Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech III Year RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES Previous Question Paper (March - 2021 - R16)

Nonconventional energy resources, also known as renewable energy sources, are derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. Key resources include:

• Solar Energy: Harnessing radiation from the sun using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal collectors for electricity and heat.
• Wind Energy: Converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical power or electricity using wind turbines.
• Biomass Energy: Utilizing organic matter such as agricultural residues, wood, and animal waste through combustion, gasification, or anaerobic digestion to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels.
• Small Hydro Power: Generating electricity from the flow of small streams or rivers, typically with a capacity of up to 25 MW, which has a lower environmental impact than large dams.
• Geothermal Energy: Tapping into the heat stored beneath the Earth's crust for direct heating or power generation.
• Ocean Energy: Extracting energy from tidal waves, currents, or thermal gradients in the ocean.

In the Indian energy scenario, these resources play a critical role due to the country's high dependence on imported fossil fuels and the need for energy security. India has set ambitious targets to transition toward a sustainable energy mix to reduce carbon emissions in line with international climate commitments. The integration of these resources helps in electrifying remote and rural areas where grid connectivity is difficult, thereby promoting decentralized power generation. Furthermore, the rapid growth of the renewable sector is driving industrial development, creating jobs, and reducing the environmental footprint of the power sector, which is currently dominated by coal. As India aims for energy independence, these nonconventional sources are essential for balancing the rising demand with sustainable supply.