Conventional sources of energy

The conventional sources of energy are generally non-renewable sources of energy, which are being used since a long time. These sources of energy are being used extensively in such a way that their known reserves have been depleted to a great extent.

At the same time it is becoming increasingly difficult to discover and exploit their new deposits. It is envisaged at known deposits of petroleum in our country will get exhausted by the few decades and coal reserves are expected to last for another hundred years. The coal, petroleum, natural gas and electricity are conventional sources of energy.

Advantages

The main advantages of conventional energy resources are that they are abundant and affordable. For example, oil and diesel are still good choices for powering vehicles. Non-renewable energy is cost effective and easier to product and use. According to National Geographic, there are reservoirs of non-renewable energy sources throughout the world.

Limitations

The disadvantages to conventional energy resources indicate that once sources of non-renewable energies are gone they can't be replaced or revitalized. The mining of non-renewable energy and the by-products they leave behind causes damage to the environment. There is little doubt that fossil fuels contribute to global warming. When fossil fuels are burned, nitrous oxides causes photochemical pollution, sulphur dioxide creates acid rain, and greenhouse gases are emitted.

A major disadvantage of non-renewable energy is the challenge of breaking humans of their habit of leaning on it. The Union of Concerned Scientists reports it's an uphill battle to sway consumers that the so-called "public goods" of renewable energy, such as reducing pollution for everyone, may not be enough to convince them to pay more for cleaner energy.