Why are Industries moving away from Non-Renewable Energy Sources?

Suchandra Mukherjee

24 Jul, 2023

Renewable energy refers to energy obtained from natural resources that can naturally replenish themselves within a human lifetime without depleting the Earth’s resources. These resources, including sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, biomass, and thermal energy stored in the Earth’s crust, are widely available in various forms across the globe. The remarkable advantage of these sources lies in their virtual inexhaustibility, making them sustainable for the long term which is just the opposite as in the case of Non-renewable energy sources. Furthermore, they have the added benefit of causing minimal harm to the climate and the environment. In contrast, fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas are available in limited quantities. As we continue to extract and consume them, they will eventually become depleted. Although these fuels are produced through natural processes, they cannot replenish as rapidly as we humans consume them. Consequently, they pose a finite and exhaustible energy source in contrast to the sustainable nature of renewable energy options.

What are Non-renewable energy sources?

A non-renewable resource is a natural material that cannot renew or replenish itself at a rate equivalent to its consumption. As a result, these resources are limited and finite. Human activities continuously deplete these substances, while the natural processes required to create new reserves take an extremely long time. Examples of non-renewable resources encompass fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal. In contrast, renewable resources function differently as their supplies can naturally replenish or be sustained.

Characteristics of Non-renewable energy sourcesare:

• Non-renewable resources deplete faster than they can regenerate.
• Their supply is limited and not easily replenished.
• These resources are extracted directly from the Earth.
• Common examples include most fossil fuels, minerals, and metal ores.
• Renewable resources, on the other hand, are abundant and considered sustainable in contrast to non-renewable resources.

Non-renewable sources vs renewable sources

Non-renewable resources are distinguished from renewable resources. Renewable resources are characterized by their abundant and inexhaustible supplies, making them readily available and easily replaceable. Unlike non-renewable resources, renewable ones are generally sustainable, as they cannot be depleted. Examples of renewable resources include the sun, wind, and water, which are widely recognized. Additionally, renewable resources encompass lumber, which can be replenished through planting, geothermal energy derived from the earth’s heat, and biomass. There is a growing emphasis on utilizing renewable resources, especially as energy sources, due to the rapid depletion of non-renewable^[1] resources and their contribution to climate change. Clean energy options, such as solar energy and wind-powered turbines, serve as prominent examples. These sources have the advantage of replenishing themselves naturally and have minimal detrimental effects on the environment.

Transitioning away from non-renewable energy sources

Our society heavily relies on non-renewable resources with limited availability. Therefore, it becomes crucial to advocate for alternative energy sources, particularly renewable options like solar and wind power. Shifting away from non-renewable resources and embracing renewable energy plays a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable future. This transition encompasses significant structural initiatives like the Paris Agreement, as well as the everyday choices made by businesses and individuals.

Taking action to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources includes various measures, both on a larger scale and in individual practices. For instance, driving electric and hybrid vehicles, installing solar panels, ensuring proper insulation for homes and businesses, and using energy-efficient appliances are all smaller yet impactful changes that contribute to minimizing non-renewable resource consumption.

Ideas of alternative businesses other than Non-renewable energy sources

The alternative business ideas that are profitable in the long runare as follows:

• Photovoltaic modules/solar panels
• Power inverters designed for use in photovoltaic power systems
• Solar cells
• Solar water pumps
• Biomass dryers
• Storage batteries specifically designed for solar photovoltaic applications
• Wind turbines and generators
• Electrolysers used for green hydrogen production
• Capacitors tailored for solar applications
• Solar lanterns and solar home lights
• Energy storage devices, including high-energy lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, as well as redox flow batteries
• Power electronic devices, such as voltage converters and photovoltaic inverters
• Biomass gasification units
• Biomass pelletization and torrefaction plants
• Biomass briquette manufacturing machines

Conclusion

Non-renewable energy sources have played a pivotal role in powering human civilization for centuries. However, their widespread use has led to critical environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion. As we confront the urgent need to address climate change and transition to more sustainable energy systems, it becomes increasingly evident that reliance on non-renewable resources is not a viable long-term solution. The finite nature of these resources necessitates a shift towards cleaner and renewable energy alternatives. It is highly recommended to take expert advice while planning to set up a business based on the renewable energy sector to get an idea about the specific licenses and approvals that would be required.

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Read our Article: Renewable Energy Sources And Their Potential In India