Difference between renewable and non-renewable resources

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 resourcesInstead, 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
Definition	They are 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.
Characteristics	They are of fast regeneration. It is possible that they are in large numbers. Easy to use and process.	They regenerate slowly. Its quantity is limited. All these resources are on our planet.
Advantage	They are friendly to the environment. They require minimal human intervention. They can become unlimited.	They generate a lot of energy at a relatively low cost. If necessary, they are easy to remove and manufacture. They are in good quantity.
Disadvantages	The initial investment cost is high. Unpredictable. Power generation is limited with current technology.	They cause a negative impact on the environment. In case of exhaustion, it is impossible to regenerate them. They are available in some regions and not others. Their interdependence can create geo-economic conflicts.
Examples	The sun, wind, tides, geothermal energy. Water. Biomass and biofuels (ethanol). Agricultural production. Some timber forests.	Coal. Natural gas (methane). Oil and byproducts. Mineral carbon. Different minerals and metals. Some underground water reservoirs.

What is a resource?

A resource is an element that is used to produce, directly or indirectly, so it has a value economic production and can 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 they can be regenerated or, instead, depleted due to their consumption.

They are used for human consumption, in the production of energy, in goods and / or in services.

What are renewable resources?

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 there to be a production process to obtain them, assume that their consumption is not exceeded, since it can affect its reserves.

Characteristics of renewable resources

• They regenerate almost or faster than they are consumed.
• They may or may not require human intervention for their generation.
• They can be found in unlimited quantity.
• Its use and / or production is generally friendly to the environment.
• In most cases, obtaining energy from these resources requires a high initial economic investment.
• The behavior of some of these resources can be unpredictable.

Renewable energy resources

Renewable energy is a type of energy that comes from nature and its use, generally, does not has negative effects on the environment, compared to various types of non-energy renewable.

Main renewable energy resources

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 from the wind, called wind power, 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.

Advantages of renewable energy resources

Some advantages of this type of resources is that they are in practically unlimited quantities, the operating costs are much lower than the necessary in the generation of non-renewable energy, in addition to allowing energy to be produced locally with available resources.

Disadvantages of renewable energy 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).

Examples of renewable resources

• Sun (solar radiation).
• Water.
• Wind and tides.
• Biomass (it is the organic matter that produces energy, whether processed or in a natural state) and Biofuels.
• Animal population for human consumption that is kept in reproduction.
• Manufactured items such as recycled paper.
• Tree forests that have an accelerated growth cycle.

You may be interested in knowing:

• The types of renewable energies
• Flora and fauna.

What are non-renewable resources?

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 more scarce they become, because they cannot regenerate naturally in the short term.

Characteristics of non-renewable resources

• They do not regenerate or they do it slowly.
• Its consumption rate is greater than that of its regeneration.
• Generally, they are relatively easy to obtain.
• It is possible to obtain a lot of energy from these at a relatively low economic cost.
• Its use and exploitation have a negative impact on the environment.

Non-renewable energy resources

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.

Main non-renewable energy resources

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 by means of nuclear fission, which leads it to release large amounts of energy.

The mineral carbon It is also a widely used material, like oil, and that 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.

Advantages of non-renewable energy resources

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 renewables. Many of these, such as coal and natural gas, are basically ready to use.

Disadvantages of non-renewable energy resources

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 For example, with the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere) and the warming global.

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.

Examples of non-renewable resources

• Petroleum and its derivatives.
• Natural gas.
• Mineral carbon.
• Nuclear energy.
• Some underground water settlements.

You may also be interested in:

• Renewable and non-renewable energies
• Types of pollution