8. Conventional and Non-conventional Energy Resources , Tribes, Geography of Rajasthan | RAS RPSC Prelims Preparation - Notes, Study Material & Tests - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Petroleum, natural gas, coal, nitrogen, uranium and water power are examples of conventional sources of energy. They're also called non-renewable sources of energy and are mainly fossil fuels, except water power. Rising growth of population has created a tremendous pressure on the conventional resources of energy and thus the concept of sustainable development get prominent position. Rajasthan has great source of conventional energy resources which have played a key role in the modern agricultural, industrial and economic development.

Coal

Rajasthan is poor in coal resources and lignite coal of tertiary era is found in the state. Major lignite deposits of Rajasthan are:-

1. Palana lignite deposits- South of Bikaner
2. Kapurdi- Barmer
3. Merta- Nagaur
4. Gurha- Bikaner

Oil and Natural Gas 

The extensive occurrences of petroleum basins in Western Rajasthan have made it a large potential region for hydrocarbons. With the untiring efforts of State Government, a total of 400.00 million tons of crude oil prospectus and 11.79 billion cubic meters of gas have been proved in the State, which has opened the path of rapid economic development of the State.

• Barmer-Sanchore Basin,
• Jaisalmer Basin &
• Bikaner-Nagaur Basin,

These have the potential of hydrocarbon and lignite deposits. These three basins are now recognized as Category-Ion the basis of their proven commercial productivity.

Various projects started by government are:-

1. COAL BED METHANE (CBM)
2. UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION (UCG)
3. GAS CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT (GCA)

Import of oil and natural gas has been a major burden on Indian economy and the production of hydrocarbons from the basins of Rajasthan has been a boon for the nation

Nuclear Resources

• Nuclear resources in Rajasthan could help a great deal in the energy security of the nation
• The deposit found at Rohil in Rajasthan’s Sikar district is estimated at 5,185 tonnes, which makes it the fourth largest in the country after Tummalapalle, Chitrial and Peddagattu extension in Andhra Pradesh.
• The new site is close to the Rohil North region, which has already been found to have a deposit of about 381 tonnes.

Non-conventional Energy Resources of Rajasthan

Development of non-conventional sources of energy is of prime importance for the sustainable and inclusive growth in the state. Conventional energy resources are depleting at an accelerated rate and non-conventional resources could play a leading role in energy security in the state. Non-Conventional energy resources could minimise the transmission cost and energy divide between the remote locations

Solar

• Rajasthan has a unique geographical location in the tropical climate which enables it with high solar radiation intensity throughout the year.
• Sky is clear with abundant sunlight for about 300 days a year
• Solar insulation is greater than 600 Kcal/ sq. cm. throughout the state.
• solar energy could be used as heat energy or could be converted into electricity through photovoltaic cells.

Various uses of solar energy are:-

1. Solar Power thermal plants - such as at Mathania with help of world bank
2. Solar Gasifier- Kota, Bharatpur, Hanumangarh and Lunkaransar
3. Solar Milk Chilling Plant- Bharatpur
4. Solar Cookers
5. Solar Road Lights
6. Solar water pumps

Wind

• Velocity of wind in Rajasthan is 10-20 Km/Hr which could be harnessed to produce wind energy.
• Wind mills and Aero generator are two means to utilize wing energy
• Wind mills:- Jaisalmer,Phalodi and Deogarh
• Aero Generator has been established in Jaisalmer.

Biomass

• Mustard husk and Julie flora are the two main source of biomass energy in the state.

Urban Waste

• Cities produce lot of bio degradable products which could be used in energy production as one established in Timarpur Delhi

Tribes: Their history, geographical location, economy and their customs