Education

Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy


Non-renewable energy is a source of energy that cannot be replenished or renewed quickly or easily. As it takes years to form crude oil, coal, and natural gases that are considered fossil fuels. These fuels are formed naturally by animal and plant residue, buried a million years ago.

However, lately, other forms of non-renewable energy sources have emerged.

For example, Uranium ore is one of the rising non-renewable sources that is used in nuclear power plants, is mined, and converted to fuel. Even though uranium is not a fossil fuel, it is a non-renewable source. And with its increased demand and consumption in the industries, these traditional non-renewable sources are decreasing.


Advantages of non-renewable energy

Non-renewable supply can be prepared at any location

In the case of renewables, you will have to identify the region that supports the source. This includes wind, solar and geothermal energy. Some locations may not be favorable for producing renewable energy. However, that is not the case with non-renewable energy. 

The energy can be developed across several stations at any location to refine and distill it. A well-planned infrastructure can solve the transport loss woes too.

Non-renewable sources produce more amount of energy

When the non-renewables are processed to seize their energy potential, they produce more power than the raw variant. Fossil fuels thus produce more energy than renewables, which makes non-renewables a better choice.

Many unique products can come from the non-renewables

The hydrocarbons found in fossil fuels can be used to create several products to use in day-to-day lives. Soaps, plastic, and many more items produced are available at a low price because of the non-renewables.

Non-renewables drive the global economy

The non-renewable sector enjoys government subsidies. The companies that process fossil fuels offer many direct and indirect employment opportunities, which contribute to huge wages. Renewable energy sources also produce similar opportunities, but the number is not the same.

Non-renewable energy is cheaper

It takes a lot of energy to generate power from renewables compared to getting it from fossil fuels. The efficiency is much higher in the case of the refined non-renewable sources available. Along with the production chain, the advantage makes it cheaper to produce energy from a non-renewable source.

Non-renewable energy gives tools for daily use

Laptops and mobiles use hydrocarbons in their manufacturing. The crude oil is used as diesel. Some of it goes into the refinement process. The remainder is used to manufacture items that let us do our jobs, cook food, and make plastic items. Plant-based hydrocarbons are a solution, but their refinement process is expensive.

Our infrastructure supports non-renewable energy sources

Non-renewable energy is available in all the continents where there is a significant level of population. The resource is refined into the proper products to maximize its daily impact.

Non-renewable products help to produce clean energy

The infrastructure for renewable sources comes from fossil fuels only. Coal-fired power, concrete, and natural gas are used to produce almost everything. There are concerns about the toxicity of by-products, but it is possible to use non-renewable energy across generations with responsible management.

Non-renewable energy brings food to the table

Fossil fuels are affordable and increase the food amount that is produced in each season. It makes the global supply chain more reliable. The non-renewable energy resource helps to revolutionize the global supply chain and makes it easy to produce items.

Reduces the threat of death in cold weather

Fossil fuels may have caused a warming trend, but it also helps to reduce the number of deaths caused by cold weather.

Disadvantages of non-renewable energy

Non-renewable energy increases pollution

The major fossil fuels contribute 28% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. This issue also contributes to premature deaths.

Fossil fuels will not last forever

There is always a possibility that non-renewable resources could become unavailable at any time in the future. It is due to this reason that alternative energies are created to form a safety net.

Non-renewable produces are one of the major reasons for political conflict

Wars between countries are usually caused to have the upper hand and control over the natural resources. As the nation’s economy is dependent on these non-renewable resources, creating a foundation of conflicts between nations. Resulting in political unrest between countries.

combustion of fossil fuel is dangerous for health

The burning of coal fuel releases some particulates into the atmosphere. For this, a filter needs to be placed that can easily capture it. These small particles increase the risk of heart attacks and cancers. Breathing in this polluted environment can also cause lung problems. Even with the appropriate safety gears, this could cause severe damages to the lungs.

Animals and plants also face similar issues to humans

Some plants can thrive in an environment that has a high carbon dioxide level. But the majority of animals and plants need a healthy condition to survive, and Fossil fuels can cause health risks in both plants and animals.

Non-renewable energy-producing factors

The support system for the non-renewable energy vapors equally causes an adverse effect on the environment. The process that is practiced to produce energy from fossil fuels contributes to atmospheric emissions more than renewable energy resources.

The availability of non-renewable sources is limited in today’s market

There are only five countries in the world that contribute to 75% of the consumption of coal products worldwide. These are also considered as some of the highest polluters. The levels of water vapor, sulfur, and hydrogen in the atmosphere are constantly increasing because of the extraction, mining, and refining activities of non-renewable sources.

Conclusion

Non-renewable energy is cheap, and walking away from it may not be easy. A century has been spent developing the required infrastructure to consume fossil fuels meaningfully, and these technologies are 300 years old. To switch to something new and expensive is not easy. 

Moreover, using renewable resources to produce energy means paying extra towards energy and its sources which may not be a feasible solution for many users. For this purpose, modern technologies can be applied that allow us to use fossil fuels efficiently. Reviewing their benefits and drawbacks will make us examine and analyze the usefulness of these essential resources.


Zayn Tindall

Zayn is currently working as an English Lecturer in one of the reputed colleges in New York. He has even worked as a career counsellor for the last 5 years. Zayn loves to spend his spare time reading educational books, novels and writing educational blogs and articles.  Expertise Career Guidance and Counselling College Lecturer

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