Difference between Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

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The ability of a body to perform work is known as energy. In our daily life, we use a number of sources of energy for doing work. These sources of energy are broadly classified into two categories viz.

Conventional Energy Sources
Non-Conventional Energy Sources

In this article, we will explain all the significant differences between conventional and non-conventional energy sources by considering various parameters such as basic definition, availability, exhaustibility, cost, uses, etc. But, before discussing the differences, it is advantageous to know that what conventional and non-conventional energy sources are.

What are Conventional Energy Sources?

The sources of energy that are being used for many years and are available in nature are called conventional energy sources. Conventional energy sources are accepted as fuel to produce electricity, light, heat, etc.

Generally, the conventional energy sources are non-renewable sources of energy which means they are present in limited quantity in the nature and their formation need long time (many years). As the conventional sources of energy are used on a large scale, thus their reserves have been depleting day by day.

Some common examples of conventional energy sources are coal, petroleum, natural gas firewood, and other fossil fuels, etc.

What are Non-Conventional Energy Sources?

The non-conventional energy sources are the sources of energy which are new and used as the alternative of conventional energy sources. The non-renewable energy sources achieved popularity in recent years and nowadays, these are being used on a large scale.

The two most significant advantages of non-conventional energy sources are that they are renewable and pollution free. These are renewable because present in abundance in nature and being regularly generated in short time.

Some common examples of non-conventional energy sources are sun, wind, biogas, biomass, etc.

Difference between Conventional and Non-Conventional Energy Sources

Both conventional and non-conventional energy sources are extensively used for producing light, heat, electricity, etc. However, there are many differences between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy that are listed in the following table −

Basis of Difference	Conventional Energy Sources	Non-Conventional Energy Sources
Definition	The sources of energy that have been used all around the world for a long time are called conventional energy sources.	Those energy sources whose evolution has been done the recent years are known as non-conventional energy sources.
Existence	Conventional energy sources exist for many years.	The non-conventional energy sources are relatively new sources of energy.
Renewability	Conventional sources of energy are generally non-renewable sources.	Non-conventional sources are renewable sources of energy.
Availability	Conventional sources of energy available in limited quantity in nature.	Since non-conventional sources are renewable, hence they available in abundance in nature.
Formation	Conventional energy sources require many year (or long period of time) for formation.	Non-conventional energy sources can be formed in short period of time.
Exhaustible	Conventional energy sources shall exhaust one day.	Non-conventional energy sources shall not exhaust because they are renewable.
Examples	The common examples of conventional sources of energy are coal, petroleum, natural gas, firewood, etc.	The examples of non-conventional energy sources are sun, wind, tides, water, biofuels, etc.
Safety concerns	There are many safety concerns surrounding the conventional sources such as fire in coal mines, explosion on oil platforms, burst of gas cylinders, etc.	With non-conventional energy sources, no such safety concerns associated.
Energy density	Conventional sources of energy have high energy density.	The energy density of non-conventional energy sources is less.
Obtained from	Conventional sources are generally obtained from the earth crest.	Non-conventional energy sources are present in the environment such sun, wind, water, biomass, etc.
Environmental impact	Most of the conventional energy sources pollute the environment and cause global warming.	Non-conventional energy sources are environment friendly and do not cause pollution.
Cost	Conventional energy sources are expensive.	Non-conventional are relatively less expensive.
Applications	Conventional energy sources are mainly used at large scale in commercial and industrial applications such in thermal power plants, fuel in vehicles, etc.	Non-conventional sources are used at small scale in domestic and specific commercial and industrial applications such as solar power for houses, offices, etc.

Conclusion

As with the increase in civilization and industrialization, the demand of energy is increasing day by day which cannot be met only by the conventional energy sources. Therefore, some alternatives are necessary for reducing the dependency on conventional sources and these are non-conventional sources. Therefore, it is important to know about the differences between conventional and non-conventional sources energy that are highlighted in the above table.