Why is there a need for harnessing non-conventional sources of energy? How can energy be harnessed from the sea in different ways?
Following are the main reasons: because of which there is a need to harness non-conventional sources of energy:
(a) Non-renewable fuels: Fossil fuels are the main energy sources for us. But it takes millions of years for the formation of fossil fuel. The rate at which we are using them means they are not going to last many years from now. They would be definitely exhausted sooner rather than later.
(b) Polluting fuels: Burning of fossil fuels releases oxides of carbon, nitrogen and Sulphur. These are polluting gases. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous even in low concentration. Oxides of Sulphur and nitrogen cause acid rain. Air pollution also results in increased cases of respiratory problems.
Following are various ways of harnessing energy from sea:
• Wave energy
• Tidal energy
• Ocean thermal energy
