Renewable and Non-renewable Energy
1. Renewable and Non-renewable Energy
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished and do not run out on a human time scale.
Main characteristics
Naturally replenished
Low pollution
Environment-friendly
Sustainable for the future
Examples
Solar energy
Wind energy
Hydropower (water power)
Biomass / biofuels
Geothermal energy
Advantages
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Decreases dependence on fossil fuels
Sustainable and long-term energy supply
Disadvantages
Initial setup cost can be high
Depends on weather or natural conditions
Energy storage can be challenging
Non-renewable Energy
Non-renewable energy comes from sources that take millions of years to form and will eventually be exhausted.
Main characteristics
Limited supply
High energy output
Causes pollution
Examples
Coal
Petroleum (oil)
Natural gas
Nuclear fuels (uranium)
Advantages
Reliable and consistent energy supply
High energy density
Well-developed infrastructure
Disadvantages
Causes air, water, and land pollution
Leads to climate change
Resources will run out
2. Wind Power
What is Wind Power?
Wind power is the energy obtained by using wind to rotate turbines, which generate electricity.
How it Works
Wind blows and turns turbine blades
Blades rotate a shaft
The shaft spins a generator
Electricity is produced
Uses
Electricity generation
Water pumping in rural areas
Power for farms and industries
Advantages
Clean and renewable
No fuel cost
Reduces carbon emissions
Disadvantages
Wind is not constant
Can affect birds and wildlife
Requires large open areas
3. Water Power (Hydropower)
What is Water Power?
Water power uses flowing or falling water to produce electricity.
How it Works
Water stored in a dam flows down
Flowing water turns turbines
Turbines rotate generators
Electricity is generated
Types
Large hydroelectric dams
Small hydro plants
Run-of-the-river systems
Advantages
Very reliable
High efficiency
Long life of power plants
Disadvantages
Expensive to build dams
Displacement of people
Affects aquatic ecosystems
4. Solar Energy
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is energy obtained from the sun’s radiation.
Methods of Use
Solar panels (photovoltaic cells): convert sunlight into electricity
Solar heaters: heat water or air
Uses
Electricity generation
Heating water
Cooking (solar cookers)
Powering satellites and calculators
Advantages
Unlimited energy source
No pollution
Can be used in remote areas
Disadvantages
Works only during sunlight
Storage (batteries) is expensive
Large area needed for panels
5. Biofuels
What are Biofuels?
Biofuels are fuels made from biological materials such as plants and animal waste.
Types of Biofuels
Biogas: from animal dung and organic waste
Ethanol: from sugarcane or corn
Biodiesel: from vegetable oils or animal fats
Uses
Cooking fuel
Electricity generation
Fuel for vehicles
Advantages
Renewable and biodegradable
Reduces waste
Lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels
Disadvantages
Can compete with food crops
Requires land and water
Lower energy output than fossil fuels