NCERT · Class 10 · Science · Sources of EnergyDifferentiate between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy with suitable examples.

Renewable sources of energy are those that are inexhaustible and can be replenished continuously by nature over a relatively short period of time. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity, and biomass. They are generally clean and cause minimal pollution. On the other hand, non-renewable sources of energy are those that have accumulated in nature over millions of years and are present in limited reserves. Once exhausted, they cannot be replaced quickly. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, as well as nuclear fuels like uranium. The consumption of non-renewable sources also contributes significantly to environmental degradation and global warming.