Points to Remember:
- Conventional energy sources are those that have been used for a long time and are readily available.
- Each source has its own set of advantages and disadvantages concerning cost, environmental impact, and availability.
- A balanced discussion requires considering both the positive and negative aspects of each source.
Introduction:
Conventional energy sources are those that have been traditionally used to generate power and meet energy demands. These sources primarily rely on the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and the harnessing of nuclear energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that fossil fuels still account for a significant majority of global energy consumption, despite the growing adoption of renewable energy sources. This reliance, however, comes with significant environmental and social consequences that need careful consideration. This discussion will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different conventional energy sources.
Body:
1. Coal:
- Advantages: Abundant and relatively inexpensive, established infrastructure for extraction and transportation, reliable baseload power generation.
- Disadvantages: Significant air pollution (CO2, SOx, NOx, particulate matter), contributes heavily to climate change, high land use for mining, potential for water contamination, health risks associated with mining and air pollution. Example: The Great Smog of London in 1952 highlighted the severe health consequences of coal-based air pollution.
2. Oil:
- Advantages: High energy density, versatile applications (transportation, heating, electricity generation), relatively easy to transport via pipelines and tankers.
- Disadvantages: Significant greenhouse gas emissions, risk of oil spills and environmental damage, price volatility, geopolitical instability linked to oil production and distribution. Example: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 demonstrated the devastating environmental impact of oil extraction accidents.
3. Natural Gas:
- Advantages: Cleaner burning than coal and oil (lower CO2 emissions), relatively abundant, can be transported via pipelines, used for electricity generation and heating.
- Disadvantages: Still a greenhouse gas emitter (though less than coal and oil), methane leakage during extraction and transportation contributes to climate change, potential for groundwater contamination, risk of explosions. Example: Fracking, a method used to extract natural gas, has faced criticism for its potential environmental impacts.
4. Nuclear Energy:
- Advantages: High power output, low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, relatively small land footprint compared to other energy sources.
- Disadvantages: Risk of nuclear accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima), radioactive waste disposal challenges, high initial capital costs, security concerns related to nuclear materials. Example: The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 highlighted the catastrophic consequences of nuclear accidents.
Conclusion:
Conventional energy sources have played a crucial role in powering societies, but their continued reliance presents significant challenges. While they offer advantages in terms of availability, affordability, and established infrastructure, their environmental and social costs are substantial. The disadvantages, particularly the contribution to climate change and environmental pollution, necessitate a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. A way forward involves
a phased reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, coupled with investments in renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, hydro), energy efficiency improvements, and advanced nuclear technologies that minimize waste and risk. This transition requires strong policy support, technological innovation, and international cooperation to ensure a just and equitable energy future that prioritizes environmental sustainability and human well-being. By embracing a holistic approach that considers both energy security and environmental protection, we can build a more resilient and sustainable energy system for future generations. CGPCS Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for CGPCS Prelims and CGPCS Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by CGPCS Notes are as follows:-