Conventional vs NonConventional Sources of Energy (original) (raw)
Last Updated : 12 Mar, 2024
Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy are the two types of sources of energy. Conventional Sources of Energy refer to the traditional form of power/energy production sources and include fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, oil, etc. However, Non-Conventional Sources of Energy refer to the newer and less commonly used sources of energy that have the potential to play a crucial role in fulfilling future needs. These include renewable energy sources like wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectric, etc.
What is Conventional Source of Energy?
The sources of energy that are in use for a long and can be stored are known as Conventional Sources of Energy. These are non-renewable sources of energy. **For example, coal, natural gas, electricity, thermal power, cow dung, straw, etc. Even in the present times, many industries use coal and oil. Commercial and Non-commercial Sources of Energy are known as Conventional Sources of Energy.
What is Non-conventional Source of Energy?
The sources of energy which have only recently come into use are known as Non-conventional Sources of Energy. These sources are renewable sources of energy. **For example, wind energy, solar energy, bio-gas, tidal power, and geo-thermal energy. As India is a tropical country, its potential to produce non-conventional sources of energy is almost unlimited. Although it is possible if the already available appropriate cost-effective technologies are used. However, as these sources of energy are inexhaustible, besides facing the problem of heavy cost and management, harnessing and storing them also involves a lot of problems. This is the reason why these sources are generally not used in industries.
Conventional v/s Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
| Basis | Conventional Sources of Energy | Non-Conventional Sources of Energy |
|---|---|---|
| **Meaning | The sources of energy which are in use for long and can be stored is known as Conventional Sources of Energy. | The sources of energy which have only recently come into use is known as Non-Conventional Sources of Energy. |
| **Formation | Conventional sources of energy require a long period of time for their formation. | Non-conventional sources of energy require a short time period for their formation. |
| **Use | Conventional sources of energy are primarily used for commercial and industrial purposes. | The main use of non-conventional sources of energy is for domestic purposes. |
| **Renewability | These are generally non-renewable sources of energy. | These are generally renewable sources of energy. |
| **Exhaustible | Conventional sources can be easily exhausted due to overconsumption. | Non-conventional sources of energy cannot be exhausted. |
| **Availability | These sources are available in limited quantity in nature. | These sources are available in abundance in nature as they are renewable. |
| **Expense | Conventional sources of energy are costly. | Non-conventional sources of energy are comparatively less expensive. |
| **Pollution | Conventional sources of energy pollute the environment on a large scale and also lead to global warming. | Non-conventional sources of energy are environment-friendly and therefore do not cause pollution. |
| **Existence | These resources exist for many years. | These resources are relatively new sources of energy. |
| **Example | Coal, natural gas, electricity, thermal power, cow dung, straw, etc. | Wind energy, solar energy, bio-gas, tidal power, and geothermal energy. |