Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

Depletion

Renewable resources cannot be depleted

Non-renewable resources deplete over time.
over time.

Sources

Renewable resources include sunlight,

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

Environmental Impact

Most renewable resources have low

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

Cost

The upfront cost of renewable energy is

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

Infrastructure Requirements

Infrastructure for harvesting renewable

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

Area Requirements

Requires a large land/ offshore area,

especially for wind farms and solar Comparatively lower area requirements.
farms.
Renewable Resources

The resources which cannot be exhausted even after continuous utilisation are termed renewable
resources. Examples of renewable resources are the sun, wind, and tidal energy.

Non-renewable Resources

The resources which cannot be immediately replaced once they are depleted are called non-
renewable resources. Examples of non-renewable resources include fossil fuels, such as coal,
petroleum, natural gas and rare minerals typically found in meteorites.

Types of Non-renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy primarily consists of fossil fuels and nuclear fuels.

Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that underwent a process
of decomposition over millions of years. They are categorized into:

Coal

Coal has long been a significant contributor to non-renewable energy production. Coal is formed
from ancient plants’ remains and extracted from underground mines or surface mining methods.
It is widely used in electricity generation and industrial processes, making it a prominent non-
renewable energy resource.

Petroleum Products

Petroleum products are another essential component of non-renewable energy sources derived
from crude oil. Crude oil is extracted from underground reservoirs and refined into various
products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

CNG is sourced from natural gas reserves and compressed for use in vehicles, particularly in
transportation fleets and as a fuel for natural gas power plants. CNG is gaining popularity due to
its lower emissions and cost-effectiveness.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel composed mainly of methane. It is often found in association
with oil deposits. Natural gas is a versatile energy source used for heating, cooking, electricity
generation, and as a fuel for vehicles.

Oil

Oil is a liquid fossil fuel that results from the decomposition of smaller organisms like
zooplankton and algae, which were subjected to immense pressure over time. Oil is a crucial
energy resource used in transportation, manufacturing, and producing various petrochemical
products.

Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuels are utilised in nuclear power plants, where energy is generated through nuclear
fission. The most commonly used nuclear fuel is uranium, found in the Earth’s crust in relatively
low concentrations. Uranium undergoes fission reactions, releasing large amounts of energy.

Advantages of Non-renewable energy

 Non-renewable sources of energy, such as diesel and oil, are known for their affordability,
making them accessible to a wide range of applications.

 Non-renewable energy sources offer ease of accessibility and compatibility with existing
infrastructure.

 These energy sources are relatively easy to store, providing convenience in meeting
energy demands.

Disadvantages of Non-renewable energy

 Non-renewable energy is finite in nature, once depleted, it cannot be replenished.

 The by-products generated from non-renewable energy production contribute to

environmental damage and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

 The transportation, mining, and extraction activities associated with non-renewable

energy sources can result in accidents such as oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, pipeline
leaks, and explosions, causing severe harm to the environment.
Environmental Impact of Non-renewable Energy
Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Burning non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, releases significant amounts of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Air Pollution

Non-renewable energy production and consumption result in the emission of air pollutants
leading to poor air quality and adverse health effects.

Water Pollution

The extraction and utilisation of non-renewable energy resources through coal mining leads to
water pollution. Spills, leaks, and improper waste disposal can contaminate water sources.

Land Degradation

Extracting non-renewable resources involves land disturbance, deforestation, and soil erosion.