Basic differences in renewable and sustainable energy sources
The energy sources like solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, tidal power, geothermal power and wave power are all important types of renewable energy. However if these energy sources are coupled with the energy efficacy it is termed as sustainable energy sources. Another difference is that nuclear energy is not a renewable energy source but it is a sustainable energy source. Some people believe that there is as such no difference in sustainable energy and renewable energy but the difference exists. Renewable energy sources are only those energy sources which does not pollute environment during their consumption. The need to find fuel and energy substitute put great pressure on human race to find new and more energy sources. All renewable energy sources are sustainable energy sources but all sustainable energy sources can not be termed as renewable energy. Nuclear energy is not considered a renewable energy source.
Conservation of energy
The sustainable energy is based on the principle of conserving energy to be used for longer period of time. However renewable energy merely focused on the abundance and existence of energy. Nuclear energy is a form of sustainable energy which is used in nuclear fission and 90% of uranium can be used again. This is the core principle of sustainable energy that if the energy can be conserved or no. the need for renewable energy was felt when the higher oil prices put pressure on the economy. While the need for sustainable energy was felt when the natural resources like coal and oil become scarce. Conservation of energy means not only using energy but also finding ways to conserve it. For example solar energy can not only help us in producing electricity but it is also helpful in conserving energy. Passive and solar heating systems are an important example of such energy sources. Conservation of energy is more close to sustainable energy sources as compare to renewable energy sources.
Interchangeable terms
Earlier when the problem of global warming was at its peak the first term which was used to identify the clean energy sources was alternative energy sources. Then this term was later replaced by green energy sources. In order to put clean and substitute energy sources under one heading the term renewable energy sources was used. Later on when it was realized that the fossil fuels are eliminating from the earth’s crusts and we need some new energy sources. The need for the energy sources which can be used in unlimited quantities without the fear of loss should come to front. Sustainable energy sources was a term used refer all those energy sources which replenish naturally over time without considerate human effort.
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