Non Renewable Energy Sources

What's Renewable and What's Not

Non Renewable Energy Sources are getting the boot. So what are our options? Are trees renewable? Find answers here.

In order to classify non renewable energy sources we'll consider 80 years as our time frame.

Since 80 years is an average life expectancy of a human being this seems a good place to start. Based on this time frame we'll determine whether specific resources are renewable or non renewable. If the source is unable to regenerate itself within 80 years (or a human lifespan) it will be placed in the non renewable category.

OK here goes

Fossil fuels are derived from fossil material that metamorphized over millions of years. The fossilized material of species of animals (like dinosaurs) that are mostly extinct now have, over a great deal of time been converted into coal, crude oil (petroleum) and natural gas. Obviously these sources will not be renewing themselves any time soon, certainly not in 80 years. These fuels are classified as non renewable energy sources.

For example a litre of oil will take in excess of a million years to be regenerated.

Of all the non renewable energy resources we could have chosen to base our entire economy on we could not have chosen a source that is less renewable than fossil fuels and as well as being non renewable, the environmental impact of burning these fuels is very harmful.

On the other hand renewable sources of energy include solar, wind, geothermal, earth energy and water sources such as waves and water turbines all of which cannot be depleted even through constant use. These renewables have the added benefit of producing zero carbon emissions when they're used.

Are Trees Renewable?

A common question is, "are trees renewable"? The answer (according to our 80 year time frame) is yes, when properly managed. However, some trees are more renewable than others. Varieties that grow quickly are more renewable than slow growing varieties. As a general rule softer woods, like pine and fir grow more rapidly than oak or fruit trees (hardwoods).

Remember that aside from producing fruits and lumber, trees are the lungs of the earth and as such they breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen keeping our environment clean. Also their extensive root systems keep soil from eroding. Trees just might be the very thing that can clean up the mess we've made of our environment. Replanting programs are hugely important to ensure that a healthy balance exists between industry and environment.

In Conclusion

Currently most of the energy we consume comes from non renewable sources such as coal, oil and petroleum. It only makes sense that the long term success of a nation will be determined by the resources on which it has become dependent.

The use of non renewable energy resources will eventually become so expensive (financially and ecologically) that their use will no longer be viable. The nations that have positioned themselves to take advantage of renewable energy will certainly come out on top in the coming years.