Energy Resources
Energy resources are crucial for powering various sectors of the economy, including industries, transportation, and households. They are generally classified into two main categories:
1. Conventional Energy Resources
These include well-established sources that have been used extensively:
- Coal: A major energy source found in locations like Jharkhand and Odisha.
- Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mainly sourced from Assam and Gujarat.
- Hydroelectric Power: Generated using water from dams, providing a renewable source of energy.
- Thermal Power: Produces electricity through the combustion of coal, oil, or gas.
2. Non-Conventional (Renewable) Energy Resources
These sources are increasingly important for sustainable development due to their low environmental impact:
- Solar Energy: Harnesses sunlight using solar panels.
- Wind Energy: Uses wind turbines to generate power.
- Biomass Energy: Derived from organic materials for energy production.
- Geothermal Energy: Utilizes heat from the Earth’s interior.
The section emphasizes the necessity to conserve non-renewable resources due to their limited availability, encouraging the shift toward sustainable energy utilization.