What are the primary non-renewable energy sources?

The primary non-renewable energy sources are coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy.

Non-renewable energy sources, as the name suggests, are those that cannot be replenished once they are used up. They are finite resources, formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. The four main types of non-renewable energy are coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy.

Coal is a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of carbon along with various other elements such as hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and nitrogen. It is the largest source of energy for the generation of electricity worldwide. Coal is extracted from the earth through both underground and surface mining.

Oil, also known as petroleum, is a naturally occurring liquid found in rock formations. It is formed from the remains of ancient marine plants and animals. Oil is used for a variety of purposes, including heating homes, fuelling vehicles, and in the production of plastics. It is extracted from the earth through drilling.

Natural gas, often simply called gas, is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane. It is used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. Natural gas is extracted from the earth through drilling, often in conjunction with oil drilling.

Nuclear energy is a form of energy released during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay. The most common method of generating nuclear power is through the use of nuclear reactors which harness the heat generated from nuclear fission. The fuel for nuclear reactors, uranium, is a non-renewable resource.

While these non-renewable energy sources have played a crucial role in the development and advancement of human civilisation, their use has also led to significant environmental issues. These include air pollution, climate change, and the risk of catastrophic events such as oil spills or nuclear accidents. Furthermore, as these resources are finite, there is a pressing need to develop and utilise renewable energy sources to ensure a sustainable future.