Non Conventional Sources of Energy In India


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Non Conventional Sources of Energy In India

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy: India is a tropical country that’s why is blessed with an abundance of renewable energy resources. The excessive use of non-renewable resources causes several environmental problems. Hence a shift towards renewable resources is necessary. Some, prominent non-conventional sources of energy are:

a)  Nuclear or Atomic Energy: It is generated by transforming the structure of atoms. Due to this alteration heat (energy) generates, which is used to generate electric power. Uranium and thorium are used for generating atomic power. These minerals are available in Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The monazite sands of Kerala is also rich in thorium.

b) Solar Energy: India is a tropical country. It has enormous possibilities tapping solar energy. Solar energy is a freely available resource. It is used for a variety of purposes like electric power generation (using photovoltaic panels) and for heating purposes. Increase use of solar energy contributes to environmental conservation and adequate manure supply in agriculture as it minimises dependence on fire wood and cow dung cakes. India’s largest solar power plant is located in Madhapur near Bhuj in Rajasthan.

c)  Wind Power: Wind energy is utilised to turn huge windmills to generate electric power. These have been set-up in the windy areas of the country like the belt between Nagercoil and Madurai in Tamil Nadu as well as in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Apart from these, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra and Lakshadweep have important wind farms.

d) Biogas: It can be produced from shrubs, farm waste, animal and human wastes. Biogas is used as a fuel in rural areas because it has a higher thermal efficiency as compared to kerosene, charcoal or dung cake. It is generated by decomposition of organic matter in biogas plants. Biogas plants can be set-up at municipal, cooperative and individual levels. . These provide benefits to the farmer in the form of energy and improved quality of manure. Biogas is by far the most efficient use of cattle dung. It improves the quality of manure and also prevents the loss of trees and manure.

e) Tidal Energy: Tidal energy is the energy generated by movement of oceanic tides, which can be harnessed to generate electricity. Floodgate dams are built across inlets. During high tide, water flows into the inlet and gets trapped when the gate is closed. After the tide falls outside the floodgate the water inside it flows back to the sea via a pipe that carries it through power generating turbine. In India, the Gulf of Khambhat, the Gulf of Kuchchh in Gujarat on the Western coast and Gangetic delta in Sunderban regions of West Bengal provide ideal conditions for utilising tidal energy.

Geo-thermal Energy: Geo-thermal energy refers to the heat and electricity produced by using the heat from the interior of the Earth. Wherever the concentration of geo-thermal energy is high, higher temperatures are found at shallow depths, leading to the existence of hot springs. To harness energy from hot springs, experimental projects have been set up in India in Parvati valley near in Manikarn Himachal Pradesh and Puga valley in Ladakh

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

The only Nuclear Power Plant that helps in the field of agriculture is at _____________

Right Option : A
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Question : 2

Match the following :

List 1      List 2
A. Nodal industry  1. Electricity generation by burning of coal
B. Thermal Electricity 2.Thorium
C. Monazite Sands 3. Petroleum
D. Geothermal energy 4. Generation of electricity by using the heat from the interior of the Earth.

 

                                               

 

Right Option : A
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Explanation
Question : 3

The only off shore oil field in India is ______________________

Right Option : D
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