Preface

The sources of energy that are exhaustible and being made unceasingly in nature are known as
nonconventional energy or renewable sources of energy. The standard sources embrace the fossil
fuels i.e., coal, oil and gas, sorts of atomic energy i.e., Uranium, whereas the nonconventional
sources like daylight, wind, rain, tides, and energy heat, that are renewable. Since the event and
progress of grouping are closely associated with energy sources, several countries throughout the
globe have engaged themselves in looking and developing non-conventional energy sources that
may be terribly essential to sustain the life cycle of person. The consumption of energy is
directly proportional to the progress of the grouping. With ever growing population,
improvement within the living commonplace of the mankind, industrialization of developing
countries, the world demand for energy is anticipated to extend considerably within the close to
future.

Introduction

Each stage of economic development has been accompanied by a characteristic energy transition
from one major fuel source to another. Today, fossil fuels—coal, oil and natural gas—are by far
the dominant energy source in industrial economies, and the main source of energy production
growth in developing economies. But the twenty-first century is already seeing the start of the
next great transition in energy sources—away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy
sources. This transition is motivated by many factors, including concerns about environmental
impacts (particularly climate change), limits on fossil fuel supplies, prices, and technological
change.
Society will eventually adopt renewable energy, since fossil fuels are limited in supply and only
created over geologic time. Thus the question is not whether society will shift to renewable
energy, but when. Fossil fuel reserve lifetimes may be extended by new technologies for
extraction, but the need to minimize the damaging effects of climate change is a more immediate
problem than fossil fuel depletion. If the worst impacts of rising temperatures and climate
alteration are to be avoided, society needs to switch to renewable energy sources while much
fossil carbon is still safely buried in the earth’s crust.
Energy resource has been the fundamental element for an economy or economic development. It
is clear that economic growth mainly depends on energy consumption, which is highly
responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2.

Consuming non-renewable energy may produce output and foster economic development, but
undoubtedly it is a significant source of carbon emission and environmental degradation. Using
non-renewable energy sources put countries in a dilemma in policy priority between pollution
reduction and economic growth. Thus, whether renewable or non-renewable, the energy should
be used carefully and efficiently as its sources are limited. In addition, due to climate change and
global warming situation, renewable energy could be the most attractive alternative to fossil fuel,
reducing the CO2 emission process. However, introducing new renewable energy technologies,
consuming, and making them available for the citizens, is very time-consuming and costly.

Introduction to Energy Sources:

Energy resources can be defined as materials or elements that can be used to produce energy.
Energy is a quantitative property, which produces an output or a force that can be analysed.

Natural resources are the resources that exist (on the planet) independent of human actions.
These are the resources that are found in the environment and are developed without the
intervention of humans. Common examples of natural resources include air, sunlight, water, soil,
stone, plants, animals and fossil fuels. Natural resources are naturally occurring materials that are
useful to man or could be useful under conceivable technological, economic or social
circumstances or supplies drawn from the earth, supplies such as food, building and clothing
materials, fertilizers, metals, water and geothermal power. For a long time, natural resources
were the domain of the natural sciences.
 Renewable: Resources that are available in infinite quantity and can be used repeatedly are
called renewable resources. Example: Forest, wind, water, etc.
 Non-Renewable: Resources that are limited in abundance due to their non-renewable nature
and whose availability may run out in the future are called non-renewable resources.
Examples include fossil fuels, minerals, etc.
 Conventional Source of Energy: this source of energy is natural energy resources, that has
been used for many years to produce light, heat, food, and electricity. The energy is further
divided into Commercial and Non-commercial sources of energy. This energy is non-
renewable and is available in limited quantity apart from hydro-electric power. Few types of
conventional energy are Coal, natural gas, electricity, thermal power, cow-dung, straw, etc.
 Non-Conventional Source of Energy: This source of energy is available in abundance in
nature as it doesn’t get exhausted easily and are renewable. It is economical, eco-friendly and
used for domestic purposes. Few types of nonconventional energy are wind, sun, biological
waste, etc to produce power and heat.

A renewable energy system transforms energy from the sun, wind, falling water, sea waves,
geothermal heat, or biomass into heat or electricity that humans can utilize. The majority of
renewable energy originates from the sun and wind, either directly or indirectly, and can never
be depleted, which is why it is termed renewable.
However, traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas provide the majority of
the world’s energy. Non-renewable energy sources are the word used to describe these fuels.
Despite the fact that the accessible amount of these fuels is enormous, they are finite and will,
in theory, ‘run out’ at some point in the future.

The planet is rapidly running out of conventional fuels, and non-conventional sources of energy are becoming
our future. With rising energy use, the population is becoming increasingly reliant on fossil
fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. Because the prices of gas and oil continue to rise with each
passing day, it is necessary to guarantee future energy supplies. As a result, we must employ
more and more renewable energy sources.

Natural resources like wind, tides, solar, biomass, etc generate energy which is known as “Non-
conventional resources“. These are pollution free and hence we can use these to produce a clean
form of energy without any wastage.

As the consumption of energy grows, the population depends more and more on fossil fuels such as
coal, oil and gas day by day. There is a need to secure the energy supply for future since the prices
of gas and oil keep rising by each passing day. So we need to use more and more renewable sources
of energy. For the effective exploitation of non-conventional sources, there has been an
establishment of a separate department namely “Department of non-conventional sources of
energy” by the government of India.

Advantages of Non-conventional energy sources:

 They are renewable in nature.

 They produce little or no pollution as compared to traditional energy sources.

 They require little maintenance.

 They are a long-term cost-effective choice.

Disadvantages of Non-conventional energy sources:

 The initial setup cost is greater.

 Energy cannot be taken 24/7, year-round, because certain days will be windier than
others, and the sun will shine. stronger on other days.

 Energy must be stored. Geographical locations might be difficult to navigate.

1. Solar Energy

Since prehistoric times, solar energy has been the most easily available and free source of
energy. Every year, solar energy estimated to be equivalent to approximately 15,000 times the
world’s annual commercial energy consumption reaches the planet. For 300 to 330 days per
year, India receives solar energy in the range of 5 to 7 kWh/m2. This energy is enough to run
a 20-megawatt solar power plant per square kilometer of land.

The NTPC project would have nearly twice the capacity of Rajasthan’s Bhadla solar park,
which is presently the country’s largest single-location solar power plant. By 2032, NTPC
hopes to have built 60 GW (gigawatts) of renewable energy capacity.

“Longer-term benefits will come from the development of affordable, unlimited, and clean
solar energy technologies,” the International Energy Agency declared in 2011. It would
strengthen countries’ energy security by depending on an abundant, limitless, and mostly
import-free supply. It boosts sustainability, decreases pollution, cut climate change mitigation
costs, and keep fossil fuel prices lower than they would be otherwise. These benefits are
widespread. As a result, the increased expenses of early deployment incentives should be
viewed as learning expenditures that must be carefully spent and equitably shared “. Australia
has the highest amount of solar power in the world, accounting for 9.9% of total electricity
demand in 2020.

Solar thermal devices are utilized in residential and industrial solar water heaters, air
warmers, solar cookers, and solar dryers.

I. Solar water heaters:

It comprises a thin, flat, rectangular box installed on the roof of a building or residence with a
transparent cover towards the sun. Small tubes go through the box, carrying the fluid to be
heated, which might be water or another fluid like an antifreeze solution. The tubes are
connected to a heat-absorbing absorber plate, which is coated with specific coatings. Heat is
generated in the collector and transferred to the fluid flowing through the tubes.
The most efficient, but also the most expensive, form of hot water solar collector is the
evacuated tube collector. Glass or metal tubes with a vacuum are used in these collectors,
allowing them to work in colder areas.

II. Solar cooker:

A solar cooker is a device that cooks using sun energy, reducing the need for fossil fuels,
wood, and electricity to a considerable amount. However, it can only be used to augment
cooking fuel, not to completely replace it. It is a basic cooking device that is suitable for home
use throughout most of the year, with the exception of the monsoon season, overcast days, and
the winter months. Solar cookers in a box: In India, the box solar cookers with a single
reflecting mirror are the most common. These cookers have become quite popular in rural
regions where women spend a significant amount of time gathering firewood.

III. Solar Photovoltaic (PV):

Using the photoelectric effect, a photovoltaic system transforms light into electrical direct
current (DC). Solar PV has grown into a multibillion-dollar, fast-growing business that is
continuing to increase its cost-effectiveness and, together with CSP, has the highest promise
of any renewable technology. Lenses or mirrors, as well as tracking systems, are used in
concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to focus a wide region of sunlight into a tiny beam.
Concentrated solar power facilities were first produced commercially in the 1980s.

The technical name for solar electric is photovoltaic. Photo is short for “light,” while voltaic
is short for “electric.” PV cells are typically constructed of silicon, a material that releases
electrons spontaneously when exposed to light. The amount of electrons emitted by silicon
cells is proportional to the amount of light shining on it. The silicon cell is encased in a metal
grid that guides electrons along a route to produce an electric current. This current is directed
into a wire that connects to a battery or a DC device. One cell typically produces 1.5 watts of
electricity. Individual cells are linked to make a solar panel or module with a power output of
3 to 110 watts. Solar panels may be linked in series and parallel to form a solar array that can
produce as much power as space allows. Modules are typically intended to provide 12 volts of
power. The peak Watt production of PV modules is measured at solar noon on a clear day.
IV. Pumps for Solar Water:

The pump in a solar water pumping system is powered by a solar-powered motor rather than
traditional energy taken from the utility grid. A solar array placed on a platform and a motor-
pump set compatible with the photovoltaic array make up an SPV water pumping system. It
transforms solar energy into electricity, which is then utilized to power the motor-pump
system. Water is drawn from an open well, a bore well, a stream, a pond, or a canal via the
pumping system.

2. Wind Energy

Wind energy is the process of harnessing wind power to generate electricity. The wind’s
kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy. Because of the earth’s curvature, various
parts of the atmosphere are heated to varying degrees when solar radiation enters the
atmosphere. The equator receives the most heat, while the poles receive the least.

Winds are created as air moves from warmer to colder locations, and it is these airflows that
are captured in windmills and wind turbines to generate electricity. Wind power is not a new
discovery; it has been utilized for millennia in the form of conventional windmills – for
grinding maize, pumping water, and sailing ships. With improved technology, wind power can
now be used to create energy on a bigger scale.

With a potential of 20,000 MW, India has been identified as one of the most attractive
countries for wind power development. As of September 2001, the world’s total installed
capacity of wind power generators was 23270 MW. Germany has 8100 MW, Spain has 3175
MW, the United States has 4240 MW, Denmark has 2417 MW, and India has 1426 MW. As a
result, India is ranked fifth in the world for wind energy generation. Tamil Nadu has 39 wind
potential stations, Gujarat has 36, Andhra Pradesh has 30, Maharashtra has 27, Karnataka has
26, Kerala has 16, Lakshadweep has 8, Rajasthan has 7, Madhya Pradesh has 7, Orissa has 7,
West Bengal has 2, Andaman Nicobar has 1 and Uttar Pradesh has 1. Seven of the 208
eligible stations had a wind power density of greater than 500 Watts/m2.

3. Biomass Power

Biomass is a renewable energy source made up of carbon-based waste from human and
natural activity. It comes from a variety of places, including wood industry by-products,
agricultural crops, forest raw material, domestic trash, and so on. Biomass does not emit
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since it absorbs the same amount of carbon throughout its
growth as it emits when burned. It has the benefit of being able to generate energy using the
same equipment that is now used to burn fossil fuels.

Biomass is a significant source of energy and, after coal, oil, and natural gas, the most
important fuel on the planet. Bio-energy, in the form of biogas, is anticipated to become one
of the most important energy sources for worldwide sustainable development. Biomass, in the
form of Biogas, has a better energy efficiency than direct burning.

Biogas is a clean and efficient fuel made from cow dung, human waste, or any other
biological substance that has been fermented anaerobically. The biogas contains 55-60%
methane and the remainder is mostly carbon dioxide. Biogas is a non-toxic fuel that may be
used for cooking and lighting. The by-product can be used as high-quality manure.

Biomass fuels make for roughly a third of the country’s overall fuel use. It is the primary
source of energy for over 90% of rural families and around 15% of urban households. Energy
and manure are produced using solely local resources, such as cow dung and other organic
wastes. As a result, biogas plants are low-cost energy sources in rural regions.

4. Hydropower

The commencement of the industrial revolution was driven by the potential energy of falling
water, which was collected and transformed to mechanical energy by waterwheels.

Rivers and streams were dammed and mills were erected wherever there was enough head or
change in elevation. A turbine spins because water under pressure flows through it. The
Turbine is linked to a generator, which generates power.

The potential of small hydropower in India is estimated to be over 10,000 MW. By the end of
March 1999, India has installed a total of 183.45 MW of small hydro projects. Small
hydropower plants with a capacity of 3 MW have been erected separately, while a 148 MW
project is now being built.
5. Ocean and Tidal Energy

I. Tidal Energy:

The building of a barrage across an estuary to prevent the incoming and outgoing tides is
required for tidal power generation. As with hydroelectric dams, the head of water is utilized
to drive turbines that create energy from the raised water in the basin.

Barrages can be built to generate power on the ebb, flood, or both sides of the river. The tidal
range can range from 4.5 to 12.4 meters depending on the location. For cost-effective
operation and adequate head of water for the turbines, a tidal range of at least 7 m is
necessary.

II. Ocean Power:

Oceans encompass more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, making them the biggest solar
collectors on the planet. Ocean energy is derived from water waves, tides, and thermal energy
(heat) stored in the ocean. The sun warms the topwater far more than the deep ocean water,
storing thermal energy in the process.

6. Geothermal Energy

It is a type of energy that comes from the earth. It is trapped in the Earth’s crust at a depth of
10 km in the form of hot springs, geysers, and other natural phenomena. About 250 hot
springs with temperatures ranging from 90 to 130 degrees Celsius have been discovered in
areas like Puga Valley in Ladakh, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, and Tattapani in
Chhattisgarh, indicating that India’s geothermal potential is largely found along the
Himalayas. The National Aerospace Laboratory in Bangalore has established a pilot project
near Manikaran for research and development as well as data collection in order to construct
larger geothermal power plants.

India boasts the world’s largest renewable energy programs. In India’s villages and towns, a
variety of renewable energy solutions have been created and utilized. In 1992, the Ministry of
Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) was established to oversee all aspects of non-
conventional and renewable energy. The government of India also established the Renewable
Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) to assist and give financial assistance for
renewable energy projects in the form of subsidies and low-interest loans.
Any country’s long-term economic success and progress are inextricably linked to the
development and security of its energy sectors. In light of conventional energy sources’ finite
and limited reserves, as well as their environmental effect, a strong focus should be placed on
the development of non-conventional energy sectors and their efficient usage for the benefit
and advancement of society. Such efforts would also aid in the creation of a large number of
job possibilities at all levels, particularly in rural regions. As a result, for emerging countries,
mainstreaming non-conventional and renewable energy technology is becoming increasingly
important. The non-conventional and renewable energy industries in India have a lot of room
for growth. India is the only country with a dedicated ministry for non-conventional energy
sources. India has the world’s biggest decentralized solar energy program, the world’s second-
largest biogas and improved stove program, and the world’s fifth-largest wind energy
program.

Energy economics
Energy economics as a separate field emerged with the energy turmoil of the 1970s. Many
people were suddenly drawn into dealing with energy issues and felt a strong need for
organizations exclusively dealing with their concerns.
Nature of Energy Economics
 Natural resource economics focuses on the supply, demand, and allocation of the Earth’s
natural resources.
 Every man-made product in an economy is composed of natural resources to some degree.
 Natural resources can be classified as potential, actual, reserve, or stock resources based on
their stage of development.
 Natural resources are either renewable or non-renewable depending on whether or not they
replenish naturally.
 Natural resource utilization is regulated through the use of taxes and permits. The
government and individual states determine how resources must be used and they monitor
the availability and status of the resources.
 As a field of academic research, natural resource economics addresses the connections and
interdependence between human economies and natural ecosystems.
 By studying natural resources, economists learn how to develop more sustainable methods of
managing resources to ensure that they are maintained for future generations.
 Natural resource economics is studied on an academic level, and the findings are used to
shape and direct policy-making for environmental issues. These issues include resource
extraction, depletion, protection, and management.
 Natural resource economics findings impact policies for environmental work including issues
such as extraction, depletion, protection, and management.
 An externality is a cost or benefit that affects a party who did not choose to incur the cost or
benefit.
 A negative externality, also called the external cost, imposes a negative effect on a third
party.
 When external costs are present, the market equilibrium use of natural resources is inefficient
because the social benefit is less than the social cost. In other words, society would have been
better off if fewer natural resources had been used.
 Positive externalities, also referred to as external benefits, imposes a positive effect on a third
party.
 Assuming that natural resources are used and also sustained, the external benefits of goods
produced by natural resources impacts the majority of the public in a positive way.
Scope of Energy Economics
The findings of natural resource economists are used by governments and organizations to better
understand how to efficiently use and sustain natural resources. The findings are used to gain
insight into the following environmental areas:
Extraction: the process of withdrawing resources from nature. Extractive industries are a basis
for the primary sector of the economy. The extraction of natural resources substantially increases
a country’s wealth. Economists study extraction rates to make sure that resources are not
depleted. Also, if resources are extracted too quickly, the sudden inflow of money can cause
inflation. Economists seek to maintain a sense of balance within extraction industries.
Depletion: the using up of natural resources, which is considered to be a global sustainable
development issue. Many governments and organizations have become increasingly involved in
preserving natural resources. Economists provide data to determine how to balance the needs of
societies now and preserve resources for the future.
Protection: the preservation of natural resources for the future. The findings of economists help
governments and organization develop measures of protection to sustain natural resources.
Protection policies state the necessary actions internationally, nationally, and individually that
must take place to control natural resource depletion that is a result of human activity.
Management: the use of natural resources taking into account economic, environmental, and
social concerns. This process deals with managing natural resources such as land, water, soil,
plants, and animals. Particular focus is placed on how the preservation of natural resources
impacts the quality of life now and for future generations.

Case Study

India, a land of vast landscapes and cultures, goes beyond its bustling cities and streets, where we find
communities in the remote corners. For these residents, basic needs like reliable electricity are a
routine challenge. But amidst these challenges, renewable energy seems to be the ray of hope as such
an initiative can bring a progressive transformation.

Multiple challenges are faced by the remote communities in India, one of them being a dependable
source of energy. This led to energy poverty for years, where people would use basic-level, non-
renewable sources of energy that couldn’t fulfill their everyday necessities. Such challenges might
seem little at first but have a bigger picture impact not only on residents’ personal lives but the
economic growth and social development.

Case Study 1: Solar Power in Sunderbans

Situated in the vast deltas of West Bengal, Sunderbans is a remote region called home by many
communities. In this solar energy case study on renewable energy resources in India, one of the
greatest challenges here was to have access to electricity, which hinders daily tasks like lighting,
cooking, and powering essential appliances. The residents struggled with pitch darkness after sunset
due to a lack of electricity infrastructure. As Sundarbans receive ample sunlight every day, driving
energy from the sun was an innovative solution.

Case Study 2: Wind Energy in Dharnai

Dharnai is a small village situated in Bihar which suffered from a lack of electrical grid for over three
decades. Case study on energy resources in India 2 unfolds the resolution of the problem by installing
a microgrid powered by wind turbines. This led to a significant change in the ways wind energy was
harnessed to provide electricity to the village. Another impact it made was on the economic activities
and a drastic drop in the dependence on external sources for electricity.
Case Study 3: Microgrids in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is known for its rugged terrains and remote villages which have been stricken by darkness
and lack of electricity. To resolve this issue, as case study 3 on renewable energy resources in India
says, microgrids are used to gather energy for remote areas. This initiative was a huge success as it
transformed the landscape of dense forests and connected the villages to power. Not only did this
source of renewable energy bring light, but also improved the healthcare, education, and overall living
conditions of the residents.

Case Study 4: Hydroelectric Power in Spiti

Spiti, one of the fascinating valleys and most loved travel destinations of the Himalayas, also has
neglected villages that struggle with power poverty. Renewable energy case study India 4 digs deeper
into the utilization of hydroelectric power. It is because this sustainable power remote location was
blessed with fast-flowing rivers and high altitudes, which made Spiti ideal for hydroelectric projects.
This led to a journey of a major shift from depending on diesel generators to a sustainable energy
supply as well as the development of the community.

Socio-Economic Impact

The wave of renewable energy did not leave any stone unturned when it came to making a dent in the
socio-economic conditions of these remote communities. It has opened the doors to an opportunity to
live a better life while opting for a cost-effective alternative. Access to sustainable sources of energy
has led to healthcare advancements, better educational outcomes, increased income opportunities, etc.

After going through the success stories of renewable energy in remote India, it would be safe to say
that this can be the bigger future of the country. From government and local organizations to
international agencies, everyone is working together to use this innovation for the better of the world.
In fact, with proper education and awareness, we can inspire common folks to follow this wave and
pave their way for the future.

Conclusion

As the fossil fuels are one of the most the biggest pollutants on the planet, demand for the non-
conventional sources is developing. These sources not only instigate greenhouse effects but also
reduce the dependence on oil and gas. Therefore in order to meet the energy demand of the
increasing population, the scientists are developing methods for us to tap into various non-
conventional sources of energy, which are not only renewable but also non-polluting.

Global warming, environmental pollution, and other related issues are no more country-specific
problems now. For power generation and carbon dioxide sequestration, the clean development
mechanism involves the massive deployment of renewable energy technologies to promote the
concept of sustainable development (Latake et al., 2015). In addition to the (greenhouse gas)
GHG mitigating potential of renewable energy resources, the energy security guarantee is swiftly
becoming a reality with the exploitation of different renewable energy resources. The clean
development mechanism is a fundamental idea of the Kyoto Protocol under the canopy of the
United Nations Framework on Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, it was
envisaged that the industrialized nations would finance emission reduction mechanisms whereby
the fund will be given to developing countries as sponsorship for renewable energy programs. To
mitigate this problem, introducing more green technologies and renewable energy sources can be
a solution.