Complete  notes on Renewable vs Non-Renewable Energy  for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025

Complete  notes on Renewable vs Non-Renewable Energy  for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025

General Science- 25 (Environment)

Renewable vs Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable and non-renewable energy sources are the two main categories of energy used by humans, differing primarily in their ability to replenish. Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are naturally replenished and can be used sustainably, while non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels, are finite and will eventually be depleted. Let’s know in brief with major points to ponder with.

1. Introduction

Energy is the capacity to do work.
The world’s energy sources are broadly classified into:

• Renewable Energy: Naturally replenished and sustainable over time.
• Non-Renewable Energy: Finite resources that take millions of years to form and are depleted once used.

2. Renewable Energy

Definition:
Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly.

Types & Examples

1. Solar Energy – Photovoltaic cells, solar thermal
2. Wind Energy – Wind turbines
3. Hydropower – Large dams, micro-hydro
4. Biomass Energy – Biogas, biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel)
5. Geothermal Energy – Steam from earth’s interior
6. Tidal & Wave Energy

Advantages

• Sustainable & inexhaustible
• Low greenhouse gas emissions
• Energy security & rural electrification potential
• Job creation in green sectors

Disadvantages

• High initial capital cost
• Intermittent supply (solar/wind depend on weather)
• Land use & ecological impact (large dams, wind farms)
• Storage challenges

3. Non-Renewable Energy

Definition:
Energy from sources that exist in finite amounts and are consumed faster than they can be replaced.

Types & Examples

1. Fossil Fuels:
   • Coal – Thermal power plants, steel industry
   • Petroleum – Transport, petrochemicals
   • Natural Gas – Cooking, power generation
2. Nuclear Energy:
   • Uranium & thorium in nuclear reactors

Advantages

• High energy density
• Reliable & controllable supply
• Existing infrastructure & technology
• Lower initial cost for fossil fuel plants

Disadvantages

• Non-renewable – eventual depletion
• High greenhouse gas emissions (fossil fuels)
• Environmental degradation (mining, oil spills)
• Nuclear risks – radioactive waste, accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima)

4. Key Differences Table

5. India’s Energy Scenario

• Total Installed Power Capacity (Dec 2024): ~430 GW
  • Renewable Energy (including hydro): ~43% share
  • Coal-based power: ~49% share
• Targets:
  • 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030
  • Net zero emissions by 2070
• Major Schemes:
  • National Solar Mission
  • KUSUM Scheme (for farmers’ solar pumps)
  • National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
  • Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)
  • Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT) Scheme for energy efficiency

6. Environmental Impact Comparison

• Renewable Energy:
  • Minimal CO₂ emissions (except manufacturing stage)
  • Localized ecological impacts (hydropower alters river ecology, wind farms affect birds)
• Non-Renewable Energy:
  • Air & water pollution (SO₂, NOx, particulate matter)
  • Climate change due to GHG emissions
  • Land degradation from mining

7. Exam Relevance

Prelims:

• Installed capacity data
• Recent schemes & policies
• Matching types of energy with their sources

Mains:

• Role of renewables in India’s energy security
• Challenges in renewable energy integration
• Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability

MCQs for Practice

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?
A) Geothermal energy
B) Natural gas
C) Tidal energy
D) Biomass

Q2. The National Solar Mission was launched under which framework?
A) National Action Plan on Climate Change
B) Paris Agreement
C) Energy Conservation Act
D) Electricity Act

Q3. Which has the highest energy density?
A) Wind
B) Solar
C) Coal
D) Uranium

Q4. KUSUM scheme primarily aims at:
A) Promoting wind farms
B) Providing solar pumps to farmers
C) Building large hydro dams
D) Enhancing nuclear power capacity

Q5. Which renewable energy source can provide continuous (base-load) power supply?
A) Solar
B) Wind
C) Geothermal
D) Wave