Electricity Sources for UPSC – Key Notes, MCQs & Top 25 GK Questions
If you want to know how the types of electricity—renewable and nonrenewable—affect your life, environment, and future, then this article is for you. In this guide, we will understand what renewable energy sources and nonrenewable energy sources are, their advantages and disadvantages, their current role, and how you can make smart choices. This information will be useful in your personal, educational, and business decisions, as responsible use of electricity has become a priority for everyone today. Let us understand in detail which electricity is safe, eco-friendly, and economically suitable for you.
Summary Table on Electricity: Energy Types, Uses, and Tips
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy Types | Renewable (solar, wind, hydro, biomass) and Non-renewable (coal, gas, oil, nuclear) |
| Common Uses | Lighting, heating, cooling, running appliances, powering industries, and electric transport |
| Energy Saving Tips | Use LED lights, unplug unused devices, install solar panels, and adopt energy-efficient appliances |
What are the non-renewable energy sources?
Nonrenewable energy means energy that is limited, like coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, and petroleum products.
- These sources provide high energy density, due to which plants are able to generate electricity quickly.
- However, their collection and supply tend to deplete the reserves, increasing the possibility of an energy crisis.
- This type emits a significant amount of carbon and pollution, which can pose a risk to the environment and health.
- Due to variations in energy prices and reserves, these sources can lead to price volatility.
What are the advantages of non-renewable electricity?
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Constant power supply—Coal, gas, and nuclear plants can provide electricity continuously and in large quantities.
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Advanced technology is available—work has been going on for decades on traditional sources, so the technology is mature.
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Easy to use in industrial settings—meets the need for stable and large power for heavy industries.
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Ready infrastructure—Better arrangements for transmission, grid, and supply are already available.
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Fast start—especially gas-based plants can be started quickly.
Difference Between Non-Renewable and Renewable Energy Sources
| Feature | Non-Renewable Energy | Renewable Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Nuclear | Solar, Wind, Hydro, Hydrogen, Biomass, Geothermal, waste to energy |
| Availability | Finite and depleting | Infinite and naturally replenished |
| Environmental Impact | High pollution, greenhouse gas emissions | Minimal pollution, eco-friendly |
| Energy Efficiency | High output but causes waste and emissions | Clean output, lower energy density |
| Initial Cost | Low setup, but high long-term cost | High setup, low long-term cost |
| Usage Scope | The main source in industries and power grids | Increasing use in homes, farms, and grids |
| Future Outlook | Declining due to pollution and cost | Growing with innovation and sustainability |
| Examples of Future Sources | Advanced nuclear (fusion), cleaner fossil fuels | Green hydrogen, ocean energy, and floating solar |
What are the disadvantages of non-renewable electricity?
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Environmental pollution—Emission of gases like CO₂, NOx, and SO₂ causes air pollution and climate change.
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Limited reserves of resources—Coal, gas, oil, etc., are limited and can be exhausted quickly.
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Effect on health—Pollution associated with these sources increases respiratory, heart, and skin diseases.
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Expensive in the long term—it can be expensive to maintain due to climate damage and health costs.
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Unsustainable for the future—this model is not sustainable, as one day its sources will run out.
What are the renewable energy sources?
- Renewable energy means energy that never runs out—like solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy.
- These sources are constantly replenished by natural cycles, which maintain the stability of electricity in the long term.
- Being eco-friendly, they reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.
- They ensure autonomous power supply in domestic, rural, and remote areas, thereby reducing grid dependence.
- The operation and maintenance of the electricity generated from them is less expensive, as there is no fuel cost.
What are the benefits of renewable electricity?
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Safe for the environment—it has negligible emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
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Infinite sources—Sources like the sun, wind, water, and biomass do not get exhausted.
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Local production is possible—electricity can be generated by installing solar panels or biogas plants even in remote areas.
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Low maintenance cost—Once the system is installed, its operation is relatively cheap and simple.
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Sustainable option for the future—it is one of the most effective measures to fight climate change.
What are the disadvantages of renewable electricity?
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Irregularity in production—Due to dependence on the sun and wind, there is a fluctuation in production.
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High initial cost—Heavy investment is required in setting up solar panels, wind turbines, or hydro plants.
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Storage required—Battery or grid support is required, as it is not available all the time.
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Space required—Wind and solar energy require large areas.
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Dependence on technology—Without new technologies, they cannot operate at full capacity.
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What are the sources of future electricity generation?
Here are the sources of electricity generation in the future, which will help in reducing global warming, the greenhouse effect, and climate change:
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Solar energy — By producing electricity from sunlight, we can reduce carbon emissions to a great extent. Both land and temperature can be saved by installing floating solar panels on reservoirs.
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Wind energy — There is also no pollution in the environment when energy is generated by wind turbines.
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Hydroelectric energy — Electricity produced from rivers and dams is renewable and does not release greenhouse gases.
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Hydrogen energy — Making electricity from green hydrogen can be a zero-emission option for the future. Hydrogen can be produced by splitting water using electricity from the sun and wind, which is a clean fuel.
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Geothermal energy — Making electricity from the inner heat of the earth is safe for the environment.
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Bioenergy — The carbon cycle can be balanced by making electricity from organic waste.
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Ocean tidal energy — Making electricity from ocean waves is a sustainable and pollution-free method.
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Nuclear energy (with safe technology) — Technologies like nuclear fusion can provide electricity without releasing greenhouse gases.
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Waste-to-Energy — Burning or gasifying solid waste to produce electricity is a dual problem solution.
Short Questions and Answers on Sources of Electricity
Here are the 25 most important short questions and answers on Sources of Electricity (Renewable & Non-renewable) for UPSC and other top competitive exams:
1. What are renewable sources of electricity?
Renewable sources are energy sources that naturally replenish within a short period, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass.
2. What are non-renewable sources of electricity?
Non-renewable sources include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear fuels that take millions of years to form and cannot regenerate quickly.
3. Which sector consumes the highest electricity in India?
The industrial sector consumes the highest share of electricity in India.
4. What is the largest source of electricity generation in India?
Coal-based thermal power plants contribute the largest share to India’s electricity generation.
5. What is solar photovoltaic electricity?
Solar PV electricity is generated by converting sunlight directly into electrical energy using semiconductor-based photovoltaic cells.
6. What is wind energy?
Wind energy is electricity produced by wind turbines that convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical and electrical energy.
7. What is hydropower?
Hydropower generates electricity using the energy of flowing or falling water to rotate turbines.
8. What is biomass energy?
Biomass energy is derived from organic materials like agricultural waste, wood, and dung used to produce heat and electricity.
9. What is geothermal electricity?
Geothermal electricity is produced by harnessing Earth’s internal heat to generate steam that drives turbines.
10. What is tidal energy?
Tidal energy uses the periodic rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity.
11. What is nuclear power?
Nuclear power is generated by controlled fission of radioactive isotopes like uranium-235 inside nuclear reactors.
12. Why is coal a dominant source in India?
Coal is dominant due to abundant domestic reserves, established infrastructure, and low electricity generation costs.
13. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable electricity sources?
Renewables regenerate quickly and are eco-friendly, while non-renewables are finite and polluting.
14. What are the environmental impacts of coal-based electricity?
Coal-based plants cause air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, toxic ash, and contribute to global warming.
15. What is India’s renewable energy target for 2030?
India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030.
16. What is the main challenge in solar power generation?
Intermittency due to dependence on sunlight availability.
17. What is pumped-storage hydropower?
A method of storing energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir during low demand and releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand.
18. What are the advantages of wind energy?
Wind energy is clean, renewable, cost-effective after installation, and reduces carbon emissions.
19. What are solar parks?
Large-scale zones equipped with grid infrastructure to support installation of multiple solar power projects.
20. What are Ultra-Mega Power Projects (UMPPs)?
Large thermal power generation projects of around 4000 MW capacity.
21. What are the advantages of nuclear electricity?
Provides continuous baseload electricity with minimal carbon emissions.
22. What is the main drawback of nuclear power?
High capital cost, radioactive waste management, and safety risks.
23. What role does natural gas play in electricity generation?
Natural gas is used in combined-cycle power plants, offering efficient and cleaner generation compared to coal.
24. What is green hydrogen related to electricity?
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity through electrolysis and serves as a clean fuel and storage medium.
25. Why is diversification of energy sources important for India?
It ensures energy security, reduces imports, stabilizes the grid, and supports sustainable development.
GK MCQs for UPSC - Electricity Sources - Science & Technology
Conclusion—Diverse sources, balanced power, and future
Now that you understand how power is generated from coal, gas, hydro, solar, wind, biogas, nuclear, and emerging sources, it will be easier to decide where to invest or advertise. Every source has benefits and restrictions, so a balanced approach, environmental focus, and adoption of technology are the future.
Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites
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Informative and worth reading article on electricity and energy sources
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