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Non-Conventional Sources of Energy - Chapter 3 - Mineral & Power Resources, Class 8, Geography PDF Download

NON-CONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ENERGY

Solar Energy

Solar energy trapped from the sun can be used in solar cells to produce electricity. Many of these cells are joined into solar panels to generate power for heating and lighting purpose. The technology of utilising solar energy benefits a lot of tropical countries that are blessed with abundant sun shine. Solar energy is also used in solar heaters, solar cookers, solar dryers besides being used for community lighting and traffic signals.

Wind Energy

Wind is an inexhaustible source of energy. Wind mills have been used for grinding grain and lifting water since times immemorial. In modern time wind mills, the high speed winds rotate the wind mill which is connected to a generator to produce electricity. Wind farms having clusters of such wind mills are located in coastal regions and in mountain passes where strong and steady winds blow. Windfarms are found in Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, UK, USA and Spain are noted for their wind energy production.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is obtained from energy stored in the nuclei of atoms of naturally occurring radio active elements like uranium and thorium. These fuels undergo nuclear fission in nuclear reactors and emit power. The greatest producers of nuclear power are USA and Europe. In India Rajasthan and Jharkhand have large deposits of Uranium. Thorium is found in large quantities in the Monozite sands of Kerala. The nuclear power stations in India are located in Kalpakkam in Tamilnadu, Tarapur in Maharastra, Ranapratap Sagar near Kota in Rajasthan, Narora in Uttar Pradesh and Kaiga in Karnataka.

Geothermal Energy

Heat energy obtained from the earth is called geothermal energy. The temperature in the interior of the earth rises steadily as we go deeper. Some times this heat energy may surface itself in the form of hot springs. This heat energy can be used to generate power. Geothermal energy in the form of hot springs has been used for cooking, heating and bathing for several years. USA has the world’s largest geothermal power plants followed by New Zealand, Iceland, Philippines and Central America. In India, geothermal plants are located in Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh and Puga Valley in Ladakh.

TIDAL ENERGY

Energy generated from tides is called tidal energy. Tidal energy can be harnessed by building dams at narrow openings of the sea. During high tide the energy of the tides is used to turn the turbine installed in the dam to produce electricity. Russia, France and the Gulf of Kachchh in India have huge tidal mill farms.

BIOGAS

Organic waste such as dead plant and animal material, animal dung and kitchen waste can be converted into a gaseous fuel called biogas. The organic waste is decomposed by bacteria in biogas digesters to emit biogas which is essentially a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas is an excellent fuel for cooking and lighting and produces huge amount of organic manure each year.

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FAQs on Non-Conventional Sources of Energy - Chapter 3 - Mineral & Power Resources, Class 8, Geography

1. What are non-conventional sources of energy?
Ans. Non-conventional sources of energy refer to the methods of generating power that are different from traditional sources such as fossil fuels. These sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass energy.
2. How is solar energy harnessed as a non-conventional source of energy?
Ans. Solar energy is harnessed by using solar panels or photovoltaic cells to capture the energy from the sun. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power various devices and appliances.
3. What is the significance of wind energy as a non-conventional source of energy?
Ans. Wind energy is significant as a non-conventional source of energy because it is renewable, abundant, and does not produce harmful emissions. Wind turbines are used to capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into electrical energy.
4. How is hydropower utilized as a non-conventional source of energy?
Ans. Hydropower is generated by using the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water. Dams are built to create reservoirs, and the stored water is released through turbines. The movement of water spins the turbines, which generate electricity.
5. What is biomass energy, and how is it considered a non-conventional source of energy?
Ans. Biomass energy is derived from organic matter, such as agricultural waste, wood, and animal manure. It is considered a non-conventional source of energy because it utilizes renewable resources and helps reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Biomass can be burned directly or converted into biogas or biofuels to generate heat and electricity.
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