Conventional sources of energy are those that have been traditionally used to meet our energy needs and are typically non-renewable, meaning that they cannot be replenished on a human timescale. The major conventional sources of energy include:
- Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels are the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been buried under the earth’s surface for millions of years. The three major fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are the primary source of energy for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy is generated by splitting atoms of radioactive elements such as uranium and plutonium in a process known as nuclear fission. Nuclear energy is primarily used for electricity generation.
- Hydropower: Hydropower is generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water. It is typically generated by large dams that store water in reservoirs, which is then released through turbines to generate electricity.
Conventional sources of energy have played a significant role in meeting our energy needs, but they have also raised concerns over their environmental impact, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the potential for accidents or disasters. As a result, there has been increasing interest in developing renewable sources of energy, which are cleaner and more sustainable.
