The energy generated by the use of wind, tides, solar heat, geothermal and biomass, including agricultural and animal waste, as well as human excreta is known as unconventional energy. All these sources are renewable or inexhaustible and do not cause environmental pollution. More about them do not require a heavy expenditure.
1. Wind Energy:
Wind power is harnessed by creating a windmill that is used for pumping water, grinding grain and generating electricity. India's gross wind energy potential is estimated at around 20,000 MW, and wind power projects of 970 MW have been installed until March. 1998. Areas with a consistently high speed, preferably above 20 km per hour, are adequate to take advantage of wind energy.
2. Tidal power:
Sea water continues to rise and fall alternately twice a day under the influence of the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. This phenomenon is known as tides. It is estimated that India possesses 8000-9000 MW of tidal power potential. The Gulf of Kuchchh is best suited for tidal energy.
3. Solar power:
The sun is the source of all the energy on earth. It is the most abundant, inexhaustible and universal source of energy. Other sources of energy draw their strength from the sun. India is blessed with lots of solar energy because most parts of the country receive bright sunshine all year round, except for a brief monsoon period. India has developed technology to use solar energy for cooking, water heating, water dissimilation, space heating, crop drying, etc.
4. Geothermal Energy:
Geothermal energy is the heat of the interior of the earth. This energy is manifested in the hot springs. India is not very rich in this source,
5. Energy from biomass:
Biomass refers to all plant material and animal excreta when considered as an energy source. Some important types of biomass are lower wood, urban waste, bagasse, farm animals and human waste.
Importance of unconventional energy sources:
1. Unconventional energy sources are abundant in nature. According to energy experts, India's unconventional energy potential is estimated at about 95,000 MW.
2. They are renewable resources. Unconventional energy sources can be renewed with minimal effort and money.
3. Unconventional energy sources are free of pollution and are environmentally friendly
