Q.What are non-conventional sources of energy?
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Non-conventional energy sources are renewable, environmentally cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, and biogas energy.
Energy is the engine of modern life. For centuries, we have relied heavily on conventional sources — coal, petroleum, natural gas, and firewood. These are often called fossil fuels because they were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. They are finite, and burning them releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to climate change and health problems. This is where non-conventional sources of energy enter the picture.
Non-conventional energy sources are those that are not based on fossil fuels. They are typically renewable, meaning they can be replenished naturally in a short period of time, and they are far less harmful to the environment. Think of them as energy from nature’s daily or seasonal cycles — the sun, the wind, the tides, the earth’s internal heat, and organic waste. Because they are abundant and widely available, they offer a path toward sustainable development, especially for a country like India with its vast rural landscape and growing energy demand.
Let’s look at the major types:
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Solar Energy: Energy from the sun is captured using photovoltaic cells (solar panels) that convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through solar thermal systems that use the sun’s heat for water heating, cooking, or even power generation. India receives abundant sunshine for most of the year, making solar energy a particularly promising source.
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Wind Energy: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air into electricity. Wind farms are often set up in coastal areas, mountain passes, and open plains where wind speeds are high and consistent. India has a significant and growing wind power capacity, especially in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
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Tidal and Wave Energy: The rise and fall of ocean tides, as well as the movement of waves, can be harnessed to generate electricity. Tidal barrages (dams built across estuaries) and underwater turbines are two common methods. While the potential is huge, the technology is still developing and is limited to coastal regions.
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Geothermal Energy: Heat from the earth’s interior — found in hot rocks, steam, or hot water reservoirs underground — can be used to generate electricity or for direct heating. This is a steady, reliable source, but it is only feasible in geologically active areas.
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Biogas and Biomass: Organic matter — such as animal dung, crop residues, and kitchen waste — can be decomposed in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas (mainly methane), which can be used for cooking, lighting, or generating electricity. Biomass power plants burn wood or agricultural waste to produce steam for turbines. This is especially valuable in rural India, where it provides a clean, local energy source and also helps manage waste. …
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