Conventional energy sources refer to those that are not sustainable. These include fossil fuels, electricity, and hydroelectricity. These aren't all types of energy. You also have other options, like solar energy. InforMEA is a resource that will help you find out more about them.
Non-renewable energies
Conventional sources for energy are finite. These energy resources include coal, oil, and gas. These resources are used extensively over decades, and their rate of depletion is far greater than their rates for formation. Additionally, they emit harmful emissions that cause damage to the atmosphere and adversely affect human health.
Conventional energy sources are based on fossil fuels, which contain carbon. These fuels date back to around 300 million years. These fuels can be used for powering a range of machines but are not renewable.
Fossil fuels
Traditional energy sources that use fossil fuels have a mixed record. Although they are often viewed as an evil, they have many merits. They supply the vast majority of the world’s energy and will continue doing so for a long period. They have a positive environmental impact and can reduce the amount of harmful emissions in our energy system.
Fossilfuels are the major source of energy used in industry, agriculture and transport. The use of fossil fuels has made the world much different than it was in the early 19th century. They have also made it possible to improve the human health. Today, the world's population is eight billion, a number that is unimaginable in 1800. The modern world's survival depends on the fossil fuel energy system.
Electricity
Electricity is the most commonly used source of energy in the world. The abundant supply of electricity allows for growth in industries, transport, as well as agriculture. Electrical energy is generated through nuclear, thermal, and hydro-electric power plants. These are all conventional energy sources. Apart from coal, oil, natural gas and petroleum, electricity can also come from biomass and geothermal energy.
The conventional energy sources are coal, oil and natural gas. Because the electrons are entering the grid at constant speeds, these sources of electricity do not produce electricity that can be distinguished from other sources. The grid is used by millions of people across several states. Green energy is distinct because it has renewable energy certificates, or RECs. These certificates indicate the quality and reliability of green energy. Each REC corresponds to a megawatt hours of electricity and is therefore certified. Each REC is then sold separately.
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity offers many advantages over conventional energy but also has major drawbacks. Hydropower plants generate energy depending on how much water is flowing through the pipe. The more flow there is, the more electricity produced. The water flows through a turbine which spins blades. This in turn spins a generator. Hydroelectric plants can use pumped storage systems to store their energy.
Hydropower, or hydroelectricity as it is also known, is one source of renewable energy that dates back to ancient times. Water flowing through a dam is used to propel turbines, which produce electricity. Hydropower plants are typically located in rivers, streams, or on canals.
Geothermal energy
A major difference between geothermal and conventional energy is that geothermal electricity is always available, no matter what time it is. Geothermal power is not dependent on weather conditions, seasons, or climate changes, unlike solar and wind energy. Geothermal power stations can also generate energy at an unchanging rate and are extremely predictable over the long-term.
Geothermal electricity is generated by circulating hot water in the ground. The heat is converted into electricity using a turbine that is located above the ground. This source of electricity is consistently reliable and pollution-free.