Non - Conventional Sources of Energy - Geography

Definition of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Non-conventional sources of energy are those developed recently as alternatives to conventional sources like coal and petroleum. They include solar

Importance of Non-Conventional Sources

These are considered the energy resources of the future. Many countries

India’s Solar Potential

India receives solar energy equivalent to 5

Largest Solar Parks in India

Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan has a total capacity of 2

Gandhi Solar Park

India gifted 193 solar panels (one for each UN member) to the UN Headquarters

India’s First Solar Village

Modhera in Gujarat is India’s first solar village with 1

Solar Cells

Solar cells (photovoltaic cells) are made from silicon or gallium wafers. They convert solar radiation into electricity and are used in calculators

Solar Cookers

Solar cookers use reflective mirrors and a glass-covered insulated black box to trap solar heat and cook food. A spherical reflector design increases efficiency

Solar Water Heaters

Solar heaters use flat-plate collectors with copper coils inside insulated boxes. Sunlight heats water in the coils which then flows into storage tanks

Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy is renewable

Definition of Wind Energy

Wind energy is inexpensive

Generation of Wind Energy

Windmills use blades turned by wind to drive machines like pumps or generators. Clusters of windmills form wind farms producing large electricity amounts. India’s largest wind farms are in Tamil Nadu (Nagarcoil to Madurai)

India’s Wind Energy Programme

India’s wind energy programme is the 4th largest in the world after China

Advantages of Wind Energy

Wind energy is renewable

Definition of Tidal Energy

Tidal energy comes from periodic rise and fall of ocean water due to gravitational pull of the moon and sun

Generation of Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is harnessed by constructing barrages. High tide water flows into reservoirs

Advantages of Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is predictable

Definition of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is heat contained in rocks and fluids of the Earth’s crust

Generation of Geothermal Energy

Hot water and steam are extracted from reservoirs deep underground to drive turbines and generate electricity. The cooled water is re-injected underground for reuse

Distribution of Geothermal Energy in India

India has 12

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

It is independent of weather or fuel imports

Definition of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is obtained from the nuclei of radioactive atoms like uranium

Generation of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear fission splits atoms releasing heat

Distribution of Nuclear Energy in India

India has 21 reactors in 7 plants producing 30

Advantages of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy reduces fossil fuel use

Definition of Biogas

Biogas consists of methane

Process of Biogas Production

Bacteria ferment organic matter in absence of oxygen

Advantages of Biogas

Biogas is renewable

Importance of Non-Conventional Energy for India

Non-conventional sources are essential for India to meet growing energy demand