Renewable vs.

Non-Renewable Primary Energy Sources

Energy is the driving force behind human civilization and industrial progress. It is
categorized into renewable and non-renewable primary sources based on availability,
replenishment capacity, environmental impact, and sustainability. A clear understanding of
the differences between these two categories is essential to address global energy challenges
and devise strategies for sustainable development.

Definition and Classification

1. Renewable Primary Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources are derived from natural processes that replenish
themselves over relatively short periods. They are abundant and have minimal
environmental impact. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower,
biomass, geothermal energy, tidal energy, and wave energy. These sources are
considered sustainable as they do not deplete finite natural resources.
2. Non-Renewable Primary Energy Sources
Non-renewable energy sources are finite resources that cannot be replenished within a
human timescale. They include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as
nuclear energy. These sources contribute significantly to environmental degradation
due to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

Comparison between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Criteria Renewable Energy Sources Non-Renewable Energy
Sources
Availability Naturally replenished; Limited and depleting resources
inexhaustible
Environmental Minimal emissions, eco- High emissions, pollution, and
Impact friendly ecological damage
Cost High initial cost; low Lower initial cost; higher
operational cost operational cost
Energy Security Reduces dependency on imports Risk of supply disruptions due to
depletion
Examples Solar, wind, hydropower, Coal, oil, natural gas, uranium
geothermal, biomass

Renewable Energy Sources

1. Solar Energy
Solar energy is harnessed from sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal
systems. It is clean, abundant, and versatile. The energy output (EE) from a solar panel can be
calculated as:
E=A ⋅ H ⋅ η
Where:
 AA: Area of the solar panel (m²)
 HH: Solar radiation incident on the panel (kWh/m²)
 η\eta: Efficiency of the solar panel
Applications include electricity generation, water heating, and agricultural uses like solar
drying and irrigation.
2. Wind Energy
Wind energy is derived from the kinetic energy of moving air. Wind turbines convert this
energy into electricity. The power output (PP) from a wind turbine is given by:
1 3
P= ⋅ ρ⋅ A ⋅ v
2
Where:
 ρ Air density (kg/m³)
 A Swept area of the turbine blades (m²)
 v Wind velocity (m/s)
Applications include powering rural areas, hybrid energy systems, and offshore wind farms.
3. Hydropower
Hydropower uses the potential energy of flowing water to generate electricity. It is one of the
oldest and most reliable renewable energy sources. The energy output is calculated as:
P= ρ⋅ g ⋅h ⋅Q
Where:
 ρ Density of water (kg/m³)
 g Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
 h : Height of water column (m)
 Q : Flow rate of water (m³/s)
4. Biomass
Biomass is produced from organic materials, such as agricultural residues, wood, and animal
waste. It can be burned for heat or converted into biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. Biomass
is carbon-neutral because the CO₂ released during combustion is offset by the CO₂ absorbed
during the plant’s growth.
5. Geothermal Energy
This energy is sourced from the Earth's internal heat. It is used for electricity generation and
direct heating applications like greenhouse farming and aquaculture.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

1. Coal
Coal is a fossil fuel composed of carbon-rich sedimentary rock. It is primarily used in thermal
power plants for electricity generation. Combustion of coal follows the equation:
C+ O2 → C O2+ Energy

Despite its availability, coal is a major contributor to air pollution and global warming.
2. Oil (Petroleum)
Petroleum is a liquid fossil fuel refined into products like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. It
powers vehicles and is a critical input for the petrochemical industry. The combustion
equation for hydrocarbons is:
C n H 2 n +2+O2 →C O2+ H 2 O+Energy

3. Natural Gas
Natural gas, primarily methane, is considered the cleanest fossil fuel. It is used for heating,
electricity generation, and as a feedstock for chemical production. Its combustion equation is:
C H 4 +2O2 →C O2+ 2 H 2 O+ Energy

4. Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is generated through fission, where heavy atomic nuclei (like uranium-235)
split into smaller nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. The equation governing
energy release is:
2
E=m c
Where:
 E: Energy released (J)
 m: Mass lost during the reaction (kg)

 c: Speed of light ( 3 ×10 8 m / s )

Nuclear energy produces no direct carbon emissions but poses risks related to radioactive
waste and accidents.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Renewable Energy Sources
 Environmental Benefits: Little to no greenhouse gas emissions.
 Sustainability: Infinite supply ensures energy security.
  Economic Growth: Encourages innovation and creates jobs in green industries.
Disadvantages of Renewable Energy Sources
 Intermittency: Solar and wind are weather-dependent.
 High Initial Costs: Requires significant investment in infrastructure.
Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
 High Energy Density: Fossil fuels and nuclear energy offer high power output.
 Infrastructure Availability: Existing systems are optimized for non-renewables.
Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
 Environmental Harm: Major contributors to climate change and air pollution.
 Finite Resources: Risk of depletion and price volatility.

Energy Transition and the Future

The shift from non-renewable to renewable energy sources is a global priority to mitigate
climate change and achieve sustainability. This energy transition involves:
1. Decarbonization of Energy Systems: Phasing out coal and oil in favor of renewables
and natural gas.
2. Policy Support: Governments implementing renewable energy incentives, carbon
taxes, and emissions regulations.
3. Technological Innovations: Developing efficient energy storage solutions like
batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
4. Public Awareness: Encouraging energy conservation and green practices.

Application of the Concept

Practical Applications of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Understanding the distinction between renewable and non-renewable primary energy sources
is crucial for optimizing their applications across industries, transportation, residential
sectors, and electricity generation. Here, we explore real-world implementations and their
impact.

1. Renewable Energy Sources

Solar Energy Applications Solar energy is utilized in various domains, including:
 Electricity Generation: Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems provide power to urban
grids and remote areas. India’s solar mission is a prime example of scaling up
renewable energy.
  Solar Heating: Solar thermal systems heat water for domestic use, reducing
electricity dependence.
 Agricultural Use: Solar pumps irrigate farmland, aiding in efficient water utilization.
 Urban Architecture: Buildings integrate solar panels to achieve net-zero energy
consumption.
Wind Energy Applications
 Grid Integration: Wind farms supply electricity directly to grids in regions with
consistent wind flow, such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
 Offshore Wind Farms: Utilize coastal wind energy to meet urban power demands.
 Standalone Systems: Power remote installations, such as lighthouses and
communication towers.
Hydropower Applications
 Large Dams: Provide reliable electricity and support irrigation.
 Mini-Hydro Projects: Enable rural electrification.
 Pumped Storage Systems: Act as large-scale batteries, balancing grid demand during
peak hours.
Biomass Energy Applications
 Power Generation: Biomass plants produce electricity using organic waste, reducing
landfill reliance.
 Biofuels: Ethanol and biodiesel are used as substitutes for gasoline in the
transportation sector.
 Industrial Heating: Provides heat for drying processes and small-scale
manufacturing.
Geothermal Energy Applications
 Electricity Generation: Reliable, base-load power generation in geologically active
areas.
 Direct Heating: Used for district heating, greenhouse farming, and aquaculture.

2. Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Coal Applications
 Electricity Production: Thermal power plants supply significant electricity
worldwide. For example, India relies heavily on coal for power generation.
 Industrial Use: Coal is vital in steel and cement industries due to its high carbon
content.
Oil Applications
 Transportation: Fuels like petrol, diesel, and aviation kerosene are indispensable for
mobility.
 Petrochemical Production: Oil serves as a feedstock for chemicals, plastics, and
synthetic fibers.
Natural Gas Applications
 Power Generation: Combined cycle gas plants improve efficiency and reduce
emissions.
 Heating: Used in residential and industrial heating systems.
 Fertilizer Production: Methane is a primary feedstock for ammonia synthesis.
Nuclear Energy Applications
 Electricity Production: Provides consistent and large-scale power with minimal
carbon emissions.
 Medical Uses: Radioisotopes generated in nuclear reactors are essential for cancer
treatment and diagnostic imaging.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages of Renewable Energy
 Environmentally sustainable with minimal emissions.
 Infinite supply ensures long-term energy security.
 Boosts rural electrification and reduces urban energy dependency.
Limitations of Renewable Energy
 High initial costs of infrastructure.
 Weather-dependent sources like solar and wind pose reliability challenges.
Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy
 High energy density provides efficient energy output.
 Well-established supply chains and infrastructure make them accessible and
economical.
Limitations of Non-Renewable Energy
 Environmental degradation and significant greenhouse gas emissions.
 Price volatility and finite reserves create energy insecurity.
Energy Transition
The global shift towards renewable energy is evident through decarbonization policies,
technological innovation, and public awareness campaigns. Hybrid systems integrating both
renewable and non-renewable sources offer reliability during this transition.
Key Transition Strategies
1. Adoption of Renewables: Expanding solar and wind capacities globally.
2. Energy Storage Solutions: Development of advanced batteries and hydrogen
technologies.
3. Policy Incentives: Subsidies for green energy and carbon taxes on fossil fuels.
4. Grid Modernization: Smart grids facilitate efficient energy distribution.

Quiz Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
o a) Coal
o b) Natural Gas
o c) Wind Energy
o d) Nuclear Energy
Answer: c) Wind Energy
2. What is the main disadvantage of renewable energy sources?
o a) High operational cost
o b) Intermittency issues
o c) Limited availability
o d) High emissions
Answer: b) Intermittency issues
3. Which energy source emits the least greenhouse gases during operation?
o a) Coal
o b) Oil
o c) Nuclear Energy
o d) Biomass
Answer: c) Nuclear Energy
4. What is a primary application of natural gas?
o a) Biofuel production
 o b) Fertilizer manufacturing
o c) Large-scale irrigation
o d) Solar PV efficiency improvement
Answer: b) Fertilizer manufacturing
5. Which equation represents energy released in nuclear fission?
o a) E=mc2E = mc^2

o b) P=ρ⋅g⋅h⋅QP = \rho \cdot g \cdot h \cdot Q

o c) P=12⋅ρ⋅A⋅v3P = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \rho \cdot A \cdot v^3

o d) E=A⋅H⋅ηE = A \cdot H \cdot \eta

Answer: a) E=mc2E = mc^2

Two Mark Questions

1. Define renewable energy sources.
Answer: Renewable energy sources are natural resources that replenish themselves
over short periods, such as solar, wind, and water.
2. What is the significance of biomass energy?
Answer: Biomass energy is carbon-neutral and provides an efficient way to manage
organic waste while generating power or biofuels.
3. List two applications of hydropower.
Answer: Hydropower is used for electricity generation in large dams and balancing
grid demand with pumped storage systems.
4. Why is natural gas considered a cleaner energy source?
Answer: Natural gas emits fewer pollutants compared to coal and oil, making it an
environmentally friendly fossil fuel.
5. State one advantage of nuclear energy.
Answer: Nuclear energy provides a large-scale and low-carbon energy supply,
contributing to energy security.

Sixteen Mark Question

Compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources in terms of their availability,
environmental impact, and applications, and discuss their role in the global energy
transition.
Answer:
 Comparison:
 o Availability: Renewable sources are inexhaustible, while non-renewable
sources are finite.
o Environmental Impact: Renewables have minimal emissions, whereas non-
renewables contribute significantly to pollution.
o Applications: Renewables are used for electricity generation, heating, and
transportation. Non-renewables power industries, vehicles, and large-scale
electricity grids.
 Advantages:
o Renewables: Eco-friendly, sustainable, and support decentralized energy
systems.
o Non-Renewables: High energy density and established infrastructure.
 Disadvantages:
o Renewables: Intermittent supply and high initial costs.
o Non-Renewables: Pollution and depletion risks.
 Role in Transition:
o Decarbonizing energy systems by phasing out fossil fuels.
o Increasing renewable energy capacity to meet global energy demands
sustainably.
o Integrating advanced technologies like smart grids and energy storage to
support renewables.
In conclusion, while both sources are vital today, renewable energy is the cornerstone of a
sustainable future, ensuring environmental conservation and long-term energy security.