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Conventional Sources of Energy |
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Coal |
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Petroleum |
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Natural Gas |
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Hydel Power |
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Conventional sources of energy refer to the energy sources that have been used for a long time and are still being utilized on a large scale. Examples of conventional sources of energy include coal and petroleum.
Coal is a significant mineral resource in India. It is found as a sedimentary rock alongside carbonaceous shale, sandstone, and fine clay. The formation of coal dates back approximately 300 million years when large land plants and trees were buried under the Earth's surface. Over time, sediments were deposited over these buried plants and trees, and the resulting heat and pressure led to physical and chemical changes, ultimately forming coal.
Coal can be classified into four main types based on its carbon content and moisture levels:
Distribution and Uses of Varieties of Coal in India
Anthracite
Bituminous
Lignite
Peat
Advantages of Using Coal
Disadvantages of Coal in India
Petroleum is a crucial mineral resource, often referred to as 'liquid gold' because every part of crude petroleum is utilized without waste. It is found in underground reservoirs within sedimentary rock formations such as sandstone, shale, and limestone.
During the refining process, various products are obtained from petroleum, including petrol, diesel, kerosene, tar, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), lubricants, and paraffin wax.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Oil refineries play a crucial role in transforming crude oil into various useful products. During the refining process, crude oil is separated and processed into different fractions based on their boiling points. The main products obtained from this process include:
Reliance Petroleum Limited at Jamnagar, Gujarat, was the first private sector refinery in India. Most refineries are strategically located near oilfields or coastal areas to reduce transportation costs.
ONGC Platform at Mumbai High Mumbai High is a prominent offshore oil field situated 176 km off the coast of Mumbai in the Arabian Sea. The name "Mumbai High" refers to the elevated syncline in the rock structure where oil reserves have been discovered. This field is known for its high productivity and substantial reserves, estimated at 50 million tonnes of oil.
Digboi Oil Field in upper Assam is recognized as the largest oilfield in India. Cambay Basin in Gujarat is another significant oil-bearing region, along with other noteworthy sites in the state, including Kalol, Koyali, Kosamba, Sanand, Ankleshwar, and Navgaon.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found in association with mineral oil. It is formed from the decomposed remains of dead plants and animals that were buried under the earth's surface.
Distribution
Natural Gas: More than three-fourths of India’s natural gas comes from Mumbai High. Other production areas include Assam, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Advantages of Natural Gas
Disadvantages of Natural Gas
Hydel power, also known as hydroelectricity, is the generation of electricity from water. This process occurs when water stored in a dam falls from a great height onto a turbine, causing its blades to spin forcefully. This rotation drives a generator, producing electricity. Hydropower projects are considered multipurpose because they serve various functions, including irrigation, domestic and industrial water supply, and flood control.
The Bhakra Nangal Dam project is a collaborative effort involving the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The Bhakra dam holds the distinction of being the second highest dam in India. Its reservoir, known as Gobind Sagar, has a storage capacity of 9.3 billion cubic meters, making it the third largest water reservoir in the country.
The Bhakra-Nangal project includes:
The objectives of the Bhakra Nangal project are:
The Hirakud Dam is constructed across the Mahanadi River and was among the first multipurpose river projects initiated after India gained independence, with its construction completed in 1953. It holds the distinction of being the longest major earthen dam in Asia and also creates the largest artificial lake on the continent. The dam features two observational towers, known as Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar, located on either side of the structure.
Benefits of the Hirakud Dam
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1. What are the main types of conventional sources of energy? | ![]() |
2. How do fossil fuels contribute to energy production? | ![]() |
3. What are the environmental impacts of using conventional energy sources? | ![]() |
4. What is the role of nuclear energy in conventional energy sources? | ![]() |
5. How does hydroelectric power work as a conventional energy source? | ![]() |