Can you picture a vehicle that is powered by water? or one that relies on solar energy? The truth is that you might need to adjust to such absurd notions. The world is fast running out of traditional fuels, thus alternative energy sources will be essential in the future.
Let’s learn more about unconventional energy sources so that we can use them.
“Non-conventional resources” are those that provide energy naturally, such as wind, tides, solar, biomass, etc. Since they are pollution-free, we can use them to generate clean energy without wasting any of it.
Why do we require alternative energy sources?
The population is becoming more and more dependent on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas as energy demand rises. The necessity to ensure the energy supply for the future arises from the fact that the cost of gas and oil is increasing with each passing day. Therefore, we must use an increasing number of renewable energy sources.
Different Non-Traditional Sources
1. Wind Energy
The mechanism by which wind is used to produce power is known as wind energy. Power output rises with increasing wind up to the maximum output of the specific turbine. Wind farms favour locations with stronger, more consistent winds. These are typically found at elevations above sea level. Wind is used by wind turbines to produce power. Since no fossil fuels are burned to produce power, there is no pollution.
2. Solar Energy
Solar energy is captured by directly transforming solar energy in solar power plants into electrical energy. This solar energy conversion mechanism is carried out by photosynthesis. Green plants take in solar energy and transform it into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Although solar energy is one of the most important non-conventional sources of energy, it is used very infrequently. It is the most significant non-conventional source of energy, produces output that is environmentally friendly and non-polluting, and is widely accessible.
3. Tidal Power
Tidal power is a type of hydropower that produces electricity by utilising the energy of tides. We can produce electricity utilising tidal power in regions where the sea encounters waves and tides.
4. Geothermal Power
The heat energy we obtain from hot rocks found in the crust of the planet is known as geothermal energy. Therefore, greenhouse gases held in the earth are released by geothermal wells, but these emissions are far lower per energy unit than those from fossil fuels. Since this energy saves 80% on fossil fuels, it often has cheap operating expenses. The utilisation of geothermal energy has increased as a result. It does not produce pollutants and aids in mitigating global warming.
5. Biomass
Organic material that comes from plants, animals, timber, and sewage is known as biomass. These materials burn to create heat energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. Diverse species of biomass have different chemical makes-ups, but in average, biomass is made up of 75% sugar and 25% lignin. Additionally, cooking, lighting, and the creation of electricity are all possible with biomass energy. A valuable source of manure is the residue that remains after the removal of the biogas. More than 14% of the world’s energy is produced by biomass, making it a significant energy source.
Putting it all together!
Demand for non-conventional sources is growing because fossil fuels are one of the major contributors of global pollution. These sources lessen reliance on oil and gas while simultaneously causing greenhouse consequences. Therefore, scientists are working on ways for us to access numerous non-conventional sources of energy, which are not only renewable but also non-polluting, in order to meet the energy need of the growing population.