Question

what are the merits and demerits of non-conventional energy?

Answer 1

Conventional energy sources are Atomic energy, Thermal power (coal), Fossil fuels (oil, petroleum products), Hydro-electric power from waterfalls etc.

Non conventional energy sources are Geothermal energy, Wind energy, Ocean waves or undercurrents energy, solar energy, biofuel or biomass energy.

Merits:
1. They are inexhaustible.
2. They can take the place of exhaustible conventional energy sources.
3. They are pollution free and environment friendly or eco-friendly.
4. They are locally available in rural areas or in open spaces.  For example biomass energy like biogas can be locally produced and used in a house.
5. The power available is not interrupted due to breakdowns like in conventional power plants.
6.  The raw material is free or available very cheaply.

Demerits:
1. They are not yet widely used.  They need initial setup and installation.
2. The amount of power drawn could be limited.  The use is on a small scale.
3.  The solar power for example, is not always available throughout 24/7.  Similarly wind power may not be always available 24/7.  So they need storage in batteries.