Energy exists freely in nature, some of them are infinitely available called renewable, and some are called non-renewable. It is our responsibility to ensure the proper use of renewable and non-renewable energy. Non-renewable energy is limited resources that will eventually run out over the time frame. Non-renewable energy is one that does not renew itself at a sufficient rate for sustainable economic extraction in meaningful human time-frames.
Non-renewable energy is energy from fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, and uranium. Unlike renewable energy, non-renewable energy needs human intervention to make it suitable for consumption. Fossil fuels are mainly made up of Carbon. It is believed that fossil fuels were formed over 300 million years ago when the earth was a lot different in its landscape.
Non-renewable Energy Resources
The resources for non-renewable energy are mainly fuels from fossil deposits. The most commonly non-renewable resources are:-
Coal
Petroleum products
Compressed natural gas
Types of non-renewable energy
Non-renewable energy is mainly fossil fuels. Apart from fossil fuels, nuclear fuels are also non-renewable.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil Fuels are formed by the remains of animals and plants. Fossil fuel is divided into three categories and is stated below:
| Natural Gas | Coal | Oil |
|---|---|---|
| The process of decomposition is longer as it is conducted to high amounts of pressure and heat. | It is formed by the decomposition of trees, plants, and ferns which are hardened due to pressure and heat. | Due to excessive pressure, smaller organisms like zooplankton and algae are decomposed into an oil. |
Nuclear fuels
Nuclear technology relying on fission requires naturally occurring radioactive material as fuel. Uranium is the most common fission fuel and is present in the ground at relatively low concentrations and mined in 19 countries. Nuclear power provides about 6% of the world’s energy and 13–14% of the world’s electricity.
Non-Renewable Resources Examples
Following are the examples of non-renewable resources:
- Coal
- Rare earth elements
- Petroleum products
- Gold
- Uranium
Advantages of non-renewable energy
- The non-renewable source of energy is affordable. For instance diesel and oil.
- It is easily accessible and more compatible.
- The non-renewable source of energy is easy to store.
Disadvantages of non-renewable energy
- Non-renewable energy cannot be replaced once their energy source is used up.
- The by-products of non-renewable energy cause environmental damages. It also increases greenhouse gases.
- Transporting fossil fuels, Mining and extraction activities can cause accidents and result in oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, pipeline leaks, and even explosions which cause harmful effects on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the first oil well drilled in Asia?
The first oil well drilled in Asia was in Assam, India. In 1889, for the first time, oil deposits were discovered in the Assam-Arakan Basin at Digboi. The oil refinery that is found in Digboi is the oldest oil well.
How many nuclear power stations are there in India?
There are 7 nuclear power stations in India. Kaiga, Tarapur, Rawatbhata, Narora, Kalpakkam, Kakrapar, and Kudankulam.
State if the given statement is true or false: Natural gas is a non-renewable energy.
The given statement is true. Natural gas is available deep under the rocks that are found underground. Some of them are also found in coal beds.
Name the theory which is associated with non-renewable resources.
Hotelling’s theory is associated with non-renewable resources.
Watch the video to find out why is it so important to conserve fossil fuels and use them wisely?
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