5.2.7. Energy Resources

Mineral fuels are essential for generation of power, required by agriculture, industry, transport and other sectors of the economy. Mineral fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas (known as fossil fuels), nuclear energy minerals, are the conventional sources of energy. These conventional sources are exhaustible resources.

Energy resources are critical to supporting various sectors of the economy. Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas provide the main sources of energy. These resources are termed 'conventional sources' because they have been used widely for many years, but they are limited in availability, hence referred to as 'exhaustible resources,' meaning they cannot be replenished quickly or easily once depleted.

Think of fossil fuels like a bank account; when you withdraw money (use energy), you’re left with less. Once the account is empty, you can’t simply refill it without making deposits (finding new energy sources). This analogy helps highlight the importance of being careful with the use of these resources.

Coal is one of the important minerals which is mainly used in the generation of thermal power and smelting of iron ore. Coal occurs in rock sequences mainly of two geological ages, namely Gondwana and tertiary deposits. About 80 per cent of the coal deposits in India is of bituminous type and is of non-coking grade.

Coal is a key energy source primarily used for generating thermal power, which is electricity produced by heat. The coal in India is predominantly of the bituminous type, suitable for burning as fuel. Most of it comes from two geological formations: Gondwana and tertiary deposits, with Gondwana being the older and more significant source. This variety of coal provides the basis for power generation, especially in industries that rely on heat, like smelting iron ore.

Imagine coal as the firewood used to cook food. Just like you need a steady supply of wood to keep the fire burning, industries need a constant supply of coal to generate energy. If the wood runs out, the cooking stops. So, careful management of coal resources is necessary for ongoing power generation.

Petroleum is referred to as liquid gold because of its scarcity and diversified uses. Crude petroleum consists of hydrocarbons of liquid and gaseous states varying in chemical composition, colour and specific gravity.

Petroleum, often called 'liquid gold', is highly valued due to its limited availability and wide range of applications, such as fuel for vehicles, heating, and as a raw material for various products. Its chemical properties make it versatile for use in many industries, but it also indicates that we need to be careful about its extraction and use, as it is not a sustainable resource.

Think of petroleum like a special recipe ingredient that's hard to find and makes dishes delicious. If everyone uses it up without thinking about where to find more, we could end up with empty kitchens (a shortage of fuel). So it's crucial to use it wisely.

Natural Gas is found with petroleum deposits and is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. It can be used as a domestic and industrial fuel.

Natural gas is often found alongside petroleum and is released during oil extraction. It is known for being a cleaner-burning fuel when compared to coal and petroleum, making it a favorable choice for both home heating and industrial applications. Its lower emissions of pollutants help in mitigating environmental issues compared to other fossil fuels.

Imagine natural gas as the healthier option for cooking and heating in your kitchen. Just like choosing fruits and vegetables over processed snacks keeps your body clean and healthy, using natural gas helps keep the environment cleaner by emitting fewer pollutants.

Fossil fuel sources, such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and nuclear energy use exhaustible raw materials. Sustainable energy resources are only the renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro-geothermal and biomass.

Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished. These include solar energy (from the sun), wind energy (from air currents), hydroelectric energy (from rivers and water flow), geothermal energy (from the earth's heat), and biomass (from organic materials). These resources are considered sustainable because they can last indefinitely if managed properly.

Think of renewable energy like a garden where you grow your food. If you take care of the plants (manage energy use), they keep producing fruits and vegetables (energy) year after year. There's no need to worry about running out as long as you nurture them.

--