What are the conventional sources of energy

Energy is the basic need of all living things on this planet. Without energy, nothing is possible on the earth. The consumption of energy increases day by day due to the development of the countries. We need some sources to produce sufficient energy. These sources may be natural or man-made modified or purified. These energy sources are divided into two parts. These parts are conventional and non-conventional sources of energy. In this article, we will discuss what are the conventional sources of energy sources.

Energy

Energy is the ability to do work. The modern world lives smoothly only because human being learns to convert one form of energy into other forms of energy. Energy can be used only after conversion from one form to another one. Human beings use energy to walk, run vehicles, and other transportations equipment.  People also use energy to cook food, lighthouses, and do all other important works.

Forms of energy

• Electrical energy
• Heat energy
• Light energy
• Motion energy
• Gravitational energy
• Chemical energy

These forms of energy are categorized into two forms

• Potential energy
• Kinetic energy

We get these energies from different sources of energy. These sources are categorized into two types:-

1. Conventional source of energy.
2. Non-conventional source of energy.

Here we will discuss only Conventional sources of energy.

Conventional source of energy

As the name indicates these are the sources which are used since ancient times. These sources are coal, natural gases, petroleum, and nuclear energy, etc. these sources are also known as non-renewable sources of energy. These are the sources that can’t be reused again after one-time use. If we talk about the percentage of consumptions. Coal, natural gas, and petroleum hold 90% of the production of energy all over the world. Only 10% production of energy holed by hydroelectric and nuclear energy. These resources are available in a limited quantity because the formation of these sources takes thousands of years.

Conventional sources of energy have two types: –

1. Commercial energy sources
2. Non- commercial energy sources.

Commercial energy sources

These are the energy sources that are available to users after payment. Means peoples have to pay their price to use these sources of energy.

• Coal
• Natural gas and petroleum
• Electricity

Coal

Coal is the most commonly used conventional source of energy. It is available beneath the earth’s surface in the form of rocks. This is the residue of the plant and the animal which are buried under the soil. Animal and plant residue converted into coal after thousands of years with excessive pressure on it. Mines have to be dug to extract coal from the earth which leads to higher investment and labor costs.

There are many coal mines around the world that can be found easily with the help of the latitude and longitude of that place. India is the fourth-largest coal-producing country in the world. Coal holds 70% of commercial energy consumption.

Natural Gas and petroleum

natural gas and petroleum are also available beneath the earth. Petroleum is formed with a mixture of hydrocarbons just like cycloalkanes and alkanes. Natural gas is formed when air comes in contact with the layers of petroleum. natural gas in the mixture of methane, propane, ethane, butane, and hydrogen sulphones. Beneath the earth crude petroleum available and it needs purification. After the purification, we get diesel, petrol, oil, plastic, and lubricants.

The extraction of crude oil and natural gas is very difficult. These can be extracted by the boring in the earth surface which leads to high investment. After the extraction purification and refining process takes high costs.

Electricity

This is the most common source of energy these days. We use electricity for industrial, commercial, and domestic purposes. Currently, most of the equipment works on electricity. The demand and the consumption of electricity increase day by day.

The main sources of electricity generation are: –

• Thermal power
• Hydroelectric power
• Nuclear power

Thermal power

Thermal power is produced by thermal power plants. In these power plants, coal and oil are used to heat the boiler. These boilers produce steam which is used to run the generator. Thermal power plants play a vital role in the total production of electricity to the world.

Hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power is produced in hydroelectric power plants. These projects are set up where water is available in large amounts with some elevation. In a hydroelectric power plant, the kinetic energy of water is used to rotate the turbine. These turbines rotate the generator and, in this way, electricity is produced. For this, a water dam has to be constructed which stores the water.

The construction of hydroelectric power plants increases rapidly in the last few years. Now people and governments understand the need for this convenient source of energy.

Nuclear power

Nuclear power is generated in nuclear power plants. In these plants, uranium is used as fuel. The cost of uranium is less than coal. For the production o nuclear energy nuclear reactions take place.  This is one of the most eco-friendly energy.

Non- commercial sources of energy

These are the source that is mostly free available. These sources can be obtained from the users themselves. These sources are mostly used in the village, undeveloped, and mountain areas.

Types of the non-commercial sources of energy

• Firewood
• Straw
• Dried dung

Advantages of Conventional sources of energy

1. Easily produced a large amount of energy.
2. Provide employment for many peoples.
3. Easy to transport with the help of a suitable transportation system.
4. It plays a major role in the development of the countries.

Disadvantages of conventional source of energy

1. Available in limited quantity.
2. A major cause for the different types of pollutions like water pollutions, air pollutions, soil pollutions, etc.
3. High cost for extraction and construction works.
4. Takes thousands of years for the formation.

This is all about what are the conventional sources of energy. We hope you understand the topic very well. For better understanding go through our article on the difference between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy. If you have any quarry then feel free to contact us.