Non-Renewable and Renewable Energy Sources Explained

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Coal

Formed by the decomposition of plant material. Thermal power plants use the energy generated from coal combustion to produce electricity: the heat produced warms water, and the resulting water vapor moves turbines connected to generators.

• Advantages: The cheapest way to produce energy; our main non-renewable resource.
• Impacts: Increases the greenhouse effect and acid rain; it is a finite resource.

Oil

Formed by the decomposition of organic matter.

• Advantages: The transport sector depends on it.
• Impacts: Localized resources (mostly in the Middle East), oil spills, and increased greenhouse effects.

Natural Gas

Formed by the decomposition of organic matter, it is a mixture of gases such as methane and hydrogen.

• Advantages: Significant reserves and cleaner burning.
• Impacts: Localized resources (Middle East and Russia) and increases the greenhouse effect.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power plants use the energy generated in the fission of enriched uranium to produce electricity: the heat produced warms water, and the resulting water vapor moves turbines connected to alternators.

• Advantages: Effective response to energy demand; emits no greenhouse gases.
• Impacts: Radioactive waste and the risk of nuclear disasters.

Renewable Energy Sources

Solar Energy

• Solar-Thermal: Involves the absorption of solar heat by a fluid, used mainly for heating. In solar thermal power plants, the sun's energy is used to obtain water vapor that moves turbines connected to alternators.
• Photovoltaic: Harnesses the sun's energy for electricity directly through the use of photovoltaic cells.

Hydraulic Power

Produced at hydroelectric plants, it uses the force of rivers or water dams to obtain a significant drop, creating a body of water used to move turbines connected to alternators.

• Advantages: The most widely used renewable energy.
• Impacts: Reduces biodiversity, hinders fish migration, decreases river flow, and modifies the microclimate.

Wind Energy

The harnessing of wind energy for electricity by using wind turbines.

• Advantages: Renewable and non-polluting.
• Impacts: High costs and cannot be used everywhere.