Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Non-Conventional Energy Resources

Energy generated by using wind, tides, solar, geothermal heat, and biomass including farm and animal waste as well as human excreta is known as non-conventional energy. All these sources are renewable or inexhaustible and do not cause environmental pollution. More over they do not require heavy expenditure.

Sun is the source of all energy on the earth and most countries have bright sunlight throughout the years except a brief monsoon period.The exploitation of this vast solar energy can be done through both the thermal and photovoltaic routes for a variety of applications like cooking, water heating, drying of farm produce, water pumping, home and street lighting, power generation for meeting requirements in villages, schools, hospitals etc.For this purpose, various solar water heaters and dryers, solar cooker and solar photovoltaic cell have been developed. Solar photovoltaic technology enables direct conversion of sun light into electricity without causing pollution.

Solar Energy

There are vast potential of geothermal energy in the country. About 340 hot spring localities have been identified in the country. Extensive surveys are being conducted to develop geothermal energy for direct heat and power generation.Examples: In USA, Philippines, Mexico, Iceland, etc. In India, a number of geothermal plants have been commissioned such as Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, Puga valley of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Tatapani.

Geothermal Energy

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Wind is another important source of non-conventional energy. According to the estimates of the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, the wind energy potential in India is 45,600 Mw. This energy system requires cost inputs only at the initial stage but once the power generation starts the cost free power is available for about 20 years.The first wind farms in India were installed in 1986 in coastal areas in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Orissa.

Wind Energy

1. In what appliances is solar energy harnessed for?2. What are the different types of non-conventional energy sources?3. Non-conventional energy sources are __________ or ____________ and do not cause environmental ______________.4. What are biofuels?

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