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Lecture for week 1

RENEWABLE ENERGY-EET-4014 (CREDIT-4)
Book: (Non-Conventional Energy Resources by BH Khan )

1. Introduction to Renewable energy

What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy derived from natural resources that are able to replenish
themselves in less than a human lifetime, without depleting the planet’s resources.
These resources – such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, biomass, and thermal
energy stored in the earth’s crust – have the benefit of being available in one form or
another nearly everywhere. Included in this list is hydrogen when it is created using
renewable electricity – it is then referred to as renewable hydrogen or green hydrogen.
As these sources of energy are renewable, they are also inexhaustible. More
importantly, they cause little to zero climate or environmental damage.
Fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, on the contrary, are available in finite
quantities only. This is because, although they are produced through natural processes,
they do not replenish as quickly as we humans use them. Not only are fossil fuels
bound to run out sooner or later, but what’s worse is that their extraction and
production is associated with climate-damaging greenhouse gases, as well as health-
endangering particles.
1.1 CLASSIFICATION OF ENERGY SOURCES
Energy resources can be classified on the basis of following criteria:

1. Based on Usability of Energy

(a) Primary resources
These include resources embodied in nature prior to undergoing any human-made
conversions or transformations. This only involves extraction or capture. Examples
of primary energy resources are coal, crude oil, sunlight, wind, running rivers,
vegetation and radioactive material like uranium etc. These resources are generally
available in raw forms and are therefore, known as raw energy resources. Generally,
this form of energy cannot be used as such. These are located, explored, extracted,
processed and are converted to a form as required by the consumer. Thus some
energy is spent in making the resource available to the user in a usable form. The
energy yield ratio of an energy extraction process is defined asfollows:
Energy received from raw energy source
Energy Yield Ratio =
Energy spent to obtain raw energy source
Only resource for which the energy yield ratio is fairly high, are considered worth
exploration.
(b) Secondary Resources
The energy resources supplied directly to consumer for utilization after one or
more steps of transformation are known as secondary or usable energy, e.g.
electrical energy, thermal energy (in the form of steam or hot water), refined fuels
or synthetic fuels such as hydrogen fuels, etc.

2. Based on Traditional Use

(a) Conventional Energy resources, which are being traditionally used, for many
decades and were in common use around oil crisis of 1973, are called conventional
energy resources, e.g. fossil fuels, nuclear and hydro resources.

(b) Non-conventional Energy resources, which are considered for large-scale use
after the oil crisis of 1973, are called non-conventional energy sources, e.g. solar,
wind, biomass, etc.

3. Based on Long-Term Availability

(a) Non-renewable Resources, which are finite and do not get replenished after
their consumption, are called non-renewable e.g. fossil fuels, uranium, etc. They are
likely to deplete with time.

(b) Renewable resourses

Renewable energy is energy obtained from sources that are essentially
inexhaustible. Examples of renewable resources include wind power, solar power,
geothermal energy, tidal power and hydroelectric power. The most important feature
of renewable energy is that it can be harnessed without the release of harmful
pollutants.

4. Based on Commercial Application

(a) Commercial Energy Resource
The energy sources that are available in the market for a definite price are known as
commercial energy. By far the most important forms of commercial energy are
electricity, coal and refined petroleum products. Commercial energy forms the
basis of industrial, agricultural, transport and commercial development in the
modern world. In the industrialized countries, commercialized fuels are
predominant sources not only for economic production, but also for many
household tasks of general population.
(b) Non-commercial Energy
The energy sources that are not available in the commercial market for a price are
classified as non-commercial energy. Non-commercial energy sources include fuels
such as firewood, cattle dung and agricultural wastes, which are traditionally
gathered, and not bought at a price, used especially in rural households. Non-
commercial energy is often ignored in energy accounting. Examples of non-
commercial energy are: firewood, agro waste in rural areas, solar energy for water
heating, animal power for transport, irrigation and crushing of sugarcane, etc.

5. Based on origin
(a) Fossil fuels energy
(b) Nuclear energy
(c) Hydro energy
(d) Solar energy
(e) Wind energy
(f) Biomass energy
(g) Geothermal energy
(h) Tidal energy
(i) Ocean thermal energy
(j) Ocean wave energy
1.2 CONSUMPTION TREND OF PRIMARY ENERGY RESOURCES
( Section 1.4 From book-BH Khan)

1.3 IMPORTANCE OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES

The concern for environment due to ever-increasing use of fossil fuels and rapid
depletion of these resources has led to development of alternative sources of energy,
which are renewable and environment friendly. Following points may be mentioned
in this connection:
1. Conventional sources (except hydro) are non-renewable and finite assets.
With present rate of consumption their availability is rapidly declining.
2. The demand of energy is increasing exponentially due to rapid
industrialization and population growth, the conventional sources of energy
alone will not be sufficient in the long run, to meet the growing demand.
3. Conventional sources (fossil fuels, nuclear) also cause pollution leading to
degradation of the environment. Ultimately, their use has to be restricted
within acceptable limits.
4. Large hydro resources affect wild life, cause deforestation and pose various
social problems.
5. In addition to supplying energy, fossil fuels are also used extensively as
feedstock for the manufacture of organic chemicals. As reserves deplete, the
 need for using fossil fuels exclusively for such purposes may become greater.

Due to these reasons it has become important to explore and develop non-
conventional energy resources to reduce too much dependence on conventional
resources. However, the present trend of developments of non-conventional sources
indicate that these will serve as supplement rather than substitute for conventional
sources for some more time to come.
Realizing the importance of non-conventional energy sources, in March 1981 the
government of India established a Commission for Additional Sources of Energy
(CASE) in the Department of Science and Technology, on the lines of the Space
and Atomic Energy Commissions. In 1982, CASE was incorporated in the newly
created Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (DNES) under Ministry
of Energy. Also IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd.) a
Non-Banking Financial Institution, under the administrative control of ministry was
established in 1987 to promote, develop and extend financial assistance for renewable
energy and energy efficiency /conservation projects. The DNES was later converted
to MNES (Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources) in 1992. India was the first
country in the world to set up a full-fledged ministry of non-conventional energy
resources. In October 2006 the ministry was re-christened as the “Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy”. India is the only country having full fledged ministry
devoted to developing new and renewable energy sources.

 Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Energy Sources

(Section 1.8, BH Khan Book)
 Salient features of non-conventional energy sources
(Section 1.9, BH Khan book)
 Environment aspect of Energy
(Section 1.10, BH Khan book)
 Environment-economy energy and sustainable development
(Section 1.11, BH Khan Book)
 Energy Densities (Heating values) of various fuels
(Section 1.12, BH Khan Book)
2. WORLD RENEWABLE ENERGY STATUS
Worldwide increases in fossil fuel-based road transport, industrial activity, and
power generation (as well as the open burning of waste in many cities) contribute to
elevated levels of air pollution. In many developing countries, the use of charcoal and
fuel wood for heating and cooking also contributes to poor indoor air quality.
According to studies by the World Health Organisation, the presence of particles and
other air pollutants above urban skies are responsible for millions of premature deaths
and cost billions in health and economic costs. In most parts of the world, renewable
energy technologies, and particularly wind and solar energy, remain more cost-
effective than fossil fuels. Furthermore, the levilised cost of electricity (LCOE) for
renewable technologies continue to decline rapidly.

Global energy sources and production (from 1990-2021)

In 2021, 754 million people worldwide did not have access to electricity.

As the contribution of renewables increased, the share of fossil fuels in total final
energy consumption (TFEC) fell from 81.2% in 2011 to 78.9% in 2021;

Iceland continued to have the highest proportion of renewable energy in TFEC in

2020, at 83%, followed by Norway with 74% and Paraguay with 73%.

Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption

 renewable electricity accounted for an estimated 29.9% of total global
electricity production in 2022.
 The highest share of renewable energy use (28%) was in the electricity
sector, the transport sector, meanwhile, accounted for an estimated 32% of
TFEC and had the lowest share of renewables (3.7%).
 In 2021, The total installed renewable power capacity grew 11% to reach
around 3,146 GW,
 During 2021, China became the first country to exceed 1 terawatt of installed
renewable energy capacity. Its total installed capacity of renewables
increased 136 GW during the year, accounting for around 43% of global
additions
 Renewables generated 28.3% of global electricity in 2021,
 Despite the progress of renewables in the power sector, the surge in global
energy demand was met mostly with fossil fuels
 The role of renewables in improving energy security and sovereignty by
replacing fossil fuels became central to discussions, as energy prices
increased sharply in late 2021 and as the Russian Federation’s invasion of
Ukraine unfolded in early 2022.

 For the first time ever, global electricity generation led to solar and wind
power providing more than 10% of the world’s electricity
 Renewable energy comprised 28.3% of the global electricity mix in 2021
 Worldwide, the total installed renewable power capacity grew 11% to reach
around 3,146 GW
 Renewable power capacity additions grew 17% in 2021 to reach a new high
of more than 314 GW of added capacity, driven by the record expansion in
solar PV and wind power.
 China added 54.9 GW of solar PV capacity in 2021
 India was the second largest market in Asia for new solar PV capacity, and
third globally
 India’s cumulative total to nearly 60.4 GW
 By year’s end, total global wind power capacity rose 13.5% over 2020 to
surpass 845 GW
 India also ranked among the world’s top 10 countries for additions in 2021,
rising one step to place ninth. Nearly 1.5 GW was installed, representing a
30% increase over 2020 additions, for a total approaching 40.1 GW (all
onshore).

 Availability of resources and future trends

(Section 1.13.2 from BH Khan Book)
2.1 ENERGY SCENARIO IN INDIA

Thermal : 240022.92 MW (coal, gas, diesel)

Nuclear: 7480 MW
Hydro: 46910.17 MW
RES: 133886.18 MW
Total: 428299.27 MW

The following is the installed capacity for Renewables:

 Wind power: 44.73 GW
 Solar Power: 73.31 GW

 Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW
 Small Hydro Power: 4.98 GW
 Waste To Energy: 0.58 GW
 Large Hydro: 46.88 GW
India has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less
than 45% by the end of the decade, achieve 50 percent cumulative electric power
installed by 2030 from renewable, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy installed capacity by 2030.India aims to
produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. This will be supported by 125
GW of renewable energy capacity.
The electricity generation target (Including RE) for the year 2023-24 has been fixed as
1750 Billion Unit (BU). i.e. growth of around 7.2% over actual generation of
1624.158 BU for the previous year (2022-23). The generation during 2022-23 was
1624.158 BU as compared to 1491.859 BU generated during 2021-22, representing a
growth of about 8.87%.
3. FOSSIL FUELS: ADVERSE EFFECT OF FOSSIL FUELS ON
ENVIRONMENT
What are Fossil Fuels?
The substances which act as energy sources are known as fuels. The buried
organic matters which can be converted to crude oil, coal, natural gas or any
heavy oils by applying pressure and heat to the earth’s crust over hundreds of
years are known as fossil fuels. This topic educates about the effect of burning
fossil fuels on the environment.
 A good fuel is one which is readily available at a cheap rate and produces a
moderate amount of heat on burning.
 The amount of energy produced by 1 kilogram of fuel is known as
its calorific value.
 A fuel which burns completely in the air at a moderate rate and produces a
large amount of energy is known as an ideal fuel.
 No fuel has such properties and hence ideal fuel is not easy to obtain.
Effects of fossil fuels on the environment:
The burning of fossil fuels leads to the release of harmful products into the
environment. An increase in the consumption of fuel leads to harmful effects on
the environment. The following points will clearly depict these effects:
1. Carbon fuels such as wood, coal, and petroleum release unburnt carbon
particles into the environment. These particles are very dangerous pollutants
 and cause respiratory diseases for example asthma.
2. When fuels are incompletely burnt, they release carbon monoxide gas into
the atmosphere. This gas is very dangerous as it is poisonous in nature. If
we burn coal in a closed room, then the person sleeping in that room will be
killed by the action of carbon monoxide.
3. The combustion of fossil fuels also releases a large amount of carbon
dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas which is
responsible for global warming. Global warming is a rise in the overall
temperature of the earth’s surface. This leads to the melting of polar caps
and a rise in the sea level and further results in flooding of coastal regions.
4. The burning of coal and diesel releases sulphur dioxide gas. This gas is
extremely corrosive and suffocating in nature. Petrol gives off oxides of
nitrogen. The oxides of sulphur and nitrogen get dissolved in rainwater and
form acids. This is known as acid rain. This water is very harmful to plants,
animals, and various monuments.
Nowadays these fuels are being replaced by CNG (compressed natural gas)
because it is a cleaner fuel and produces less harmful products.

4. GREEN HOUSE GASES AND GLOBAL WARMING

The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming are one of the major problems that the
world is facing today. An in-depth explanation of global warming and the
greenhouse effect along with its causes and effects is given below.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The greenhouse effect is the process thanks to which Earth has a higher temperature
than it would have without it. The gases that radiate heat also known as greenhouse
gases absorb the energy radiated out by the Earth and reflect a part of it back to
Earth. Of all the energy that the Earth receives from the Sun, a part of it around 26%
is reflected back to space by the atmosphere and clouds. Some part of it is absorbed
by the atmosphere, around 19%.
The rest hits the ground and heats the surface of the Earth. This absorbed energy is
radiated out of the earth in the form of Infrared Waves. These IR waves warm the
atmosphere above the Earth. The atmosphere again radiates this energy it received
from the Earth both upwards and downwards. The energy sent downwards results in
a higher equilibrium temperature than if greenhouse gases were absent. This
greenhouse effect is essential to supporting life on Earth.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
The greenhouse gases responsible for the greenhouse effect are:

 Water Vapour
 Carbon Dioxide
  Methane
 Ozone
The excessive burning of fossil fuels such as petrol, coal, etc. have resulted in an
increase in the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere resulting in a
phenomenon known as Global Warming. This is an increase in the ambient
temperature of Earth which will negatively affect life on Earth.
How do we know?
If an ideal black body were at the same distance from the Sun as Earth, its
temperature would be 5.3oC. However, Earth reflects 30% of this energy back into
space. Including this in the calculation for the temperature of Earth gives us an
answer of -18oC. As we can clearly see, this is far from true. The average
temperature is a whopping 33oC higher at 15oC. This difference in ambient
temperature is caused by greenhouse gases.
Causes of Greenhouse Effect
The following are the factors that are responsible for the cause of greenhouse effect:
 Deforestation: This is considered to be one of the most responsible factors
for the cause of the greenhouse effect. This is due to the reduction in the
release of oxygen and absorption of carbon dioxide by the plants.
 Fossil fuel burning: Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gases are used
as a means of energy which releases a huge amount of harmful gases into
the environment.
 Population: As the population increases, the need for space increases which
again results in deforestation.
Prevention of Greenhouse Effect
Now that we have made a list of causes, finding alternatives to these causes becomes
by following the below-mentioned preventive measures:
 Afforestation: Afforestation on a large scale area helps in decreasing the
release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

 Conservation of energy: Switching to renewable sources of energy such as

solar energy, wind energy, etc will reduce the use of fossil fuels. This
eventually reduces the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
 Policy intervention: When the government comes up with strict policies to
maintain the overall air quality of the city.
Global Warming
Global warming refers to the increasing temperature of the Earth’s climate system
and its related effects. Scientific evidence has conclusively proven that the Earth’s
temperature is in fact rising and has risen by 0.85oC. This has an impact that has
affected different regions differently. The effects include rising sea levels, retreating
glaciers, loss of sea ice in the poles, warming global temperatures, changing
precipitation, expansion of deserts, etc.
This raises significant threats for humans such as food security from decreasing crop
yields, and submergence of a low-lying area due to the rising sea. To prevent
irreversible damage to the delicate ecosystems on Earth, scientists have decided that
global warming should be limited to a maximum of 2.0 oC relative to pre-industrial
levels. The greenhouse effect plays an important role in the rising temperature. And
hence to restrict global warming we need to limit the greenhouse effect and the
gaseous emissions that cause the greenhouse effect.
Fourteen of the fifteen years in the 21st century have been the hottest years on record
with constant occurrences of extreme weather, cyclones, droughts, floods, etc. All
these events are some way or the other have an association with the greenhouse
effect and global warming.