• Business
  • Finance
  • Banking
  • Education
  • General
  • Law
  • Science
  • IT
  • English

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Conventional and Non-conventional Sources of Energy

Last updated on January 4, 2018 by Surbhi S

conventional vs non-conventional sources of energyEnergy implies the capacity or ability to work vigorously. It has a significant role to play in our day to day life, in fact, it is predominantly required in every field, whether it is a household, industry, communication, transport, defence or agriculture. Energy resources are broadly classified as Conventional and Non-conventional sources of energy. Conventional sources of energy are not present in the environment in abundance, however there uses are unlimited.

On the contrary, non-conventional energy sources are the sources present in the environment in large quantity but are used for limited purposes only. This article sheds light on the differences between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.

Content: Conventional Vs Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonConventional Sources of EnergyNon-Conventional Sources of Energy
MeaningConventional sources of energy are the sources that are commonly in use since long time.Non-conventional sources of energy refers to the sources that are identified few decades ago.
ExhaustibleThey can be exhausted due to over consumption.They cannot be exhausted.
PollutionThey pollute environment, on a large scale and adds to global warming.They are environment friendly sources, which does not causes pollution.
UseThey are primarily used for industrial and commercial purposes.They are mainly used for domestic purposes.
ExpenseCostly.Comparatively less expensive.

Definition of Conventional Sources of Energy

Conventional sources of energy are the natural energy resources which are regularly used for many years and are accepted as fuel to produce heat, light, food and electricity.

The energy sources include firewood, fossil fuels, cow dung cake etc. Of these sources, fossil fuel is the greatest conventional source, wherein fossil implies the remains of plants and animals, that got buried under the earth and transformed into rocks over the years. These fossil fuels are coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas.

Conventional sources of energy are generally non-renewable sources of energy as the accumulation or creation of conventional sources of energy takes years, once they are exploited or consumed. As these sources are used on a large scale, the reserves have been depleted, and their alternative is hard to find.

Definition of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

An alternative to conventional sources of energy is the non-conventional sources of energy, that achieved popularity in recent years, after the oil crisis in 1973 and since then they are in use on a large scale. The energy can be obtained from various sources such as the sun, wind, biological wastes, hot springs, tides, etc. to generate heat and power.

These are not only renewable sources of energy but are also pollution free. These sources are present in abundance in nature, and they are constantly generated, so it cannot be exhausted easily, and used again and again.

Key Differences Between Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

The difference between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy are presented below in points:

  1. Conventional sources of energy, as the name suggests, are those sources which are widely used all around the world since ages. On the contrary, non-conventional sources of energy are described as the energy sources whose evolution has been done in the recent past and has gained popularity since then.
  2. As the conventional sources of energy are limited in nature, and their formation takes millions of years, they can be exhausted one day. Conversely, non-conventional sources of energy are the sources that are in abundance in the environment and are easily renewable, so they are inexhaustible.
  3. Conventional sources of energy pollute the environment on a large scale through the smoke and hazardous waste emitted from the power plants. However, the energy produced from running water does not pollute the environment. On the other hand, non-conventional sources of energy are environment-friendly, so they do not harm the nature, by polluting it.
  4. The energy produced from conventional sources are highly used for industrial and commercial purposes. As against, the energy generated out of non-conventional sources are used for domestic purposes.
  5. Conventional sources of energy are costly because they are scarce but their uses are unlimited. In contrast, non-conventional sources of energy are less expensive, because of their enormous presence in nature.

Conclusion

With the rapid industrialization and growth in population, the demand for energy is increasing continuously. To meet out this demand for energy, the conventional sources are not enough as their quantity is limited and can be expired one day. In this way, non-conventional resources reduce the dependency on conventional resources. So, the two types of energy supplement each other.

Related Differences

  • Difference Between Arbitration and Litigation
  • Difference Between Joint Venture and Strategic Alliance
  • Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills
  • Difference Between Grant and Loan
  • Difference Between Life Insurance and General Insurance

You Might Also Like:

renewable vs non-renewable resourcesDifference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources potential vs kinetic energyDifference Between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy energy vs powerDifference Between Energy and Power fission vs fusionDifference Between Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion internal and external sources of financeDifference Between Internal and External Sources of Finance Reuse Vs RecycleDifference Between Reuse and Recycle

Comments

  1. Jeeya Shaw says

    July 21, 2019 at 9:07 pm

    This is a very helpful website.
    One of the places from which I get most of my homework done.
    Also, it is comprehended for easy understanding and I kinda like this website a lot.
    Thanks for your time

    Reply
  2. Vedika Shekhawat says

    July 9, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    Great website !
    I like these kind of websites only which fully helps to understand and do the homework

    Reply
  3. Kaashvi Gujrati says

    June 28, 2022 at 11:38 pm

    Amazing!
    I was like finding my topic from last 30mins but couldn’t find it but when i found this website i found exactly what i need .
    THANK YOU!!

    Reply
  4. Daina says

    October 4, 2022 at 10:18 am

    It’s a very helpful, effective & informative website. I like this kind of website.

    Reply
  5. Pragya Tiwari says

    December 15, 2022 at 7:41 pm

    This is very helpful website,and the answer was also very helpful. I found exactly what I need.
    THANK YOU!!

    Reply
  6. Rajendra D says

    December 16, 2022 at 6:33 am

    Very useful for me and very good website also

    Reply
  7. WANGOLO GERALD says

    January 13, 2023 at 10:14 am

    It is good website

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top 5 Differences

  • Difference Between PERT and CPM
  • Difference Between Micro and Macro Economics
  • Difference Between Developed Countries and Developing Countries
  • Difference Between Management and Administration
  • Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Related Differences

  • Difference Between Arbitration and Litigation
  • Difference Between Joint Venture and Strategic Alliance
  • Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills
  • Difference Between Grant and Loan
  • Difference Between Life Insurance and General Insurance



New Additions

  • Difference Between Speak and Talk
  • Difference Between Economy Class and Business Class
  • Difference Between If and Whether
  • Difference Between Hotel and Motel
  • Difference Between FIR and Chargesheet
  • Difference Between Norms and Values
  • Difference Between Society and Community
  • Difference Between Sourcing and Procurement
  • Difference Between National Income and Per Capita Income
  • Difference Between Departmental Store and Multiple Shops
fb-follow youtube follow

Copyright © 2023 · Key Differences · Contact Us · About Us · Privacy