Overview
This lecture covered non-conventional energy resources, their importance, and conservation methods. It also discussed government policies and connected static knowledge to current affairs for exam relevance.
Non-Conventional Energy Resources
- Non-conventional energy sources are non-exhaustible and renewable.
- They do not cause environmental pollution and are freely available.
- These resources are increasingly in demand as fossil fuel production is limited.
- Non-conventional sources include solar, wind, biogas, tidal, and geothermal energy.
Solar Energy
- Solar energy uses photovoltaic (solar cell) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
- Solar plants reduce rural dependence on firewood and dung, aiding environmental conservation and increasing manure availability.
- Example: Large solar plants are located in places like Madhapur (note: newer, larger plants now exist).
Wind Power
- India ranks as a global wind superpower.
- Initial setup cost is high, but power is generated immediately and remains cost-free for up to 20 years after commissioning.
- Largest wind farms are in Tamil Nadu (Nagarcoil to Madurai); others exist in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep.
Biogas
- Biogas is produced from decomposition of organic waste (shrubs, animal, and human waste).
- Biogas plants can be set up at municipal, cooperative, or individual levels; those using cattle dung are called "gobar gas plants."
- Biogas provides energy and manure, burns without smoke, and is a cheap gaseous fuel.
- Anaerobic decomposition (without oxygen) produces methane and other gases; a main drawback is smell.
Tidal Energy
- Ocean tides can generate electricity using floodgate dams to trap and release tidal water through turbines.
- Effective where tidal differences are large and periodic, e.g., the Gulf of Kutch in India.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal means heat from the earth; energy is obtained from hotspots where earth's crust is thin.
- Groundwater absorbs heat from underlying rocks, turns to steam, and drives turbines for electricity.
- Experimental geothermal projects exist at Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh) and Puga Valley (Ladakh).
Conservation of Energy Resources
- Energy is essential for economic development; consumption is steadily rising.
- Conservation involves using energy resources judiciously, promoting renewable resources, and individual and government action.
- Indian government initiatives include Energy Conservation Act (2001), Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), and labeling programs for efficiency.
- Schemes like FAME II and PLI offer subsidies for electric vehicles and promote renewable energy.
Behavioral Changes & Awareness
- Public awareness campaigns, energy-saving practices, energy audits, and green building practices are encouraged.
- World initiatives like "Earth Hour" promote energy conservation through behavior changes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Non-conventional energy — Energy sources that are renewable and not depleted by use (e.g., solar, wind).
- Photovoltaic Technology — Devices that convert sunlight directly to electricity.
- Biogas — Gas derived from anaerobic decomposition of organic matter.
- Gobar Gas Plant — Biogas plant using cattle dung.
- Anaerobic Decomposition — Breakdown of material without oxygen.
- Geothermal Energy — Heat energy from within the earth.
- Energy Conservation Act (2001) — Indian law for promoting efficient use and conservation of energy.
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency — Institution overseeing energy efficiency initiatives in India.
- FAME II — Scheme for faster adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
- Earth Hour — Global event where participants turn off lights for one hour to promote energy conservation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Revise and supplement static knowledge with relevant current affairs examples, especially for energy resources.
- Prepare for the next lecture on soils, following the sequence: rocks → minerals → soils → agriculture.
- Review government schemes and efficiency standards for energy conservation.
- Read upcoming chapters and stay updated with news on energy policies.