Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Non-Renewable Energy
Coal
Coal is a solid fossil fuel formed from ancient forests buried underground. It was the first fuel used for energy generation and remains the cheapest. Coal reserves are estimated to be ten times larger than oil and gas reserves.
Advantages
- Open-pit mining extraction.
- High heat yield, used to generate steam for turbines.
- Abundant reserves.
Disadvantages
- Negative impact on the landscape.
- CO2 and sulfur emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect and acid rain.
- Waste contaminates soil and groundwater.
Oil
Oil replaced coal in the early 20th century. It’s an oily substance, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, found in semi-solid, liquid, and gaseous forms. Oil and natural gas are formed from decomposed marine plankton trapped in seafloor sediments. Various products are derived from crude oil, including tar, plastics, asphalt, waxes, diesel, kerosene, gasoline, fertilizers, and more.
Advantages
- Diverse range of products.
- Well-developed distribution network.
- Simple extraction process.
- High calorific heat.
Disadvantages
- Combustion produces pollutants, contributing to the greenhouse effect and acid rain.
- High risk of marine contamination.
- Limited reserves.
- Creates conflicts between countries.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is often found alongside oil deposits and is the gaseous fraction that accumulates above the oil reservoir. It’s transported via pipelines or in large pressurized vessels.
Advantages
- Simple and inexpensive extraction.
- Low pollution.
- Pipelines pose less risk than other transport methods.
- No solid particles generated during combustion.
Disadvantages
- Transporting liquefied natural gas by ship is hazardous.
- Limited reserves.
- CO2 emissions during combustion.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is released from radioactive minerals like uranium through fission. Uranium is bombarded with neutrons, creating a chain reaction and immense energy. Nuclear power plants require precise control using moderators to absorb neutrons. The heat generated is used to create steam, which drives turbines connected to alternators, producing electricity.
Advantages
- High performance.
- No air pollutants.
Disadvantages
- High construction and maintenance costs.
- Risk of radiation leaks and accidents.
- Radioactive waste remains active for thousands of years.
Renewable Energy
Solar Power
: You can use this potential by harnessing thermal energy or photovoltaic conversion. Heat utilization is the absorption of solar energy to heat a fluid. This process takes place in some devices called collectors. The connectors are formed by a flat box lined clear glass inside painted black pipes that circulate the water ..Connectors concentration involves using mirrors to direct light to one point that heat is used in solar thermal power plants to generate heat energy gained is very térmica.el superior.se used in metal smelters. Photovoltaic conversion is the transformation of a text solar energy and electric power to solar panels that are used. This produces a photovoltaic effect: The light energy (photons) is absorbed by electrons, which come apart and move to an electric field causing electricity well.
Advantages
Source of free and inexhaustible energy.
The photovoltaic conversion does not require water and maintenance is minimal.
It pollutes.
Disadvantages
The solar panel is expensive.
Requires lots of space for installation.
It requires a minimum insolation level.
Generates a visual impact on landscape
Wind Power.
Is wind energy can be harnessed to produce power through wind turbines. Machines are equipped with rotating blades that are coupled to a generator can use small wind turbines or wind farms. aprobecharse wind power to produce energy can electricamediante aerogeneradores.son a rotating bladed makinas k are set in motion by action of viento.estan coupled to an alternator that converts mechanical energy into electricity.
Advantages.
Low cost, little pollution.
Disadvantages.
The profitability obtained if the wind has a minimum speed of 5m/sa a height of 10 meters.
The wind has to be constant.
That there is no turbulence.
It causes a visual impact on the landscape.
Reduce soil moisture and promote erosion.