2. Important Topics
Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources: Renewable
Resources, Nonrenewable
Resources, Destruction versus Conservation
Energy Resources : Energy Resources - Indian Scenario ,
Conventional Energy Sources & its problems, non-
conventional energy sources
Advantages & its limitations
Problems due to Overexploitation of Energy Resources
3. Important Questions
• Comment on the urban problems related to energy and discuss the
effect of overpopulation over energy Problems in Indian.
• What are various sources of energy? Explain in details any one non-
conventional source of energy.
• Describe the merits and demerits of nuclear power energy and
discuss the major concerns regarding its use for electricity
generation in India.
• Differentiate and enlist renewable and nonrenewable natural
resources. What are uses and misuses of water?
• Describe in detail all energy resources being used presently. What
are advantages and limitations of non-renewable and renewable
and conventional and Non-conventional energy resources ?
• Comment on the urban energy problems and discuss the effect of
overpopulation over energy problems in India.
• Give the classification of natural resources. Explain the
conventional and non conventional energy resources.
• Distinguish between renewable and Non-renewable resources.
4. Important Questions
• Write the Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional and Non-
conventional energy sources.
• Give in detail different types of renewable resource available and used in
India and problems because of overexploitation of them.
• Describe Conventional and Non-Conventional energy resources with
Environmental Problems created by use of each of them.
• Write a short note on Environmental Problems associated with coal based
thermal power plants.
• What is Energy Conservation? Why do we need to Conserve Energy?
• Prepare a list of fossil fuels and explain the environmental impacts of any
one.
• Write a note on applications of Solar Energy explaining its limitations.
• Narrate in detail major sources and pollution produced by uses of
nonrenewable energy sources? What are renewable resources which can
replace them so that Environmental pollution is reduced
5. Renewable Resources
“Renewable resource are those resources which can be
regenerated and replenished through rapid natural cycles”
Common examples are
Water, air, wood , all biological products
Energies from sun, water, wind etc
6. Non-Renewable Resources
“Resources that exists in a fixed quantity in Earth’s crust and
thus theoretically can be used up are called non renewable
resources”.
eg:-Minerals like deposits of ores of copper, Aluminium,
Mercury and other metals Fossil fuels like ,Coal, Oil, Natural
gas.
7. Destruction vs. Conservation
Resources are required to meet our needs and desires. They are
needed in our day to day life
It is very difficult to Imagine life without resources
Increase in population has resulted in heavy toll on the
resources.
It is predicted that most of the resources will be depleted in next
50 to 80 yrs
9. Destruction
• In many countries , diversified growth of forest is replaced
by single species of plantation
• Thousands of life species become extinct each year because
of human activity of development.
• Forests have been destroyed, ecosystems have been
disturbed, Species getting extinct, increase in pollution,
increase in waste generation all can be considered as
aftermath of destruction.
10. Conservation
• Conservation means sustainable use of natural resources.
• ‘Con ’ means together and ‘servare’ means to keep guard thus
means to keep together
• The true aim of conservation is to preserve the quality of
environment
• To ensure continuous and balanced growth of resources.
11. Different Measures for Resource
Conservation
• Stopping Deforestation and increasing afforestation
• Vertical development of cities
• Rain water harvesting, construction of check dams
• Recycling and reuse of resources
• Using alternate source of energies
• Development of new technologies to reduce pollution.
12. Energy Resources
• Energy can be classified as follows
Energy
According to sources According to mode of
Regeneration
13.
14. According to Sources
Conventional energy sources
fossil fuels
Coal
Oil
Natural Gas
Timber
Non Conventional energy sources
Solar energy
Wind energy
Ocean energy
Atomic energy
Geothermal energy
Hydrogen energy
15. According To Regeneration Capacity
Non Renewable Sources
Coal
Oil
Gas
Petroleum
Nuclear Fuel
Renewable Sources
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Ocean Energy
Tidal Energy
Geothermal Energy
Biomass Energy
Hydrogen Energy
16. Solar Energy
Solar energy is the energy obtained from sun in the form of
radiations. Sun is an inexhaustible source of energy and
pollution free source of energy. It results as a result of Nuclear
Fusion reactions
Solar Energy has the maximum potential of all the sources of
renewable energy
Sun gives 1000 times more energy than we need and if only a
small amount of this form can be used it will be one of the most
important supplies of energies
17. Direct Solar Energy
The solar energy is the radiation energy. It can be used for direct
heating or conversion into electricity.
Direct heating
e.g. Solar cooker
Solar heaters
Solar power generators
18.
19. Photovoltaic cells
Photo voltaic cells are made of semi conductor materials like
silicon, gallium. When solar radiations fall on them, a potential
difference is created which causes flow of electron and
electricity
A group of solar cells joined to gather forms a solar panel which
can harvest large amount of energy.
21. Indirect Solar Energy
It is the energy obtained from material that have previously
incorporated sun’s radiant energy.
Among the indirect solar energy biomass is the term used for all
material originated from photosynthesis, It includes plants,
agricultural and forest residues, biodegradable organic wastes
22. Advantages of Solar Energy
Easy Installation & maintenance.
Absence of noise and other form of pollution.
Solar photovoltaic cell system are favorable for fulfilling the
requirement of electricity for decentralized application.
Longer life , makes it favorable for remote, isolated, forest, hilly
areas.
23. Dis-Advantages of Solar Energy
Uncertainty of availability of solar energy due to cloud, wind
rainfall etc.
Large spaces are required for collection of solar energy at a
useful rate.
Amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth’s surface is not
constant. It depends on location, time of day, time of year, &
weather condition.
Currently the initial cost is high but is reducing at a faster rate.
24. Biomass Energy
Biomass is the organic material which has stored sunlight in the
form of chemical energy
Biomass include, wood, bio-fuel, and biogas
Bio-energy is generated when biomass is burned.
25. Energy Plantation
By photo synthesis plant convert radiant energy into chemical energy
which in turn can be store and used as a fuel in various forms
26. Bio Fuel
Certain latex containing plants are rich in hydrocarbon and
can yield an oil like substance under high temperature and
pressure. This oily material may be burnt and can be used
as a fuel.
27. Biogas
In biogas plants animal wastes and sewage sludge etc in
the form of slurry is fermented aerobically to form biogas.
Biogas has high calorific value and can be used for
operating small engines for pumping water
28.
29. Advantages of Biomass Energy
Plants ensures a continuous supply of energy due to their
continuous growth.
Potential for rural areas.
Biogas can be used for cooking purpose.
Can be used for operating small engines for pumping water, for
lighting.
Waste can be used as an excellent fertilizers.
30. Dis-advantages of Biomass Energy
• Except biogas production, the other biomass energy sources
have to be established a significant role.
• Availability is limited.
31. Wind Energy
Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with the movement
of air It has been used hundreds of years for sailing, grinding.
Wind turbine transforms the energy in the wind into mechanical
energy which is in turn converted into electrical energy through
generators.
The minimum wind speed which is required for the satisfactory
performance of wind generator is 15 km/hr . The wind power
potential of India is estimated to be about 20,000 MW, while at
present we are generating about 1020 MW.
33. Advantages of Wind Energy
• Non polluting and environment friendly source of energy.
• Important renewable and sustainable source of energy, available
free of cost.
• Generation of electricity is fast.
• Cheaper as compared to other sources
• Easily available in many off-shores, on-shores and remote areas.
34. Dis-advantages of Wind Energy
• Favorable in geographic locations which are always away from
cities.
• Variable, unsteady, irregular, intermittent, erratic, and
dangerous
• Wind turbine design, manufacture and installation have proved
to be complex due to widely varying atmospheric conditions
• Can be located only in vast open areas.
• Economical only on a small scale
35. Hydropower Energy
The energy in the form of flowing water can be used to produce
electricity. Hydropower can be generated using water collected
and stored at high elevation and led through a tunnel or pipe
line to a turbine located at low level.
The minimum height of water fall must be 10 m
Hydroelectric power generation capacity of India is 27010 MW.
37. Advantages of Hydro Power Energy
• Longer life
• Minimum operating staff.
• Non Polluting and hence environmental friendly.
• Low cost of generation & maintenance.
38. Dis-advantages of Hydro Power Energy
• Land acquisition is the major problem as construction of dam
causes large submergence of land. Many political, regional, and
social hurdles comes in the process of land acquisition
• Hydro- Power project takes long time for clearance.
• Rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced people is a major
problem associated to any hydropower project.
• Large scale initial investment is required.
• .
39. Tidal Energy
Another form of energy related to local geological conditions is
tidal flow. As water flow In the form of tides from higher level to
lower level it can be used to generate electricity. The tidal
energy can be harnessed by constructing a tidal barrage. During
high tides the sea water flows into the reservoir of the barrage
and turns the turbine, which in turn produces electricity. During
low tides when the sea level is low, the sea water stored in the
barrage flow out into the sea and turns the turbine.
40.
41. Advantages of Tidal Power Energy
• Can be a Source of Energy for Coastal Cities.
• No raw material is required.
• Generation is cheaper.
42. Dis-advantages of Tidal Power Energy
• Availability is for limited duration and varies
with time and location
• Generation capacity is less.
• Operational difficulties during bad weather.
43. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Energy means heat from the earth. The Earth’s Core
with temperature as high as 60,000 0C is a molten mass
possessing vast amount of energy. This energy sometimes
breaks through the earth and produce Volcanoes.
Geysers and Hot springs are natural areas where the hot magma
is close enough to the surface to heat the underground water. In
areas where the stream is trapped underground. Geothermal
energy is tapped by drilling well to obtain steam
The steam is then used to power electric generators
44. Advantages of Geothermal Energy
• It is an inexhaustible energy resource.
• It is very cheap.
• It is more regular energy production source
than other non-conventional resources like
wind and solar energy.
• It is good for the hilly, remote area, where no
other source of energy is available.
45. Dis-advantages of Geothermal Energy
• These hot springs are generally away from the
areas having potentials of industrial
development.
• The stream energy is to be used as it cannot be
carried out for a longer distance due to loss of
energy and due to the cost factor also.
47. Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen is a combustible gas. In combustion Process it
combines with the oxygen to form water and release large
amount of energy.
The amount of energy released / gm is 29860 calories as
compared to 11500 calories. Hydrogen is a clean fuel. A major
problem is of fire and explosion hazard. Also it is difficult to
store and transport.
Hydrogen can be stored in the form of fuel cells. The raw
material for fuel cell is water, which is available in abundance.
Thus hydrogen as a energy source is a environmentally
compatible fuel.
• 0.
49. Advantages of Hydrogen Energy
• When it is burnt it produces only water Vapor,
and it is pollution free.
• There are no green-house gases, there is no
fear of global warming
• It has lots of applications like home
appliances, transport vehicles and industrial
units.
50. Dis-Advantages of Hydrogen Energy
• Still the large scale production for the
commercial use has not been introduced.
• Its production cost is high
• It needs huge external energy to release
hydrogen from water or coal. i.e. from
hydrocarbon.
51. Non Renewable Energy Sources
Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels such as coal , oil and natural gas all of
which are mixture of compounds containing carbon and
hydrogen. These are formed by the decomposition of the
remains of plants and animals buried under the earth. Millions
of years ago.
53. Coal
The ancient plants along the bank of river and swamps
were buried after the death under the soil and due to heat
and pressure gradually got converted into peat and coal.
Coal is primary fuel for energy in India, India is the 3rd
largest producer of coal.
According to geological survey. The coal reserve of India is
212 billion ton. At present usage rate the coal reserve is
likely to last for about 200 yrs and if the use is increased by
2 % , then it will last for another 65 years.
55. Coal Energy
• Advantages
• The coal reserves are huge.
• The cost of production and transport is less.
• The low quality coal can be used for production
of tar.
• Dis-Advantages
• It creates air and water pollution.
• It is heavy and bulky, so storing needs large areas.
• The ash produced on burning of coal creates
health problems.
56. Oil: India is not endowed with large reserve of oil and total
reserve of oil in India is 0.3 billion ton. The oil can be considered
as Care resource in India.
Gas: Natural Gas is a cleanest fossil fuel it can be easily
transported through pipelines it has high calorific value. It
mainly composed of methane. A total reserve of 73.4 billion
cubic m can be considered as probable resource.
58. Oil Energy
• Advantages
• The transport of liquid fuel is easy.
• The liquid fuel is lighter than coal so it can be
used in air transport.
• The liquid fuel has lots of bi-products.
• The liquid fuel does not require very huge area
of storing.
59. Oil Energy
• Advantages
• The fuel is evaporable and so it is to be stored
in closed tankers
• The production cost is higher than that of coal.
• It creates air pollution through the pollutants
like NO, SO2, CO, CO2.
• The reserves of fuel oil are lesser than that of
coal
60. Natural Gas
• Advantages
• It is a clean fuel and does not require a long
reprocessing.
• It can be transported through tankers or
through pipe lines.
• It does not create huge smog.
• It does have high pollutants so can be
considered as eco-friendly.
61. Natural Gas
• Dis-Advantages
• For C.N.G or L.P.G it needs very high pressure or
very low temperature for packing it into smaller
space.
• The container should be very thick to stand such a
high pressure.
• The leakage of these gases, creates environmental
problem.
• Methane gas like CO2 is known to be green house
gas i.e. It holds the outgoing heat to create global
warming.
62. Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy is the energy trapped inside the atom. Nuclear
energy can be generated by two types of reactions
Nuclear Fission:
An Atom nucleus can be split apart this is known as fission when
this is done a tremendous amount of energy in the form of both
heat and light is released this energy can be harnessed to
generate electricity.
64. Nuclear Fusion: Nuclear fusion can also be harnessed by fusion.
A fusion reaction occurs when 2 atom combine to form larger
atom. This reaction takes place all the time in the sun, which
provides us with solar energy.
Nuclear energy has tremendous potential but any leakage from
the reaction may cause devastating nuclear pollution.
nuclear power plants in operation generating 4,120 MW
67. Nuclear Energy
• Advantages
• It’s production cost per unit of power is much
lesser than the thermal power production.
• The area required for the radioactive fuel like
uranium or is smaller than the coal mines or
the huge reservoirs to generate energy.
• Heat generation in the nuclear power plant is
much higher than the heat generation in any
thermal power plant of same size.
68. Nuclear Energy
• Dis-advantages
• The high technology required to generate nuclear
power is not available in all the countries
• The nuclear waste are radioactive in nature and so
are harmful to the living beings.
• There is a danger of misuse of the civilian nuclear
power plant. i.e. It can be used to produce the
nuclear weapons for the mass destruction.
69. Conservation of Energy Resources
• Causes of shortage of energy in India
• Unplanned use of existing energy resources.
• There is high loss of electricity at the production point
and also at the distribution point.
• Use of obsolete technologies also have reduced the
production and increased the losses.
• The theft of power i.e. illegal use of the electricity also
have increased the cost of production.
• Over Irrigation, over use of the underground water are
the basic causes of over use of electricity.
70. Conservation of Energy Resources
• Effect of shortage of energy in India
• Due to short supply of electricity for the last
few years, the industrial as well as agricultural
production has been reduced.
• Lesser industrial production has created the
problem of industrial unemployment.
• The urban life totally is dependable on supply
of electricity the shortage of electricity has
caused a total social unrest.
71. The Method of Conservation of Energy
• Some of the measures at a domestic level can help the
nation to save the energy at a larger level.
• The conventional electronic tubes or bulbs should be
replaced by the fluorescent lamps (CFL) which need
less power and can produce more light.
• While going out of the house for few hours, we must
switch off all the lights and fans.
• Use of air conditioners also should be made, if
required.
• Power factor improving devices should be used for the
commercial as well as for the domestic purpose also.
72. Case Study: Success: The Magic Lantern
Success: The Magic Lantern
It is evening at the Elliots Beach in Chennai. There are hundreds of people on the beach taking
the fresh air, an escape from humid and polluted air of the city, inevitably there are hordes of
hawkers selling groundnuts, snakes. The hawkers always carried petromax lamps that run on
kerosene. It was quite a job pumping it up initially. Once lit, however, it gives bright light.
Since 2001, however they have had an option; a solar lantern that they can rent for the
evening.
The hawkers, who have each paid a refundable deposit of Rs. 100, collect a lantern in the
evening and return it after use. They pay Rs. 15 for a 4- hour rent and Rs. 5 for each extra
Hour. During the weekends, when demand is high, the rent increases to Rs. 20.
The Young Man who run the enterprise have a small office near the beach, where they charge
the lanterns during the day using solar panels.
The hawkers prefer the solar lantern as They spend the same amount as before, with some
advantages. They can just switch on and use the lamps without worrying about its
maintenance. With the petromax, the flame would break, or the glass would get heated. The
pumping was also difficult.
The Project is the Brain child of Hemant Lamba, of Auroville Renewable Energy (AuroRE) in
the international community near Pondicherry. AuroRe has been promoting renewable
energy and their project has included installing solar lamps in Ladakh & Punjab.
Each Solar lantern costs about Rs. 3750. and provides light for about 5 hours. The annual turn
over is about Rs.10,0000. This is a Unique project that promotes renewable energy, providing
at the same time self-employment for the urban poor youth.
73. Activity
Prepare a list of measure which can be taken to conserve electricity
at your Home.
Make a list of alternate source of energies which are available in
your vicinity.
74. Assignment
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of oil,
coal, and natural gas as energy source.
• What are the special problems of nuclear power?
• How can we improve energy efficiency?
