Energy Resources

Energy comes from sources on this Earth. The terms ‘forms’ of energy and ‘types’ of energy are
used interchangeably. Let us understand the difference between the two. Types of energy
resources pertain to the origin of that energy resource. For eg solar energy (Sun), Tidal energy
(Tides), Biomass based energy (Biomass). On the other hand, potential (chemical, electrical, etc.)
and kinetic (heat, sound, etc.) are different forms of energy.

There are many different sources of energy, some well-known such as coal or petroleum, others
less explored, such as wind or the heat inside the Earth. Some of the energy resources are
location specific and fixed. For example, presence of coal, oil, wood or gas. It is easy to estimate
the occurrence and extract coal and oil but it is not the case with renewable resources such as
solar or wind as they are not so obvious and are based on natural weather patterns and features of
an area.

Broadly speaking, energy resources are classified into two main categories:

1. Renewable energy resources -which can be renewed again and again.

2. Non-renewable energy resources -cannot be renewed once they are all used up.

1. RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

Renewable energy resources are those sources of energy which can be replenished and do not get
depleted because of over consumption. Wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, and biomass energy are
some of the renewable sources of energy.

These energy resources are available for free and have been utilized since ages by human
communities. For example most of the energy on Earth comes from the Sun. This energy has
been traditionally used for various purposes like drying grains, drying grains and for performing
other household tasks. Traditionally, in one form or the other, the sun has provided energy for
practically all living creatures. Similarly wind energy and energy from tides has also been in use
since ancient times. Today when the world is confronted with pressing issue of energy crisis
owing to over exploitation of non renewable energy sources, we are again looking for cleaner
and efficient options of energy utilization. Solar energy, wind energy and tidal energy are some
of the promising renewable energy resources.

A. Wind Energy

Wind energy can be utilized in power turbines that generate electricity. Mostly, wind turbines are
situated on agricultural or forest land and hence there is no need to clear land to place wind mills.
However, wind mills pose a danger to the birds and cause noise and visual pollution. Countries
like China, U.K.,U.S.A and Spain obtain most of their energy requirements by utilizing wind
energy.
B.Solar Energy

Sun is the ultimate source of Energy and we can use solar energy to heat water or homes and it
can be converted into electricity, and for hot water heating, solar cooling, and a variety of
commercial and industrial uses.With the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells, the solar energy can be
converted into electricity. These cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. Likewind energy,
however, solar energy is limited in availability and depends on weather conditions.
C.Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy taps the Earth’s internal heat and can be put to use for various uses like electricity
production, and heating of buildings. Geothermal energy power can be trapped by installing a geothermal
heat pump and these plants also do not release greenhouse gases unlike a traditional power plant.
D.Biomass Based Energy

The use of biomass for producing energy is biomass based energy. It includes several forms of biomass
like food waste, agricultural waste, fuel wood, garbage, etc. This energy can be used to produce
electricity, transportation fuels, or chemicals. The plant parts and other organic materials are processed to
generate
the electricity. Utilizing biomass for energy provides us with a renewable energy source and provides
appropriate solution to waste management.
E.Hydropower

When water flows through a dam and runs a turbine, a huge amount of electricity is generated. However,
not only environmental effects of big dams but issues such as displacement and rehabilitation of the
people are often discussed. It is also observed that damming a river alters the aquatic and riparian
ecosystems, changes the temperature and other physicochemical features of the water bodies.

F. Tidal and Wave Energy

Wave and tidal energy has been utilized to generate electricity since long. Recent advances in
science and technology have improved their use in more beneficial ways. In addition to tidal
energy, there’s the energy of the ocean’s waves, which are determined by tides as well as the
winds. The sun also warms the surface of the ocean more than the ocean depths, creating a
temperature difference that can be used as an energy source. All these forms of ocean energy can
be used to produce electricity. Although not widely used, tidal energy is more reliable and
predictable than solar or wind energy.
2.NON–RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

Non renewable energy resources are those which have been formed through several years of
geological activity. Examples include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. These energy resources
will ultimately decline, will be unaffordable.
We currently depend on non-renewable energy resources to meet our energy demands and in
doing so we extract and use them for generating electricity or use as fuels. The added
disadvantage associated with the utilization of non renewable energy resources is that they
release harmful gases and cause air pollution. It is for these reasons that they are also known as
dirty sources of energy. As a country develops there is a shift from dirty to clean sources of
energy.
A.Coal

Coal is the organic fossil material which is solid and black in colour with varying properties and
composition. It is essentially rich in amorphous carbon and contains several liquid and gaseous
hydrocarbons. It is the most widespread fuel mostly used for producing electricity. On the basis
of characteristics, heating value, carbon and volatile matter, coal is found in various forms viz.
Anthracite (Hard coal), Bituminous (Soft coal), Lignite (Brown Coal) and Peat.

B.Natural Gas

Natural gas is mostly composed of methane. Landfills and marshes also produce methane by the
methanogenic processes. Like petroleum, natural gas is processed to remove the other
components and then it can be used as a fuel

C.Petroleum

Petroleum is a toxic, flammable liquid which is found beneath the earth’s surface. It is
commonly known as crude oil. It finds application in various places like pharmaceuticals,
plastics, asphalt, kerosene, and synthetic rubber but mostly petroleum is used as fuel. Like
natural gas, petroleum is also processed before utilizing it. Crude oil contains several types of
hydrocarbons and to process the oil to serve specific function, the crude oil must be heated to a
specific temperature range.