Conventional Sources of EnergyI. The sources of energy which have been in use for a long time, e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas and water power.II. They are exhaust able except water.III. They cause pollution when used, as they emit smoke and ash.IV. They are very expensive to be maintained, stored and transmitted as they are carried over long distance through transmission grid and lines.

Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Conventional sources of energy refer to those sources that have been traditionally used for a long time and are well-established in our society. On the other hand, non-conventional sources of energy are relatively new and have gained prominence due to their environmental benefits and sustainable nature. Let us explore these sources in detail:

Conventional Sources of Energy:
1. Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are the most commonly used conventional sources of energy. They are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Fossil fuels are burned to produce heat and generate electricity.

2. Nuclear Energy: Nuclear power is another conventional source of energy. It involves harnessing the energy released by nuclear reactions, either through nuclear fission or fusion. Nuclear power plants use uranium or plutonium as fuel to generate electricity.

3. Hydropower: Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, utilizes the force of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest conventional sources of energy and is commonly generated through the use of dams and water turbines.

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy:
1. Solar Energy: Solar energy is derived from the sun and is considered one of the most abundant non-conventional sources. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. It is a clean and renewable source of energy.

2. Wind Energy: Wind power harnesses the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines convert the wind's energy into mechanical power, which is then converted into electrical energy. Wind energy is renewable and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy utilizes the heat from the earth's core to generate electricity. It involves tapping into naturally occurring steam or hot water reservoirs beneath the surface and converting the heat energy into usable power.

4. Biomass Energy: Biomass energy is derived from organic materials such as plants, crop residues, and wood. These materials are burned or converted into biogas to produce heat or generate electricity. Biomass energy is considered renewable as new plants can be grown to replace the ones used.

5. Tidal Energy: Tidal power harnesses the energy of ocean tides to generate electricity. It involves constructing barrages or turbines in coastal areas where tides are strong. As the tides ebb and flow, the movement of water drives the turbines, producing electricity.

In conclusion, conventional sources of energy have been the backbone of our energy systems for many years, but their use is often associated with environmental degradation and finite availability. Non-conventional sources, on the other hand, offer sustainable alternatives that are cleaner and renewable. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the adoption of non-conventional sources of energy is becoming increasingly important.