February 2023

In the modern era, we use energy in many ways. When we observe carefully, from morning to night, we consume energy in many forms. Along with this, the usage of fossil fuels to run bikes, cars, and other vehicles has been increasing daily. Studies have shown that this usage doesn’t support the protection of the environment. Overusing any energy source will cause permanent damage to this earth and can cause natural calamities too!  When you use automobiles unnecessarily, the gases they release into the air cause air pollution and global warming. Too much extraction of petroleum may harm oceans and cause ocean pollution. That’s why it is high time we learn clearly about various types of energy resources and how we can convert them to protect the environment. Types of energy resources There are many types of energy present in this world, but they can be classified into two types- conventional and non conventional energy. These energies have sources we can obtain, and they are called conventional and non conventional sources of energy. Before knowing about the sources of conventional and non conventional energy resources, let us know about what is conventional energy and non conventional energy. What is conventional energy? The energy formed through conventional sources of energy is called conventional energy. Conventional energy is also called non-renewable energy. This name came because once these energy sources are over, it will take hundreds of years to regain them. That’s why it is essential to use these conventional sources of energy very carefully. The government is already taking necessary precautions to save these sources, but we need to help in our hands. This can happen if every one of us follows eco-friendly methods in our day-to-day life.  What is non-conventional energy? Simply put, non conventional energy is the energy that comes through non conventional energy resources. Research has shown that these resources are unlimited and thus have many benefits for future generations. These can be considered infinite energy resources, and extraction of them or using them doesn’t cause any harm to our environment. What are conventional sources of energy? Conventional energy sources or Non-renewable energy sources are limited and will eventually run out of resources. Conventional energy resource is defined as energy that cannot be economically extracted in the long run at a rate that will allow for self-renewal. Examples of conventional sources of energy include uranium, coal, crude oil, and natural gas. Contrary to non conventional energy, non-renewable energy needs human assistance to be utilized.Let us look at a few sources of conventional energy. 1. Coal:  Coal is a sedimentary rock that forms in seams and is either black or brownish-black in color. The dead plant matter is transformed into peat over millions of years by the heat & pressure of deep burial, which is then converted into coal over millions of years. Coal can be used in many ways. Coal is India’s most frequently used fossil fuel, and it provides a more significant part of the nation’s energy needs. Depending on the levels of compression, the depth, and the length of burial during its creation, there are various varieties of coal. Let us look into those types. 2. Petroleum:  Petroleum is nothing but crude oil, which can be extracted in liquid form. It is the only conventional energy resource we can find in liquid form. It is extracted by drilling a vertical well into the ground or ocean floor; it is situated between rocks or between layers of the earth’s crust. After being refined at a facility and used to create a range of products, the crude oil is subsequently pumped to the surface. To make gasoline, half of the world’s petroleum is consumed. The remainder can be processed and used to make solid products like water pipes, shoes, crayons, roofing, vitamin capsules, and several other things, as well as liquid products like nail polish and rubbing alcohol. 3. Natural gas:  Along with crude oil deposits, nonrenewable gaseous resources such as natural gas can be found beneath the earth’s crust. Methane makes up most of the natural gas but can also contain propane, ethane, and butane. Since methane has no smell, it is mixed up with a specific chemical to give it a scent so that leaks can be found. The propane and butane used to create liquefied petroleum gas are taken out of natural gas and transported to processing facilities. In addition to being used for home heating, natural gas is also used in gas ovens, stoves, and barbecues. 4. Electricity:  Electricity can be one of the conventional and non conventional sources of energy, depending on the resource utilized to produce it. Electricity must be created and purified in electrical power plants using other energy sources. Processing facilities that burn fossil fuels frequently “produce” power in exchange for the fuel they burn. Coal, oil, or gasoline are examples of non-renewable, constrained energy sources that power the electricity-generating turbines. Electricity can be produced via non conventional energy resources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy. You can also use solar power by using different types of solar panels. Electricity can be produced in two ways. These projects, which serve several purposes, include Bhakra Nangal, Damodar Valley, and the Kopili Hydropower Project, among others, and are a significant source of this pollution-free, Environmentally friendly energy in India. 5. Wood fuel:  One of the most common energy sources for those living in rural areas is fuelwood. They use wood for daily tasks like cooking, heating water, and other things. However, burning wood as fuel has the drawback of causing deforestation, which is hugely detrimental to the ecosystem. 6. Nuclear energy:  Nuclear energy is the cleanest form of energy production. It utilizes a procedure known as nuclear fission, which entails the division of an atom into many pieces. A significant quantity of energy is released during the splitting of atoms, and this energy can be exploited to create electricity. Utilizing nuclear energy has the benefit of being reliable and environmentally safe. What are non conventional sources of energy? It is the complete opposite of energy produced by limited fossil fuels. These resources can produce renewable energy. A natural resource