UNIT I INTRODUCTION

Classification of energy sources – Co2 Emission - Features of Renewable energy - Renewable energy
scenario in India -Environmental aspects of electric energy conversion: impacts of renewable energy
generation on environment Per Capital Consumption - CO2 Emission - importance of renewable
energy sources, Potentials – Achievements– Applications.

Classification of energy sources

What are the 4 classifications of energy sources?

The sun is the main source of energy on Earth. Other energy sources include coal,
geothermal energy, wind energy, biomass, petrol, nuclear energy, and many more.
...
Following are the sources of energy that are renewable:
 Biomass energy.
 Wind energy.
 Tidal energy.
 Hydro energy.
The Main Energy Sources
 Coal.
 Oil.
 Gas.
 Nuclear.
 Wind.
 Solar.
 Biomass.
 Hydro.

Sources Of Energy
Sources of energy can be classified into:

 Renewable Sources
 Non-renewable Sources
Renewable sources of energy are available plentiful in nature and are sustainable. These resources
of energy can be naturally replenished and are safe for the environment.
Examples of renewable sources of energy are: Solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy,
biomass, hydropower and tidal energy.
A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that is found underneath the earth. These type of
energy resources do not replenish at the same speed at which it is used. They take millions of years
to replenish. The main examples of non-renewable resources are coal, oil and natural gas.
Examples of non-renewable sources of energy are: Natural gas, coal, petroleum, nuclear energy
and hydrocarbon gas liquids.

Difference between Renewable and Non-renewable

Sources of Energy
Renewable Non-renewable

The resources that cannot be renewed once they are

The resources that can be renewed once they are
consumed are called non-renewable sources of
consumed are called renewable sources of energy.
energy.

These resources do not cause any environmental

These resources cause environmental pollution..
pollution.

Renewable resources are inexhaustible. Non- Renewable resources are exhaustible.

Renewable resources are not affected by human Non- Renewable resources are affected by human
activities. activities.
 Examples of Renewable resources- Air, water and Examples of Non-renewable resources- natural gas,
solar energy. coal and nuclear energy.

Natural Sources of Energy

During the stone age, it was wood. During the iron age, we had coal. In the modern age, we
have fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas. So how do we choose the source of energy?

Good sources of energy should have the following qualities:

 Optimum heat production per unit of volume/mass used

 Easy to transport
 Least Polluting
 Economical

Types of Natural Sources of Energy

There are two types of natural sources of energy classified by their popularity and use,

 Conventional Sources of Energy

 Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Difference between Conventional and Non-conventional

Sources of Energy
Conventional Non-conventional

These resources are exhaustible. These resources are inexhaustible.

These resources cause pollution as they emit smoke

These resources are usually pollution-free.
and ash.

These resources are very expensive to be These resources are less expensive for local use and
maintained, stored and transmitted. can easily be maintained.

Examples- coal, natural gas, petroleum, and water Examples- solar, biomass, wind, biogas, and tidal,
power. geothermal.
 Co2 Emission

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions result from various human and natural activities. A diagram
showing the sources and effects of CO₂ emissions typically includes key contributors, such as
industries, transportation, deforestation, and energy generation, alongside the impact these
emissions have on the environment, like climate change, ocean acidification, and global
warming.

Explanation of CO₂ Emissions Diagram

1. Sources of CO₂ Emissions:

o Natural Sources:
 Respiration by plants and animals.
 Volcanic eruptions.
o Anthropogenic (Human-Made) Sources:
 Fossil fuel combustion (coal, oil, gas).
 Deforestation (loss of carbon sinks).
 Industrial processes (cement manufacturing).
 Transportation (vehicles and aviation).
 Agricultural practices (land-use changes).
2. Effects of CO₂ Emissions:
o Environmental Impacts:
 Global warming due to the greenhouse effect.
 Melting ice caps and rising sea levels.
 Ocean acidification.
o Human Impacts:
 Health issues from air pollution.
 Economic losses from climate-related disasters.
3. Carbon Cycle Overview:
o Natural carbon cycle processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and
decomposition, maintain a balance. Human activities disrupt this balance by
adding more CO₂ to the atmosphere than can be absorbed by natural sinks.
 Features of Renewable energy

Renewable energy is derived from natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale. Here
are the key features of renewable energy:
### **1. Abundant and Sustainable**
- **Definition**: Sources like sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat are naturally replenished.
- **Benefits**: Ensures long-term availability compared to finite fossil fuels.

### **2. Environmentally Friendly**

- **Low Carbon Emissions**: Produces little to no greenhouse gases during operation.
- **Minimal Pollution**: Reduces air, water, and soil pollution compared to fossil fuels.

---

### **3. Diverse Sources**

- **Types**:
- **Solar Energy**: Harnessing sunlight using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems.
- **Wind Energy**: Utilizing wind turbines to generate electricity.
- **Hydropower**: Using flowing water for power generation.
- **Geothermal Energy**: Exploiting heat from the Earth's interior.
- **Biomass**: Using organic materials like wood, crop waste, and biofuels.

### **4. Scalability**

- Can be implemented on small (home solar panels) or large scales (wind farms, hydroelectric dams).
### **5. Cost-Effective in the Long Run**
- Initial installation costs can be high but have lower operating and maintenance costs over time.
- Decreasing costs due to technological advancements.

### **6. Energy Security and Independence**

- Reduces reliance on imported fuels.

- Promotes local energy generation and employment.

### **7. Decentralized Energy Production**

- Enables power generation closer to consumption points, reducing transmission losses.

### **8. Social and Economic Benefits**

- Creates green jobs.
- Supports rural development where resources like sunlight, wind, and biomass are abundant.

### **9. Compatible with Smart Grids**

- Integrates well with modern energy systems for efficient power distribution and storage.
### **10. Technological Advancements**
- Continuous research improves efficiency and storage, such as better solar cells and battery
technologies.
Renewable energy scenario in India

India's renewable energy scenario is dynamic and evolving rapidly, driven by the government's
commitment to energy transition and global climate goals. Here's an overview

### **Current Renewable Energy Landscape in India*

1. **Installed Renewable Energy Capacity**:

- As of 2024, India has a renewable energy installed capacity of over **125 GW**, excluding large
hydro projects.
- Breakdown:
- **Solar Power**: ~70 GW
- **Wind Power**: ~43 GW
- **Biomass**: ~10 GW
- **Small Hydro**: ~5 GW

2. **Global Position**:
- India ranks among the **top five countries** in terms of installed renewable energy capacity.
- It's the **third-largest producer of solar energy** globally.

3. **Major Renewable Energy Projects**:

- **Solar Parks**: Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, one of the world's largest.
- **Wind Farms**: Jaisalmer Wind Park in Rajasthan.
- **Floating Solar**: Projects in Kerala and Telangana.

---
### **Government Policies and Initiatives**

1. **Targets and Commitments**:

- Achieving **500 GW of renewable energy capacity** by 2030, contributing to 50% of total energy
consumption.
- **Net Zero Carbon Emissions** goal by 2070.

2. **National Policies**:
- **National Solar Mission (NSM)**: Promotes solar energy development.
- **National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy**: Encourages hybrid systems for efficiency.
- **Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)**: Market mechanism for renewable energy adoption.

3. **Subsidies and Incentives**:

- Financial support for rooftop solar and off-grid systems.
- Reduced import duties for solar panels and related equipment.

### **Drivers of Renewable Energy Growth**

1. **High Potential**:
- **Solar Energy**: Abundant sunlight with over 300 sunny days annually.
- **Wind Energy**: Strong potential in coastal regions like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- **Hydro and Biomass**: Significant untapped potential for small hydro and agricultural waste
utilization.

2. **Energy Demand**:
- Rising industrialization and urbanization drive energy needs.
- Focus on **rural electrification** and decentralized power systems.

3. **Economic and Environmental Factors**:

- Reducing dependency on fossil fuels and curbing import bills.
- Mitigating air pollution and climate change impacts.

### **Challenges**

1. **Grid Infrastructure**:
- Limited capacity to handle intermittent renewable energy.
- Need for modernization and grid-scale storage solutions.

2. **Land Acquisition**:
- Difficulty in securing land for large-scale projects.

3. **Financial Barriers**:
- High initial capital costs for renewable installations.

### **Future Outlook**

1. **Green Hydrogen**:
 - Focus on hydrogen production using renewable energy, part of the **National Green Hydrogen
Mission**.

2. **Decentralized Energy Systems**:

- Increased adoption of rooftop solar, microgrids, and mini-hydel systems.

3. **Private Sector Participation**:

- Rising investments from companies like Tata Power, Adani Green, and international collaborations.

Environmental aspects of electric energy conversion

Electric energy conversion refers to the process of transforming energy from one form to another (e.g.,
chemical to electrical, mechanical to electrical, or electrical to mechanical). This process has various
environmental aspects, both positive and negative, which are important to consider in terms of
sustainability and environmental impact.

### **Positive Environmental Aspects**

1. **Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions (if renewable sources are used):**
- Converting renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) into electricity produces little to no
greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.

2. **Energy Efficiency:**
- Electric energy conversion systems, especially in advanced technologies like solid-state devices, are
often more efficient than combustion-based energy systems, reducing overall energy waste.

3. **Air Quality Improvement:**

- Shifting from fossil-fuel-based energy systems to electricity-powered systems (e.g., electric vehicles)
can significantly improve air quality by reducing emissions of pollutants such as NOx, SO2, and
particulates.

4. **Support for Sustainable Development:**

- Electric energy enables the use of advanced technologies, such as electric heat pumps and smart
grids, promoting energy conservation and resource optimization.

5. **Integration with Green Technologies:**

- Electric energy conversion systems can integrate seamlessly with energy storage solutions (batteries,
pumped hydro) and smart grid systems, enhancing the feasibility of renewable energy deployment.

---

### **Negative Environmental Aspects**

1. **Resource Extraction:**
- The materials required for electric energy conversion systems, such as rare earth metals and lithium
for batteries, can lead to significant environmental degradation during mining and processing.
2. **E-Waste Generation:**
- Improper disposal of electronic components, batteries, and other parts contributes to e-waste, which
poses long-term risks to soil, water, and ecosystems.

3. **Energy Losses:**
- Although efficient, some energy losses occur during conversion, transmission, and storage, requiring
higher generation capacity to meet demand.

4. **Dependence on Non-Renewable Energy (in some cases):**

- If the electricity used is generated from coal or other fossil fuels, the environmental benefits of
electric energy conversion are negated by high emissions upstream.

5. **Land Use and Habitat Disruption:**

- Infrastructure for energy conversion, such as wind turbines, solar farms, and hydroelectric dams, can
disrupt local ecosystems and lead to habitat loss.

6. **Thermal Pollution:**
- Some electric energy conversion processes, like thermoelectric power generation, release excess
heat into the environment, affecting aquatic ecosystems and local climates.

### **Mitigation Strategies**

1. **Transition to Renewable Energy Sources:**
- Increase the share of renewable energy in the grid to minimize emissions from electric energy
conversion processes.

2. **Adopt Circular Economy Practices:**

- Recycle and reuse materials from batteries and electronic components to reduce mining and waste.

3. **Improve Energy Efficiency:**

- Invest in advanced technologies and materials to reduce energy losses during conversion and
transmission.

4. **Sustainable Mining Practices:**

- Enforce regulations and invest in technologies to minimize the environmental impact of resource
extraction.

5. **Integrated Energy Systems:**

- Develop and implement smart grids and storage solutions to optimize energy use and reduce the
need for redundant systems.

Impacts of renewable energy generation on environment Per Capital Consumption

Impacts of renewable energy resources

3.1 Social impacts

These resources also provide social benefits like improvement of health, according to
choice of consumer, advancement in technologies, and opportunities for the work, but
some basic considerations should be taken for the benefit of humans, for example,
climate conditions, level of education and standard of living, and region whether
urban or rural from agricultural point of view. Social aspects are the basic
considerations for the development of any country. The following social benefits can
be achieved by renewable energy systems: local employment, better health, job
opportunities, and consumer choice. The study concluded that the total emission
reduction is exponentially increasing in different years after the installation of
renewable energy projects in remote areas [23]. Social impacts of each resource with
its magnitude are listed in Table 3.
Technology Impact Magnitude

Toxins Minor-Major
Photovoltaic
Visual Minor

Bird strike Minor

Wind Noise Minor

Visual Minor

Displacement Minor-Major

Hydro Agricultural Minor-Major

River damage Minor-Major

Seismic activity Minor

Odor Minor
Geothermal
Pollution Minor-Major

Noise Minor

Table 3.
Social impacts assessment for different renewable energy sources [7].

3.2 Economics

It was discovered that renewable energy projects provide benefits in economic point
of view because they utilize local labor from rural areas, local material and business,
local shareholders, and services of local banks. In addition, the renewable energy
projects have facilitated the communities by establishing a trust fund that aims to
invest the money earned by selling electricity in local economy. This makes it easy for
a few communities to invest money on any small business of their own choice [4].
Biofuel projects created large number of jobs; however, very low jobs were created by
solar power plants, as the ratio of people working in different companies increase that
will create more jobs for others by using the part of their economy for entertainment,
leisure, restaurant, etc. The consumers will be provided with electric power at a low
cost as compared to that of conventional energy sources, and overall economy will be
enhanced because there will be multiple options to generate power using different
renewable energy sources present in that region [23].

3.3 Environmental impacts

Renewable energy projects have also contributed in improving environmental impacts

such as reduction of carbon dioxide gas, awakening community about the climate
change. The study observed very small impacts on the people living in a particular
area, tourism, cost of energy supply, and educational impacts. Significant impacts
were observed in improvement of life standard, social bonds creation, and community
development. They also observed that the renewable energy projects are complex to
install and are local environmental and condition sensitive. Their forecasting,
execution, and planning require more consideration and knowledge as compared to
other projects [4]. The two main aspects of environment are air and water pollution,
normally created by the discharged water from houses, industries, and polluted rain,
and discharge of used oils and liquids contains poisonous chemicals and heavy metals
like mercury, lead, etc. Along with water pollution, natural resources can be
maintained and greenhouse effect and air pollution can be mitigated by the proper
usage of renewable energy sources [23] as shown in Table 4. Carbon dioxide emission
with the generation of electric power using different energy resources is given
in Figure 2.
Relationship to conventional
Category of impact Comment
sources

Exposure to harmful chemicals

Emission of Hg, Cd, and other toxic

Reduced emissions Emission reduced a few hundred times.
elements

Emission of particles Reduced emissions Much less emission.

Exposure to harmful gases

CO2 emission Reduced emissions A big advantage.

 Relationship to conventional
Category of impact Comment
sources

Acid rain, SO, NOx Reduced emissions Reduced more than 25 times.

Other greenhouse gases Reduced greenhouse gases Big advantage-global warming.

Other

Total or partial elimination of oil Heavy fuel oil and other petroleum product
Spouts off fossil fuels
spills spills.

Water quality Better quality water Reduced water pollution.

In most cases, there is no penetration deep

Soil erosion Smaller loss of land
into earth.

Importance of Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, play a critical role in
ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future. Their importance lies in their
potential to address key global challenges, including climate change, energy security, and sustainable
development.

### **1. Environmental Benefits**

- **Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions:**
Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, significantly
mitigating climate change.

- **Decrease in Air and Water Pollution:**

Renewables do not emit harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter,
improving air and water quality.
- **Preservation of Natural Ecosystems:**
By reducing reliance on mining and drilling, renewable energy sources help preserve ecosystems and
biodiversity.

### **2. Sustainable Energy Supply**

- **Inexhaustible Resources:**
Unlike fossil fuels, renewable resources are naturally replenished and virtually inexhaustible, providing
a long-term energy solution.

- **Adaptability to Local Resources:**

Many renewable technologies can be implemented locally, taking advantage of region-specific
resources like solar radiation, wind patterns, or hydrological features.
### **3. Energy Security**
- **Diversification of Energy Supply:**
Renewable energy reduces dependence on imported fuels, enhancing energy security for nations.

- **Resilience Against Price Volatility:**

Unlike fossil fuels, renewables are not subject to market price fluctuations, ensuring more stable
energy costs.

### **4. Economic Advantages**

- **Job Creation:**
The renewable energy sector generates significant employment opportunities in manufacturing,
installation, maintenance, and research.

- **Economic Growth:**
Investments in renewables drive innovation, support local economies, and stimulate sustainable
economic growth.

- **Lower Operating Costs:**

Renewable energy systems, especially solar and wind, have minimal operating costs compared to fossil
fuel-based systems.

### **5. Social and Health Benefits**

- **Improved Public Health:**
Reduced air and water pollution from renewables decreases the incidence of respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases.

- **Energy Access in Remote Areas:**

Decentralized renewable energy systems (e.g., solar microgrids) provide electricity to rural and
underserved communities, improving quality of life and supporting education and heal
### **6. Climate Change Mitigation**
- **Carbon Neutrality:**
Renewables help achieve carbon neutrality by reducing emissions from energy production.

- **Adaptation and Resilience:**

Integrating renewable systems into energy infrastructure makes communities more resilient to climate
impacts like extreme weather.
### **7. Technological Advancements**
- **Driving Innovation:**
Investments in renewables promote technological progress, leading to improved efficiency and cost
reductions in energy systems.

- **Integration with Smart Grids:**

Renewables work seamlessly with modern smart grid technologies to optimize energy use and storage.

Potentials, Achievements, and Applications of Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources have shown significant promise in meeting global energy needs in an
environmentally sustainable manner. As technology and infrastructure improve, the potentials for
renewable energy expand, leading to notable achievements and wide-ranging applications across
various sectors.
### **Potentials of Renewable Energy Sources**
1. **Solar Energy**
- **Solar Power Generation:**
Solar energy has immense potential, as it is the most abundant form of energy available on Earth. The
potential to harness solar energy lies in its ability to meet global electricity needs multiple times over.
- **Global Reach:**
Solar energy can be harnessed virtually anywhere on Earth, making it an ideal solution for
decentralized power generation, especially in remote and off-grid areas.
- **Technological Innovations:**
Innovations like solar panels, solar concentrators, and solar thermal energy offer growing efficiency in
capturing and converting solar energy.

2. **Wind Energy**
- **Offshore and Onshore Wind Farms:**
Wind energy, especially offshore wind, has enormous untapped potential. Offshore winds are
generally stronger and more consistent than land-based winds, offering greater potential for electricity
generation.
- **Global Wind Capacity:**
Wind power capacity is increasing globally, particularly in regions with high wind speeds, such as
coastal areas, plains, and mountain passes.

3. **Hydropower**
- **Large-Scale and Small-Scale Hydro:**
Hydropower is one of the most established renewable energy sources, with significant potential for
both large-scale dams and small, decentralized hydropower systems in rivers and streams.
- **Pumped Hydro Storage:**
Hydropower can also be used for energy storage through pumped storage plants, helping to stabilize
energy grids and enable higher penetration of intermittent renewables.

4. **Geothermal Energy**
- **Baseload Power Generation:**
Geothermal energy offers a reliable and constant source of energy because it is available 24/7, unlike
solar and wind energy, which depend on weather and time of day.
- **Geothermal Heat Pumps:**
Geothermal heat pumps can provide heating and cooling for residential and commercial buildings,
showcasing its potential for energy efficiency.

5. **Biomass Energy**
- **Biofuels for Transportation:**
Biomass can be converted into biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) to replace fossil fuels in
transportation, reducing emissions and dependence on imported oil.
- **Waste-to-Energy Technologies:**
Biomass energy also includes using organic waste to generate electricity, heat, or even to produce
biogas, reducing waste and generating valuable energy.
### **Achievements of Renewable Energy Sources**
1. **Solar Energy**
- **Cost Reduction:**
The cost of solar power generation has dropped by over 80% in the past decade, making it one of the
most cost-competitive energy sources.
- **Global Adoption:**
Countries like China, India, and the U.S. have significantly expanded solar capacity, with solar farms
providing substantial electricity to national grids.

2. **Wind Energy**
- **Rapid Growth in Installed Capacity:**
Global installed wind power capacity has grown exponentially, particularly in Europe, North America,
and China, which now lead in wind energy generation.
- **Technological Advancements:**
Modern wind turbines are more efficient and capable of generating electricity at lower wind speeds,
making wind energy more widely applicable.

3. **Hydropower**
- **Sustainable Large-Scale Projects:**
Hydropower continues to provide significant amounts of clean electricity worldwide, particularly in
countries like Brazil, Canada, and Norway.
- **Micro-Hydro Projects:**
Small-scale hydropower systems are being deployed in rural and off-grid areas, providing localized
power generation.

4. **Geothermal Energy**
- **Geothermal Plants in Operation:**
Countries like Iceland, the Philippines, and the U.S. have successfully utilized geothermal power to
supply both electricity and heating to local populations.
- **Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS):**
The development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) has increased geothermal potential by
enabling energy extraction from a wider variety of geological formations.

5. **Biomass Energy**
- **Commercial Biofuel Production:**
The commercial production of biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) has become a major success,
particularly in Brazil and the U.S., where biofuels are used in transportation and agriculture.
- **Waste-to-Energy Plants:**
Cities around the world are implementing waste-to-energy plants that convert organic waste into
power, reducing landfill usage while producing renewable energy.

### **Applications of Renewable Energy Sources**

1. **Electricity Generation**
- **Utility-Scale Power Plants:**
 Large solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power plants are contributing significantly to national grids,
helping to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation.
- **Distributed Generation:**
Solar panels and small wind turbines are increasingly being used for decentralized electricity
generation, especially in remote areas.

2. **Heating and Cooling**

- **Solar Water Heating:**
Solar thermal systems are widely used to heat water for residential, commercial, and industrial
applications, providing an energy-efficient alternative to electric or gas water heaters.
- **Geothermal Heat Pumps:**
Geothermal systems are used for heating and cooling buildings, offering a highly energy-efficient and
environmentally friendly solution.
3. **Transportation**
- **Electric Vehicles (EVs):**
EVs powered by renewable energy, such as solar or wind, offer a zero-emission alternative to
traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
- **Biofuels:**
Biomass-derived biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) are being used in transportation sectors, reducing
reliance on fossil fuels.
4. **Agriculture**
- **Biogas Production:**
Agricultural waste and organic matter can be converted into biogas, which can be used for electricity
or heating in farms, reducing waste and lowering energy costs.
- **Solar-Powered Irrigation:**
Solar energy is increasingly used to power irrigation systems in agriculture, particularly in water-
scarce regions.
5. **Rural Electrification**
- **Microgrids:**
Renewable-powered microgrids are helping to bring electricity to rural areas that are not connected
to the main grid, providing a sustainable and reliable energy source.
- **Solar Home Systems:**
Small-scale solar panels are providing electricity to households in off-grid regions, improving quality
of life by powering lighting, appliances, and communications.