas is a mixture of mainly methane, (95.0%), small amounts of ethane, propane and butane (3.6%) and traces of CO2 (0.48%) and N2 (1.92%).
A liquid mixture of propane and butane can be obtained from natural gas or refinery gases at room temperature under a pressure of 3-5 Atmosphere. This is stored and distributed in 40-100 litre capacity steel cylinders.
The crude petroleum after being refined and purified, are available as petrol, diesel, kerosene, lubricating oil, plastic etc. for commercial and domestic use. In India, the oil deposits, are found at Ganga-Brahmaputra Valley, Bombay high, plains of Gujarat, Thar desert of Rajasthan and area around Andaman Nicobar islands.
On the world basis, petroleum deposits are found at Saudi Arab, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, USA, Mexico, Russia etc. As per the current survey, it is found that world petroleum deposits are diminishing at a very faster rate. If preventive steps are not taken, the existing petroleum will be available maximum up to 40 years.
- Fuel woods:
The rural peoples require fuel wood or fire Wood for their day to day cooking which are obtained from natural forests and plantations. Due to rapid deforestation, the availability of fire wood or fuel wood becomes difficult. This problem can be avoided by massive afforestation (plantation) on degraded forest land, culturable waste land, barren land grazing land etc.
- Hydropower:
Energy obtainable from water flow or water falling from a higher potential to lower potential, is known is hydro- power. It is a conventional and renewable form of energy which can be transmitted to long distance through cables and wires.
In India, hydroelectric power is generated by a number of multipurpose river valley projects e.g. Hydro-power project Hirakud, Bhakra Mangal project, Narmada valley project, Nagarjun Sagar project, Sardar Sarovar project etc.
A small amount of radioactive substance (U235) can produce a lot of energy through the process of nuclear fission. For example, one ton of uranium can provide energy which is much higher than three million tons of coal or 12 million barrels of oil. In order to obtain nuclear energy, Nuclear Reactors are required. There are around 300 nuclear reactors all over the world. India has only four nuclear power stations (reactors).
The nuclear energy can be used in production of electrical energy, as a fuel for marine vessel and space crafts and for the generation of heat in chemical processing Plants. In India, Uranium deposits are found at different parts of Rajasthan and Singhbum of Jharkhand.
Thorium is recovered from monazite sand found in the state of Kerala. Due to the higher energy releasing tendency of these radioactive substances, these can be used in nuclear reactors to release Energy Crisis. But the radioactive substances are exhaustible and can be used to develop nuclear weapons of mass destruction. In addition, dumping or radioactive wastes cause serious environmental hazards.
(B) Non conventional energy sources:
The conventional energy sources discussed above are exhaustible and in some cases, installation of plants to get energy is highly expensive. In order to meet the energy demand of increased population, the scientists developed alternate nonconventional natural Resources sources of energy which should be renewable and provide a pollution free Environment.
Some nonconventional, renewable and inexpensive energy sources are described below:
Solar energy, a primary energy source, is non-polluting and inexhaustible.
There are three methods to harness solar energy:
(i) Converting solar energy directly into electrical energy in solar power stations using photo cells or photovoltaic cells or silicon solar cell.
(ii) Using photosynthetic and biological process for energy trapping. In the process of Photosynthesis, green plants absorb solar energy and convert it into chemical energy, stored in the form of carbohydrate.
(iii) Converting solar energy in to thermal energy by suitable devices which may be subsequently converted into mechanical, chemical or electrical energy.
Since solar energy is non-ending and its conversion to some other energy form is nonpolluting, attention should be paid for the maximum utilization of solar energy.
Wind is air in motion. The movement of air takes place due to the convection current set out in the atmosphere which is again due to heating of earth’s surface by solar radiation, ROTATION OF EARTH etc. The movement of air occurs both horizontally and vertically.
The average annual wind density is 3 kW/m2/day along costal lines of Gujarat, western ghat central parts of India which may show a seasonal variation (i.e., in winter it may go up to 10kW/m2/day).]
Since wind has a tremendous amount of energy, its energy can be converted into mechanical or electrical energy using suitable devices, now days, wind energy s converted in to electrical energy which is subsequently used for pumping water, grinding of corns etc. As per available data dearly 20,000 mW of electricity can be generated from wind. In Puri, wind farms are set up which can generate 550 kW of electricity.
The energy associated with the tides of the Ocean can be converted in to electrical energy. France constructed the first tidal power plant in 1966. India could take up Ocean Thermal Energy conversion (OTEC) and by the process it will be capable of generating 50,000 mW of electricity, to meet the power requirements of remote oceanic islands and coastal towns. The Netherlands is famous for windmills. In India, Gujarat and Tamil nadu have windmills. The largest Wind farm has been set at Kanyakumari which generates 380 mW of electricity.
The geothermal energy may be defined as the heat energy obtainable from hot rocks present inside the earth crust. At the deeper region of earth crust, the solid rock gets melted in to magma, due to very high temperature. The magma layer is pushed up due to some geological changes and get concentrated below the earth crust. The places of hot magma concentration at fairly less depth are known as hot spots.
These hot spots are known as sources of geothermal energy. Now a days, efforts are being made to use this energy for generating power and creating refrigeration etc. There are a quite few number of methods of harnessing geothermal energy. Different sites of geothermal energy generation are Puga (Ladakh), Tattapani (Suraguja, M.P.), Cambay Basin (Alkananda Valley, Uttaranchal).
- Bio-mass based energy:
The organic matters originated from living organisms (plants and animals) like wood, cattle dung, sewage, agricultural wastes etc. are called as Biomass/”>Biomass. These substances can be burnt to produce heat energy which can be used in the generation of electricity. Thus, the energy produced from the biomass is known as biomass energy.
There are three forms of biomass:
(i) Biomass in traditional form:
Energy is released by direct burning of biomass (e.g. wood, agricultural residue etc.)
(ii) Biomass in nontraditional form:
The biomass may be converted in to some other form of fuel which can release energy. For example carbohydrate can be converted into methanol or ethanol which may be used as a liquid fuel.
(iii) Biomass for domestic use:
When organic matters like cow dung, agricultural wastes, human excreta etc. subjected to bacterial decomposition in presence of water in absence of air, a mixture of CH4, C02, H2, H2S etc. is produced. These gases together is known as biogas. The residue left after the removal of biogas is a good source of manure and biogas is used as a good source of non-polluting fuel.
- Biogas:
Biogas is an important Source Of Energy to meet energy, requirements of rural area. As per given data, around 22,420-million m3 of gas can be produced from the large amount of cow dungs obtained in rural areas in a year. The gas is generated by the action of bacteria on cow dung in absence of air (Oxygen). There are two types of biogas plants namely. Fixed done type and floating gas holder type .
These plants are commonly known as Gobar gas plants because the usual raw material is cow dung (Gobar). The methodology involves in the process is to prepare a slurry of cow dung with water. Sometimes form waters can also be added to the slurry.
The slurry is subjected to bacterial decomposition at 35 .C. There are about 330, 00 biogas plants in India. All India dung production is about 11.30 kg per cattle and 11.60 kg per buffalo with about 67.10 m3 of gas per ton of wet dung.
- Petro plants:
In order to release the pressure on mineral oils (a nonrenewable resource), the scientists have discovered some potential plant species from which liquid hydrocarbons can be extracted. The liquid hydrocarbons present in such plants can be converted in to petroleum.
Such plants are known as petro plants which belong to families Apocynaceae, Ascalepiadaceae, Euphrobiaceae; Convolvulaceae and Spontaceae. Still research is on to increase the biomass of the petro plants and effective method of converting their hydrocarbons in petroleum.
- Dendrothermal energy (Energy plantation):
Due to rapid deforestation and overgrazing, a number of denuded wastelands are formed. On these wastelands, fast growing trees and shrubs may be planted which will provide fuel wood, charcoal, fodder, etc. Through gasification, these plants can produce a lot of energy-
- Baggasse-based plants:
Bagggasse is generated as a waste product in sugar mills. This can be utilised to produce electrical energy. As per available data, the sugar mills in India can generate about 2000 mW surplus electricity during crushing season.
- Energy from urban waste:
Sewage and solid municipal wastes can also generate energy on their suitable treatments.
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India is a country with a rapidly growing economy and Population. As a result, its energy needs are also growing rapidly. The country’s energy mix is currently dominated by coal, which accounts for about 70% of its electricity generation. However, India is also investing heavily in RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, such as solar and wind power.
Coal is India’s most abundant energy resource. The country has the fourth-largest coal reserves in the world, and coal is the primary source of electricity generation in India. However, coal is also a major source of Air Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Petroleum is another important energy source for India. The country imports about 80% of its petroleum needs, and petroleum products account for about 25% of India’s energy consumption. India is also exploring for new oil and gas reserves in its own territory.
Natural gas is a cleaner-burning alternative to coal and petroleum. India has significant natural gas reserves, and natural gas is increasingly being used for power generation and cooking.
Nuclear power is a small but growing part of India’s energy mix. The country has two nuclear power plants in operation, and several more are under construction. Nuclear power is a clean and reliable source of energy, but it is also controversial due to the risk of accidents.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are growing rapidly in India. The country has the potential to generate a significant amount of electricity from renewable sources, and the government is promoting the development of renewable energy.
India’s energy policy is aimed at ensuring Energy Security, affordability, and sustainability. The government is investing in energy infrastructure, promoting Energy Efficiency, and developing renewable energy sources.
Energy conservation is important in India because the country’s Energy Resources are limited. The government is promoting energy conservation through Education and awareness campaigns.
Energy efficiency is also important in India because it can help to reduce energy consumption and costs. The government is promoting energy efficiency through standards and labeling programs.
Energy POVERTY is a major problem in India. About 300 million people in India do not have access to electricity. The government is working to address energy poverty by expanding access to electricity and promoting renewable energy.
Energy security is a major concern for India. The country is heavily dependent on imports for its energy needs, and this makes it vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions. The government is working to improve energy security by diversifying its energy sources and developing domestic energy resources.
Energy transition is a major challenge for India. The country is facing the challenge of transitioning from a fossil fuel-based economy to a clean energy economy. The government is working to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s Energy sector is facing a number of challenges, but the government is working to address these challenges. The country is investing in energy infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and developing renewable energy sources. The government is also working to improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What is energy?
Energy is the ability to do work. It can be in many forms, such as heat, Light, electricity, and motion.
What are the different types of energy?
There are many different types of energy, but the most common are:
- Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. An object with more kinetic energy will move faster than an object with less kinetic energy.
- Potential energy is stored energy. An object with potential energy has the ability to do work, but it is not doing work at the moment. For example, a ball held above the ground has potential energy because it can fall and hit the ground.
- Chemical energy is the energy stored in the Bonds between atoms. When these bonds are broken, the energy is released. For example, when gasoline is burned, the chemical energy in the gasoline is released as heat and light.
- Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom. When the nucleus of an atom splits, the energy is released. For example, nuclear power plants use nuclear energy to generate electricity.
- Electrical energy is the energy of moving electrons. Electrons can be made to move by applying a voltage, which can be done by using a battery or a Generator.
- Electromagnetic energy is a form of energy that travels in waves. Electromagnetic Waves include light, radio waves, and microwaves.
- Heat energy is the energy of motion of atoms and Molecules. When atoms and molecules move faster, they have more heat energy.
- Sound energy is the energy of vibrations that travel through the air. Sound waves can be made by vibrating objects, such as a guitar string or a drum.
What are the different sources of energy?
There are many different sources of energy, but the most common are:
- Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water.
- Non-renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are not naturally replenished, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas).
What are the benefits of using renewable energy?
There are many benefits to using renewable energy, including:
- It is a clean source of energy that does not produce greenhouse gases.
- It is a sustainable source of energy that will never run out.
- It can help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
- It can create jobs in the renewable energy sector.
What are the challenges of using renewable energy?
There are some challenges to using renewable energy, including:
- The cost of renewable energy is often higher than the cost of non-renewable energy.
- Renewable energy sources are often intermittent, which means that they do not always produce energy when it is needed.
- Renewable energy sources can have a negative impact on the environment, such as wind turbines killing birds.
What is the future of energy?
The future of energy is uncertain, but it is likely that renewable energy will play an increasingly important role. As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it is likely to become more competitive with non-renewable energy. Additionally, as the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for energy will increase, and renewable energy will be needed to meet this demand.
Sure, here are some MCQs on the following topics:
Renewable energy
Which of the following is not a renewable energy source?
(A) Solar energy
(B) Wind energy
(C) Nuclear energy
(D) Hydroelectric energyWhich of the following countries has the highest installed capacity of renewable energy?
(A) China
(B) United States
(C) India
(D) GermanyWhich of the following is the most common type of renewable energy in the world?
(A) Solar energy
(B) Wind energy
(C) Hydroelectric energy
(D) Biomass energyNon-renewable energy
Which of the following is not a non-renewable energy source?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Nuclear energyWhich of the following countries has the highest proven reserves of oil?
(A) Saudi Arabia
(B) Russia
(C) Iran
(D) IraqWhich of the following is the most common type of non-renewable energy in the world?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Nuclear energyEnergy efficiency
Which of the following is not an example of energy efficiency?
(A) Using energy-efficient appliances
(B) Driving a fuel-efficient car
(C) Turning off lights when you leave a room
(D) Using public transportationWhich of the following countries has the highest energy efficiency score?
(A) Denmark
(B) Sweden
(C) Germany
(D) JapanWhich of the following is the most effective way to improve energy efficiency?
(A) Investing in energy-efficient technologies
(B) Changing behavior to use less energy
(C) Both A and BEnergy conservation
Which of the following is not an example of energy conservation?
(A) Turning off lights when you leave a room
(B) Unplugging electronics when you’re not using them
(C) Weatherizing your home
(D) Driving a fuel-efficient carWhich of the following countries has the highest energy intensity?
(A) United States
(B) China
(C) India
(D) RussiaWhich of the following is the most effective way to conserve energy?
(A) Investing in energy-efficient technologies
(B) Changing behavior to use less energy
(C) Both A and B
I hope these MCQs are helpful!