Case Study: Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
Sources
Energy is essential for almost everything we do. We need it to light our homes,
power our vehicles, run industries, and support technology. As the world
becomes more developed and our population grows, the demand for energy
keeps rising. However, not all sources of energy are equal. Some are limited and
polluting, while others are cleaner and more sustainable. Understanding the
differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources is important
for creating a better future.
Non-renewable energy sources are those that come from resources which take
millions of years to form and cannot be quickly replaced. The most common
types are coal, oil (petroleum), natural gas, and nuclear energy. These sources
have powered much of the world’s development for over a century. However,
they have serious drawbacks. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases
harmful gases that pollute the air and cause climate change. Extracting and
using these resources also harms the environment and creates waste. Since they
are limited in supply, we face the risk of running out of them in the future.
On the other hand, renewable energy sources are naturally replenished and
never run out. These include solar energy from the sun, wind energy from
moving air, hydropower from flowing water, biomass from plants and waste,
and geothermal energy from the heat inside the Earth. These sources are much
cleaner and safer for the environment. They produce little or no greenhouse
gases, do not deplete natural resources, and can be used over and over again.
Many countries are now focusing on developing renewable energy systems to
reduce pollution and fight climate change.
The world’s energy needs are growing rapidly. This is mainly due to the rising
global population, increased urbanization, the expansion of industries, and the
spread of digital technology. More people are using electrical devices, traveling
by electric vehicles, and depending on energy for everyday tasks. The
International Energy Agency predicts that global energy demand could increase
by 25% or more by 2040. This makes it more urgent to find sustainable energy
solutions.
In response to these challenges, many countries are turning to alternative energy
sources. For example, India, one of the largest energy consumers in the world,
has set a goal of producing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. The
government is promoting solar energy through rooftop panels, encouraging the
use of wind turbines, and improving energy efficiency in homes and offices.
Similar efforts are being made in countries like the United States, Germany, and
China.
However, switching to renewable energy is not always easy. One major
challenge is the high initial cost of setting up solar panels, wind farms, and other
systems. Another issue is that some renewable sources depend on weather
conditions—solar panels don’t work at night, and wind turbines need wind to
operate. There is also a need to modernize the electricity grid and develop better
storage systems to handle the energy supply. In addition, many industries still
depend heavily on coal and oil, making the transition slower.
In conclusion, the world is at a crossroads when it comes to energy. Non-
renewable sources have powered human progress, but they come with serious
environmental and long-term risks. Renewable energy offers a clean,
sustainable solution to meet our future energy needs. While there are challenges
in making the switch, the benefits for our planet and future generations make it
a goal worth pursuing.
Questions
1. What steps is India taking to increase the use of renewable energy?
2. Do you think switching to renewable energy is easy or hard? Why?
3. What are some reasons the world’s energy demand is increasing?
4. Can you think of any other clean energy ideas that are not mentioned here?
