2. Energy
Energy is the ability of a physical system to perform work. We use energy
in our daily lives from various sources for doing work. We use muscular
energy for carrying out physical work, electrical energy for running
multiple appliances, chemical energy for cooking food, etc.
The two major sources of energy is classified as:
• Conventional Sources
• Non-Conventional Sources
3.
4. Conventional Sources of Energy
• The Conventional Sources of Energy are also known as the non-renewable sources of energy
• These are present in a limited quantity and are being consumed by human beings for many
years now.
• These non-renewable sources of energy are the decaying matters, which take over hundreds
of years to form, for example, coal, petroleum, etc.
• So, if they are depleted once, they can never be generated at a speed or pace, which could
sustain their rate of consumption.
Below are few conventional energy sources
1.Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels that are burned to produce
energy.
2.Nuclear Power: Nuclear energy is generated by splitting atoms in a process called nuclear
fission.
3.Hydropower: Hydropower is generated by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water.
4.Biomass: Biomass energy is produced by burning organic matter, such as wood or agricultural
waste.
5. Advantages of Conventional energy sources
• Reliability: Conventional energy sources, such as fossil fuels and nuclear power, have been used for
decades and have a proven track record of reliability.
• Cost-effectiveness: Conventional energy sources are often more cost-effective compared to non-
conventional sources, making them more accessible and affordable for consumers.
• Energy Density: Conventional energy sources have high energy densities, meaning they can produce a
significant amount of energy from a relatively small amount of fuel.
Disadvantages of Conventional energy sources
1. Environmental Impact: Conventional energy sources such as coal and oil contribute to air and water
pollution, leading to negative effects on human health and ecosystems.
2. Depletion of Resources: Fossil fuels are finite resources that are being depleted at a rapid pace. As these
resources become scarcer, their extraction becomes more challenging and costly.
3. Price Volatility: The prices of conventional energy sources can be volatile due to factors such as geopolitical
tensions, supply disruptions, and market speculation.
6. Non Conventional Energy
• Also referred to as the renewable sources of energy
• the non-conventional sources of energy refer to those energy sources, which are replenished by
natural processes, that too continuously.
• The non-conventional sources of energy can’t be exhausted easily and can be generated at a
constant rate for their use over and over again.
• Furthermore, these energy sources do not pollute the environment and natural surroundings
and require less expenditure.
Below are few non conventional energy sources
1.Solar Power: Solar energy is harnessed from the sun using photovoltaic cells.
2.Wind Power: Wind energy is generated by harnessing the power of the wind with wind
turbines.
3.Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is produced by tapping into the heat of the Earth's
core.
4.Tidal Power: Tidal energy is generated by harnessing the power of ocean tides.
7. Advantages of Non-Conventional Energy Sources
• Renewable: Non-conventional energy sources are renewable and can be replenished
over time, unlike fossil fuels which are finite.
• Lower Emissions: Non-conventional energy sources emit less greenhouse gases and
other pollutants compared to fossil fuels, which can help reduce air pollution and
mitigate climate change.
• Freely available: The Conventional energy sources are freely available apart
from the initial cost and maintenance
Disadvantages of Non-Conventional Energy Sources
• Intermittency: Non-conventional energy sources such as solar and wind are intermittent
and dependent on weather conditions, which can make them less reliable than
conventional energy sources.
• Higher Costs: Non-conventional energy sources can be more expensive to install and
maintain compared to conventional energy sources, which can make them less accessible
to some consumers.
• Land Use: Non-conventional energy sources such as wind and solar require large
amounts of land, which can lead to conflicts with local communities and wildlife habitats.
8. Differences
Conventional sources of energy Non-conventional sources of energy
These Energy Sources emit dangerous
harmful in nature
These Energy Sources are Eco-friendly in
The conventional sources of energy are
by any natural process.
Non-conventional energy resources are
These resources are available in a limited
Non-conventional energy sources are
quantity.
These Energy Sources take over
form
These energy sources are Continuous.
9. Q&A
1. What is the importance of the non-conventional
source of energy?
2. Name one Advantage and Disadvantage of Non
Conventional Energy Source
3. Mention one Difference Between Conventional
and Non- Conventional Energy Sources
4. Name few Conventional Energy Sources
5. Is it important to shift towards Non-
Conventional Energy Sources? Why?
