What are some advantages of non-renewable energy?

Non-renewable energy comes from non-renewable resources. That is, from resources which cannot be replenished (at least not in a short time period). The most common example of such resources are fossil fuels such as petrol (or gasoline), diesel, kerosene, natural gas, coal, etc. Although so much focus has been on the renewable energy sources, non-renewable energy sources have their advantages. These are listed below:

• Non-renewable resources account for the majority of the world's energy demands....

Non-renewable energy comes from non-renewable resources. That is, from resources which cannot be replenished (at least not in a short time period). The most common example of such resources are fossil fuels such as petrol (or gasoline), diesel, kerosene, natural gas, coal, etc. Although so much focus has been on the renewable energy sources, non-renewable energy sources have their advantages. These are listed below:

• Non-renewable resources account for the majority of the world's energy demands. Whether we talk about fuel for cars or for generating electricity, fossil fuels (or non-renewable energy resources) account for most of it. The contribution of renewable energy is still very small.


• All of our infrastructure has been designed for fossil fuels. For example, automobile engines are designed to run on gasoline or diesel and need conversion for working with renewable energy options. Similar is the scenario with our power plants and the grid.


• The efficiency of non-renewable sources is higher as compared to renewable energy sources.


• Renewable energy cannot be generated everywhere. For example, solar energy can be generated in regions with sufficient sunlight hours. Wind energy can only be generated in areas with high amounts of wind. Non-renewable energy can be generated anywhere as long as the fuel is available, since the fuel can be transported anywhere, unlike wind and sunlight.


• Continuous energy production is possible from non-renewable resources, unlike the renewable energy options (think about generating solar power at night or wind energy during calm conditions).

Hope this helps.