Question
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different conventional sources of power.
Answer
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of different conventional sources of power:
(i) Coal
Advantages:
- Abundant and widely available.
- Reliable source of energy.
Disadvantages:
- High carbon emissions and contribute to climate change.
- Mining and combustion of coal pose environmental and health hazards.
(ii) Oil
Advantages:
- High energy density and easy to transport.
- Widely available and versatile.
Disadvantages:
- Limited availability and will deplete over time.
- High carbon emissions and contribute to climate change.
(iii) Natural Gas
Advantages:
- Cleanest burning fossil fuel with low carbon emissions.
- Abundant and widely available.
Disadvantages:
- Limited availability and will deplete over time.
- Production and transportation of natural gas pose environmental risks.
(iv) Nuclear Energy
Advantages:
- Low carbon emissions.
- High energy density and reliable source of energy.
Disadvantages:
- Radioactive waste disposal and storage pose environmental risks.
- Accidents and disasters, such as Chornobyl and Fukushima, have severe consequences.
