What are the conventional and non-conventional energy resources?

Conventional Energy Resources:

Conventional energy resources are those that have been traditionally used for energy production and have been widely adopted globally. These resources are typically non-renewable and have a finite supply. They include:

1. Fossil Fuels:

   • Coal: A sedimentary rock formed from the remains of ancient plants and containing high amounts of carbon. It is primarily used in thermal power plants to generate electricity.
   • Oil: A naturally occurring liquid hydrocarbon found in underground reservoirs. It is refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals.
   • Natural Gas: A mixture of hydrocarbons primarily consisting of methane. It is commonly used as a fuel for heating and cooking, as well as in power plants for electricity generation.

2. Nuclear Energy:

   • Uranium: A radioactive element used as fuel in nuclear reactors. Nuclear fission reactions release immense heat, which is utilized to generate steam and drive turbines to produce electricity.

Non-Conventional Energy Resources:

Non-conventional energy resources are those that have not been traditionally exploited for energy production on a large scale. They are renewable or have the potential to be replenished naturally. These resources include:

1. Renewable Energy Sources:

   • Solar Energy: The energy derived from sunlight. Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts solar energy directly into electricity, while solar thermal systems use concentrated sunlight to generate heat for various applications.
   • Wind Energy: The energy derived from the kinetic energy of the wind. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.
   • Hydropower: The energy derived from the movement of water. Hydroelectric power plants use the flow of water to drive turbines and generate electricity.
   • Biomass Energy: The energy derived from organic materials, such as plant and animal waste, wood, and agricultural residues. Biomass can be converted into electricity, heat, or biofuels through various processes.
   • Geothermal Energy: The energy derived from the heat of the Earth's interior. Geothermal power plants use hot water or steam from underground reservoirs to generate electricity.

2. Emerging Energy Technologies:

   • Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that can be produced from various sources, including water electrolysis or fossil fuels. Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing water as a byproduct.
   • Ocean Energy: The energy derived from the movement of ocean waves, tides, and ocean currents. Wave energy converters and tidal turbines are being developed to harness this energy.
   • Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel power plants and storing them underground or utilizing them in industrial processes.

The transition from conventional to non-conventional energy resources is essential for achieving sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change. Non-conventional energy sources offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving the environment for future generations.