What are non-conventional sources of energy?
Non-conventional sources of energy are renewable energy sources that include solar energy, wind energy, hydrogeothermal energy, and biomass. Unlike conventional sources such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and nuclear energy which are exhaustible, these sources are sustainable and inexhaustible.
These energy sources are more equitably distributed and environment-friendly. They provide more sustained, eco-friendly and cheaper energy after the initial cost is taken care of. Wind energy is absolutely pollution free, while solar energy is cost competitive and 7 per cent more effective than coal or oil based plants.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes between conventional sources (fossil fuels and nuclear energy - exhaustible) and non-conventional sources (renewable sources like solar, wind, hydrogeothermal, biomass - sustainable). The key characteristics of non-conventional sources mentioned are: they are renewable, equitably distributed, environment-friendly, and provide sustained cheaper energy after initial costs.