Dr Arjun Rao -Non-conventional energy sources

Summary

This lecture explores non-conventional, or renewable, energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal energy. It highlights India's significant hydro power capacity and initiatives promoting renewable energy, emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits. The talk also covers government schemes like the National Solar Mission, aiming for 175 GW of solar power by 2022, and the importance of these sources in rural development and energy security.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Non-conventional energy sources, also known as renewable energy, are derived from natural and sustainable processes that are continuously replenished.
• 🌬️ Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic cells or solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity.
• 💨 Wind energy is generated by wind turbines that capture the kinetic energy of wind and convert it into electricity, with wind power being one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources.
• 💧 Hydroelectric energy, or hydro power, is produced by the flow of water, often through dams on rivers, with India having the world's fifth-largest hydro power capacity.
• 🌾 Biomass energy comes from organic materials like wood, agricultural residues, and wastes, which can be used to generate heat or electricity.
• 🔥 Geothermal energy uses the Earth's internal heat for electricity generation or heating and cooling, typically through geothermal power plants.
• 🌊 Wave energy converts the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electricity, with various technologies such as point absorbers and oscillating water columns.
• 🏡 Non-conventional energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines can be integrated into existing power grids to meet daily energy needs.
• 🌱 Using non-conventional energy sources offers environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
• 🌐 Government schemes in India, like the National Solar Mission, aim to promote renewable energy deployment and achieve energy security and sustainability goals.

Q & A

What are non-conventional energy sources?

Non-conventional energy sources, also known as renewable energy sources, are forms of energy that originate from natural and sustainable processes that are continuously replaced. They differ from traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which are finite and contribute to environmental degradation.

How does solar energy harness the energy from the Sun?

Solar energy harnesses the energy from the Sun using photovoltaic cells, also known as solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity. Solar power is abundant and can be harnessed through technologies such as solar panels, water heaters, and concentrated solar power systems.

What is wind energy and how is it converted into electricity?

Wind energy is the process where giant wind turbines capture kinetic energy from the wind and convert it into electricity. This is a mature technology used in both onshore and offshore installations globally and is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources.

What is hydroelectric power and what is India's standing in this sector?

Hydroelectric power, also known as hydro power, is generated by the conversion of the energy in flowing water, typically through big dams on rivers or by using the natural flow of water. India has the world's fifth-largest hydro power capacity and is home to several large electric power plants that generate clean and renewable electricity.

How many hydroelectric power plants does India have, and what is the capacity of some of the significant projects?

India has more than 197 hydroelectric power plants capable of producing more than 25 megawatts of electricity. Some significant projects include the Hirakud hydro power complex with an installed capacity of 2400 megawatts, the Koyna hydroelectric project generating about 1900 megawatts, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam producing approximately 1600 megawatts.

What is biomass energy and how is it produced?

Biomass energy refers to any organic materials like wood, agricultural residue, and wastes that can be used as fuel to generate heat or electricity. It can be produced through combustion, fermentation, or biochemical conversions processes like anaerobic digestion.

What types of biomass are found in India and what are their uses?

In India, types of biomass include agricultural residues such as rice straw, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, and corn straws. These residues can be used for generating electricity, cooking purposes, and heating purposes.

What is geothermal energy and how is it utilized?

Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from within the Earth to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling mechanisms. It generally utilizes the Earth's internal heat through geothermal power plants, heat pumps, and direct use applications like hot springs.

How does wave energy convert the energy from ocean waves into electricity?

Wave energy converts the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electricity using various technologies such as point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and attenuators.

What are the key advantages and benefits of using non-conventional energy sources?

The key advantages and benefits of using non-conventional energy sources include environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and conservation of natural resources. They also contribute to the diversification of energy sources, leading to economic benefits and sustainable development. Additionally, they serve as instruments for bringing electricity to remote regions, improving the quality of life and supporting social and economic development.

What are some government schemes in India that promote non-conventional energy sources?

Some notable government schemes in India that promote non-conventional energy sources include Pradhan Mantri Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Maha Abhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Maha Abhiyan (KUSUM), and the National Solar Mission, which aims to achieve 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022, subsequently revised to 175 GW.