Prepared for class discussion By Prof.S.

Suryanarayanan

Definition of 'Nonrenewable Resource and energy A resource of economic value that cannot be readily replaced by natural means on a level equal to its consumption. Most fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas and coal are considered nonrenewable resources in that their use is not sustainable because their formation takes billions of years.

Definition of 'Renewable Resource' A substance of economic value that can be replaced or replenished in the same amount or less time as it takes to draw the supply down. Some renewable resources have essentially an endless supply, such as solar energy, wind energy and geothermal pressure, while other resources are considered renewable even though some time or effort must go into their renewal, such as wood, oxygen, leather and fish.

( Most precious metals are considered renewable as well; even though they are not naturally replaced, they can be recycled because they are not destroyed during their extraction and use. )

Fossil fuels are formed by natural process; decomposition of dead organisms Age of these dead organisms date back more than 650 million years Fossil fuels are rich in carbonoil, coal ,natural gas. Fossil fuels are important; burning ie oxidation to carbon oxide and water liberates significant amount of energy. Optimistic estimates of reserves of fossil fuels as number of years of production ( at current rate of production):
o Oil 43 years o Coal 417 years o Natural gas 167 years

(Source Wikepedia 2005-06)

Country

Total 237,295

Percentage of World Total 22.6

United States Russia China Australia India Germany Ukraine Kazakhstan South Africa

157,010
114,500 76,400 60,600 40,699

14.4
12.6 8.9 7.0 4.7

33,873
33,600 30,156

3.9
3.9 3.5

World Bank estimates, roughly 40 percent of residences in India are without electricity. Demand for electricity in the country continues to rise and is outpacing increases in capacity. (will grow at an average rate of 3.3 percent per year through 2035). Conventional thermal-generated power accounted for more than 80 percent of electricity in India in 2008.

No renewable energy other than fossil fuels

Nuclear

Renewable energy:
Solar Wind Biomass

Hydro Geothermal