Differences between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

Following are major differences between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

1. Renewable resources are resources that have a 1. Nonrenewable resources are resources
continuing process of renewal and supply in whose physical quantity does not
nature. increase significantly with time.

Renewable resources cannot be depleted over time Non-renewable resources deplete over time

Renewable resources include sunlight, water, wind and Non-renewable energy includes fossil fuels
also geothermal sources such as hot springs and fumaroles such as coal and petroleum.

Most renewable resources have low carbon emissions and Non-renewable energy has a comparatively
low carbon footprint higher carbon footprint and carbon emissions.

The upfront cost of renewable energy is high. – For

instance, Generating electricity using technologies running Non-renewable energy has a comparatively
on renewable energy is costlier than generating it with lower upfront cost.
fossil fuels

Infrastructure for harvesting renewable energy is Cost-effective and accessible infrastructure is

prohibitively expensive and not easily accessible in most available for non-renewable energy across
countries. most countries

Requires a large land/ offshore area, especially for wind

Comparatively lower area requirements
farms and solar farms

2. They are also called as flow resources. 2. They are also called as stock resources.

4. They are environment friendly 4. They cause pollution

5. These resources are scarce

5. These resources are abundant