The renewable resources are those natural resources that regenerate in an interval of equal or less time to its consumption. This type of resource is characterized by being easily regenerable, either by natural processes or by human action, existing in practically a quantity indefinite.
The nonrenewable resources, on the other hand, they are those natural resources whose regeneration occurs at a much faster rate slow than its consumption, so its quantity is limited. Because of this, these resources are exhaustible.
Both types of resources are generally used in the production of different types of Energy, each presenting particular advantages and disadvantages.
| Renewable resources | Nonrenewable resources | |
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| Definition | They are the natural resources that can be renewed at the rate of their consumption, being in a potentially unlimited quantity. | They are natural resources that cannot be regenerated at the same rate as their consumption, and they run out over time. |
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A resource is an element that is used to produce, directly or indirectly, so it has a value of economic production and may be potential, in use or in reserves.
The natural resources are a type of resources found in the nature and that they are used in their natural state or after being processed. These can be renewable or non-renewable, which means that it is possible to regenerate them or, instead, run out due to their consumption.
They are used for human consumption, in the production of energy, in goods and / or in services.
The renewable resources are a type of natural resource that can be renewed in an interval of equal or less time at the rate at which it is consumed. This type of resource does not generate negative impacts on the environment, during its use or exploitation..
Some of these resources are basically unlimited, since they are renewed or produced naturally without human intervention. For example, solar radiation and wind.
Others, on the other hand, are renewed as soon as they are being used, so they remain in constant availability, as in the case of timber forests and different agricultural resources..
Those resources that require that there is a production process to obtain them, assume that their consumption is not exceeded, since it can affect its reserves.
Renewable energy is a type of energy that comes from nature and its use, generally, does not entail negative effects for the environment, compared to various types of non-renewable energy.
The solar energy it is one of the most abundant renewable energy resources. The amount of energy that can be obtained from the sun for human consumption is unlimited, considering current energy needs.
The energy coming from the wind, called wind power, It is obtained thanks to large structures called wind turbines, installed in wind farms where there are constant currents of strong winds. These currents drive turbines that generate electrical energy.
The hydraulic energy It is that obtained from the movement of water, generally from rivers. As with wind energy, this is obtained by means of turbines.
The geothermal energy It is a form of renewable energy that uses the heat that emanates from within the Earth, coming from its internal radiation.
Another example of renewable energy are biofuels, which are characterized by being produced through the use of agricultural crops. For example, growing corn and sugar cane produces ethanol.
Some advantages of these types of resources are that they are in practically unlimited quantities, the operating costs are much lower than those necessary in the generation of non-renewable energy, in addition to allowing the energy to be produced locally with the available resources..
On the other hand, among the disadvantages are that the cost of producing this type of energy is high in the short term. In addition, since there is little or no human influence in the production of many of the resources themselves (as in the case of the wind), these can be unpredictable..
While it is true that they can offer the capacity to create energy locally, they also limit the type of energy that can be used (a region poor in rivers is not capable of generating as much hydroelectric energy, for example).
You may be interested in knowing the types of renewable energies.
The nonrenewable resources are resources that take a long time to be renewed and / or that exist in limited quantity, being that human consumption can deplete its reserves.
Basically, the more these types of resources are used, the scarcer they become, because they cannot regenerate naturally in the short term..
Non-renewable energy resources are those resources used to obtain energy, being finite and / or depleting without being able to regenerate quickly.
One of its main characteristics is the fact that these resources are found on our planet. For example, oil, natural gas, and various types of minerals.
The biggest disadvantage that the use and exploitation of this type of energy resources entails is that they are highly damaging to the environment.
The Petroleum It is a non-renewable energy resource that, despite increasing its value over time, is still relatively inexpensive, when its capacity to generate energy is taken into account. Petroleum derivatives function as fuel, for example gasoline and diesel.
The nuclear energy It is a form of non-renewable energy that is obtained from minerals such as uranium. This is mined and then processed atomically through nuclear fission, which leads to the release of large amounts of energy..
The mineral carbon It is also a widely used material, like oil, and it needs to be extracted. This is used to generate electrical energy in specialized thermal plants. The biggest problem that it entails is its high level of environmental pollution.
Another form of non-renewable energy that is widely used is that which comes from natural gas, specifically the methane. This is under layers of earth, being necessary to excavate to extract it. It is used to generate heat, in domestic heaters and for cooking.
The energy obtained from this type of resource is relatively inexpensive, when compared to the energy production of renewable resources. Generally, from materials such as fossil fuels it is possible to obtain a large amount of energy at low cost.
In addition, these types of resources are easier to manufacture for energy than renewable ones. Many of these, such as coal and natural gas, are basically ready to use..
Among the main disadvantages of non-renewable energy resources is the fact that they are exhaustible. The consequences of a high dependence on its use can be serious, in the event of a global shortage.
In addition, practices such as extensive mining can affect large areas, the habitat and animal species of a region. Likewise, the combustion of petroleum derivatives contributes to environmental pollution (for example, by releasing a large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere) and global warming..
Another big problem is the interdependence created by the widespread and standardized consumption of certain types of non-renewable energy. For example, when a country is rich in these types of resources, it can be involved in complex geoeconomic, social and human problems with other countries that depend on it..
In the same way, countries that lack these resources are at the mercy of fluctuations in the international prices of these resources and their derivatives..
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