Renewable Power and Non-renewable Energy

What are Renewable Energy Resources?

Renewable energy resources are energy generated from a natural source i.e. sun, wind, rain and can be generated again and again when required. They are available in plenty and by far the cleanest sources of energy available on the earth.

Energy received from the sun can be used to generate electricity; likewise, energy from wind, geothermal, biomass from plants, and tides from waves.

Advantages of Renewable Energy Resources:

1. They are available in abundant quantity and free to use.

2. They have low carbon emissions and are considered green and environmentally friendly.

3. They help in stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy Resources:

1. It is not easy to set up a plant due to the huge capital involved.

2. Solar energy can be used during the day and not during the night or on rainy days.

3. Geothermal energy has side effects by generating toxic chemicals beneath the earth’s surface.

What are Non-Renewable Energy Resources?

Non-renewable energy resources are available in limited supply. This is usually due to the long time it takes for them to be replenished. Examples are coal, oil, natural gas, fossil fuels and also nuclear energy.

Nuclear fuels, such as the element uranium, are not considered renewable as they are a finite material mined from the ground and can only be found in certain locations.