Non-Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact on the Environment

Coal:

This mineral is used as a fuel to produce electricity in thermal power stations. It is also used as a basic raw material in the iron and steel industry. It is extracted through mining. It has traditionally been a widely used source of energy, but nowadays it is gradually being used less because the extraction process is very expensive.

Petroleum:

This liquid is the world's most important energy source. It is used as a fuel and raw material in the petrochemical industry. It is also used to produce electricity in thermal power stations and to make vehicle fuels. It is found in reservoirs located underground and on the sea floor. Once it is extracted, it is transported through pipelines or by oil tankers.

Natural Gas:

It is also used to produce electricity in thermal power stations. It is usually found in oil fields, in close proximity to petroleum. Natural gas consumption is increasing because it is being used instead of coal and petroleum.

Nuclear Energy:

It is produced through a nuclear reaction called fission. This reaction splits the atomic nucleus of a radioactive mineral, usually uranium. This is carried out in nuclear power stations to produce electricity. The main problem with this energy type is that it generates harmful radioactive waste that damages our health and the environment. This means that it is an unpopular form of energy.