Types of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

Non-conventional energy sources include solar, geothermal, wind, biomass and tidal energy. In addition to these sources, energy produced with the use of human and animal waste also called non-conventional energy. Generating energy using non-conventional sources does not pose a serious threat to environments. We can produce clean and renewable energy using non-conventional sources.

We will now discuss different non-conventional energy sources.

Solar Energy

One of the popular non-conventional sources is solar energy. It is a form of energy generated by harnessing power of the sun. It is cleaner source of energy that can provide power to millions of households. Most of countries are blessed with solar energy as they receive sunshine throughout the year.

“The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation (insolation) at the upper atmosphere. Approximately 30% is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by clouds, oceans and land masses. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth’s surface is mostly spread across the visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the near-ultraviolet,” according to .

Wind Energy

Wind power is converted into wind energy using wind turbines and other technologies. Wind energy is environmental friendly source of energy, and produces no greenhouse gas emissions. It is cheaper and plentiful source of energy. According to Wind Energy Foundation, the United States currently has 61,110 MW of installed wind project capacity, which comprises 5.7% of total U.S. installed electric generating capacity.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is an untapped energy resource derived from the earth’s heat. This non-conventional source provides clean and renewable power. New technologies are being developed to take more and more benefits from geothermal energy. Geothermal energy has no fuel requirement, but there are significant capital costs.

According to , drilling accounts for over half the costs, and exploration of deep resources entails significant risks. A typical well doublet (extraction and injection wells) in Nevada can support 4.5 megawatts (MW) and costs about $10 million to drill, with a 20% failure rate.

Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is a form of energy generated by using waste, garbage, human waste, animal excreta and woods. Biomass for energy can include a wide range of materials, and there are five basic categories of biomass materials, according to . Those categories include Virgin wood, Energy crops, Agricultural residues, Food waste and Industrial waste and co-products.

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