2 Types of Energy Resources Explained

Types of energy resources are; non-renewable and renewable energy resources.

This article discusses the types of energy resources, as follows;

1). Non-Renewable Energy Resources (as one of the Types of Energy Resources)

Non-renewable energy resources are energy resources which occur in limited amounts, and are either not readily replaceable.

In most cases, non-renewable energy resources can be replaced by natural processes; but these processes tend to occur over a very long period of time.

Examples of non-renewable energy resources include fossil fuels like petroleum; which typically takes millions of years to form. Others include coal, natural gas, and nuclear fuel.

The biggest drawback or disadvantage of non-renewable energy resources is their finite nature, which implies that they will eventually be exhausted and runout, especially given the present rates of energy consumption and demand.

As a result, non-renewable energy resources have been the subject of various efforts within the context of ecosystem protection, sustainable development and prevention of resource depletion [3].

The sustainability of non-renewable energy resources is also affected negatively by their role in environmental degradation.

Various forms of environmental degradation are directly caused by, or linked to non-renewable energy resources. Some of these include air quality reduction, soil and water pollution, desertification, climate change and global warming.

The reason behind this is the release of greenhouse gases and toxins from non-renewable energy resources, mostly during their extraction, processing, combustion or conversion.

Efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy resources include the use of carbon capture or carbon-removal technologies, and the development of energy efficient methods and technologies.

Technology has also played a key role in energy conservation; which is an essential concept and practice for reducing waste energy release while using non-renewable energy resources.

Deep-cycle batteries and other energy storage systems are useful technologies for conserving non-renewable energy. Conversion of energy from such resources to electricity, is achieved using technologies like electric generators, fuel-driven turbines and power plants.

2). Renewable Energy Resources (as one of the Types of Energy Resources)

Renewable energy resources are energy resources that are replenished at a relatively rapid rate [2].

The rate at which renewable energy resources are replenished may be instantaneous; equal to or faster than, the rate at which they are consumed.

Renewable energy resources are all natural in origin, and most of them are non-material in composition.

Examples of renewable energy resources are; solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, wave, and bioenergy resources.

Compared to non-renewables, renewable energy resources have less environmental impacts over their entire lifespan.

For this reason, they have formed a major aspect of the concept of sustainability in the energy sector; and are at the center of issues related to energy transition and circular economy [1].

Renewable energy resources have facilitated the growth various innovative technologies including artificial intelligence, microgrids, smart houses and electric cars among others.

Technologies that have been developed to harness renewable energy resources include wind turbines, solar panels, geothermal pumps, water dams and wave converters.

Conclusion

Types of energy resources are;

1. Renewable Energy Resources

2. Non-Renewable Energy Resources

References

1). Ishaq, M.; Ghouse, G.; Fernández-González, R.; Tandir, N.; Oliveira, H. M. (2022). “From Fossil Energy to Renewable Energy: Why is Circular Economy Needed in the Energy Transition?” Frontiers in Environmental Science 10:1. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.941791. (Accessed 17 November 2022).

2). Owusu, P. A.; Sarkodie, S. A. (2016). “A Review of Renewable Energy Sources, Sustainability Issues and Climate Change Mitigation.” Cogent Engineering 3(1):1167990. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2016.1167990. (Accessed 17 November 2022).

3). Said, R.; Bhatti, M. I.; Hunjra, A. I. (2022). “Toward Understanding Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development in Developing and Developed Economies: A Review.” 2022Energies 15(15):5349. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155349. (Accessed 17 October 2022).