1

Differentiate between renewable and non-

renewable energy sources. Briefly explain
Geothermal Energy and Hydro Electricity

Energy

The ability to cause a change of any kind is called energy. Existing in many
ways, it can be in the form of heat, light, electricity, etc.

Renewable Energy sources

The energy sources providing a constant, sustainable, and endless amount of

energy per unit of time are called renewable energy resources. However,
they are also known as clean or alternative energy sources, for they provide
energy alternatives to the commonly used energy sources, like coal and
natural gas. Nevertheless, renewable energy resources do contribute to the
production of electricity; moreover, according to a report, they generate 26%
of the total amount of electricity produced globally. Additionally, their use
helps in harvesting global warming, along with climate change and, above
all, pollution. Still, it can also effectively sustain the ever-increasing
requirement of energy in the form of electricity. The renewable energy
resources, above all, include solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal
energy.

1- Wind energy

The wind is used to produce energy and to turn turbines for the production of
electricity. Similarly, wind rotates the blades of a turbine that helps to
operate a generator. On operation, the generator, as a result, produces
electricity. Thus, the generator converts mechanical energy possessed by the
wind into electrical energy. However, wind energy plants are usually installed
near seashores or in areas with sufficient wind flow.

2- Solar energy

The radiations coming from the sun are a source of energy. Moreover,
photovoltaic cells are used to convert sunlight into electricity. A single cell
generates less energy but is enough to operate a small size calculator. If the
cells are used collectively in a large number to produce electricity, they can
run a tube well and extract water from the earth. However, the technique is
used in far-sighted villages.
 2

3- Biomass energy

The energy obtained from organic materials, such as sewage, wood, and
ethanol, is termed as biomass energy. However, organic materials are
obtained from plants and animals. On burning, biomass releases a sufficient
amount of heat energy used to accomplish several objectives, like the
production of electricity, burning of brick and cement. According to a report,
the United States of America completely fulfilled the electricity requirement
from biomass in the 1980s.

4- Geothermal energy

Heat present in the sub-surface of the earth is known as geothermal energy.

It is found in the fluids and rocks below the earth’s crust until the Magma’s
molten rocks. To use the heat, wells are dug to access the reservoirs of hot
water and steam. As a result, steam and hot water are used to rotate
turbines. Finally, the turbines are connected directly to the electric
generators that produce electricity. However, there are three types of
geothermal power plants:

• Dry steam takes steam directly from the ground.

Flash using hot water extracted from the earth.

Binary using hot water to boil another liquid with low boiling for the
formation of steam or vapours.

5- Hydroelectricity

The electricity produced through the use of mechanical energy from moving
water is called hydroelectricity. In this method, turbines are placed in moving
or falling water, especially in the path of a river or a dam, rotating the
turbine. However, water is sometimes stored in dams and led downward
through pipes. The pipes contain turbines at the end, which rotates because
of the flow of water. In consequence, the electric generators connected to
the turbines produce electricity.

Non-renewable Energy sources

Finite and organic sources of energy decreasing in concentration with their

use are called non-renewable energy resources. Therefore, they are also
termed as also known as fossil fuels. However, the resources are organic and
usually found as gases, liquids, or solids; additionally, the resources in the
earth are finite in amount and concentration. Moreover, if the resources are
utilized, they cannot be replaced by any means as they take billions of years
 3

to replace supplies used from the resources- a threatening problem for

mankind. Above all, the sources can be maintained with low maintenance
charges and high production quantity.

Examples:

Crude oil, natural gas, and coal

1- Crude oil

Crude oil- the first type of fossil fuel- is made up of hydrocarbons and other
organic materials. However, it is usually refined in factories to produce
petroleum, gasoline, diesel, and several petrochemicals. All the products are
used in different industries, like transportation and manufacturing industries.

2- Natural gas

Natural gas is another type of fossil fuel occurring known as a hydrocarbon

gas. It includes Methane, alkanes, Carbon-di-Oxide, Nitrogen, Hydrogen
sulphide, and Helium gas. However, the percentage of Methane in natural
gas varies from 70 to 90% of the natural gas. Moreover, it is found beneath
the earth’s surface from the decay of animals and other creatures.

3-Coal

Coal-a carbonium compound- is a hard solid substance found in the

mountains. It has a high percentage of carbon; Moreover, the rate of carbon
components in coal varies from 70% to 75%. It is usually found in both black
and brown colours. However, it is used to produce heat in industries, such as
the brick and cement industry. It is formed by the decomposition of trees and
animal remains beneath the earth’s surface in the absence of air and
oxygen.

Differentiation chart
 4

Differentiate between renewable and non-

renewable energy sources. Briefly explain
Geothermal Energy and Hydro Electricity.

Question Breakdown:

In this question, the examiner has clearly asked you to differentiate between
renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Thus, all you have to do is
make a table explaining the key differences between both points. Making the
third column in the table explaining the names of the traits can make your
question look more understandable. In the second part of the question, you
are supposed to write brief notes on geothermal energy and Hydroelectricity
covering the definition, examples, processes, and occurrence. Writing too
 5

much can never grant you maximum marks; however, the way you present
your question is the key to obtaining an exceptional grade in your exam.

Answer:

Difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources:

Definition

Renewable Energy

The sources of energy which on usage can’t be lost forever, but can be
recycled and replenished.

Non-Renewable Energy

The sources of energy which on usage are lost forever, and can’t be recycled
and replenished.

Biodegradable

Renewable energy sources are eco-friendly and do not cause much pollution
in the atmosphere.

Non-renewable energy sources are not eco-friendly and cause a lot of

pollution in the atmosphere due to the emission of excessive carbon.

Reused and Recycled

These energy sources can easily be reused and recycled.

One cannot reuse and recycle these types of energy resources.

Sustainability

Cost

These resources are sustainable.

These energy resources are not sustainable instead exhaustible.

The overall cost of these energy sources is high. It required high capital to
install and maintain these sources of energy.

The overall cost of these energy sources is not very high, because they can
be found naturally.

Examples
 6

The five major sources of renewable energy are; solar, wind, hydro,
geothermal, and biomass.

The non-renewable resources are; coal, nuclear elements, oil, natural gas,
and fossil fuel.

Table by Miss Iqra Ali

Geothermal Energy:

✔ Define:

Geothermal energy is the form of renewable energy in which hot water and
steam underground the earth is used to drive the turbines to generate
electricity.

✔ Occurrence:

Since geothermal energy is produced when the heat is absorbed by water

and rocks coming from the highest temperature magma deep down the
earth, it is primarily found along major tectonic plate boundaries where most
volcanoes are located

✓ Example:

One of the most active geothermal areas in the world is called the Ring of
Fire, which encircles the Pacific Ocean

✔ Process:

To harness geothermal energy, a hydrothermal convection system is used. In

this process, a hole is drilled deep under the earth, through which a pipe is
inserted. The steam trapped in the rocks is routed through this pipe to the
surface of the earth. This steam is then used to turn the blades of a turbine
of an electric generator. In another method, the steam is used to heat water
from an external source which is then used to rotate the turbine.

Hydro-Electricity:

✓ Define:

Hydroelectricity or hydropower is a source of renewable energy, which uses

moving water to generate electricity.

✔ Occurrence:

Hydroelectricity is produced where water is freely available or where water

can be utilized via dams. Tidal power is also considered a form of hydropower
 7

that is used to generate electricity by using tidal energy, but not widely in
use.

✓ Example:

Three Gorges Dam is the biggest hydroelectric power plant in the world.

✔ Process:

For producing power by hydro plants there must be a water reservoir, dam,
gate, or valve to control the flow of the water. Because the highest the head
from where water flows, the higher potential energy water gains before
flowing downwards. During the process of flowing from a higher point to
downward water converted its high potential energy into kinetic energy. This
water then hits the turbines, which are attached to a generator to produce
power.