Non-renewable resources of energy in India refers to the natural resources of energy that cannot be produced, regenerated, re-grown, or reused on a large scale. These non-renewable resources usually exist in a fixed amount and are consumed much faster than nature can recreate them. Fossil fuel including coal, petroleum and natural gas are some examples of non-renewable resources of energy in India. On the other hand, resources such as timber or metals, which can be recycled, are known as the renewable resources of energy in India. A non-renewable resource is always strained down with anabolic procedures that use up energy.
Non-renewable resources of energy in India such as coal, petroleum, oil and natural gas require millions of years to form naturally and cannot be replaced as quickly as they can be consumed. Eventually natural resources will become too costly to reap and mankind will try to find other sources of energy. At present, the main energy sources used by the Indian population are non-renewable sources of energy.
Coal occupies the premier position as a non-renewable resource of energy in India. The coal industry in India contributes immensely to the present commercial and economic successes. Industries such as steel and carbo-chemicals largely depend upon coal industry. The process of coal extraction in India was started in the year 1814. Coal is largely available in the valleys of rivers Damodar, Son, Godavari and Vardha. Generally Anthrasite and Bituminous qualities of coals are found extensively in these areas. Major coal belts lie in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. The lignite quality of coal is found in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir. Presently the Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singarene Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) control the coal industry in India.
The India Petroleum Industry has improved immensely after Indian independence towards its stride to attain a self-reliant market in the nation. During the Independence era of 1947, foreign companies controlled the Indian Petroleum Industry and India`s own capability in this sector was limited. Now, after 60 years, petroleum has become an important source of energy in India and also has become an important public sector undertaking with abundant capable officers and updated technology is being used that is comparable with some of the most advanced nations of the world. The consumption of petroleum has multiplied itself nearly 30 times in the post-independence era.
The role of oil and natural gas in India is very significant as it is one of the biggest contributors to both the Central and State treasuries. Natural gas is presently one of the most preferred fuels due to its environmentally gentle nature, greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. The demand for natural gas has greatly increased in the last two decades at the global level. In India too, the natural gas sector has gained significance, particularly in the last decade, and natural gas is said to be the fuel of the 21st century.
Non renewable sources of energy have been used since the primitive times in the nation and the increase in population justifies the increase in use of these resources. However, the unimaginable usage of these resources has created an air of conservation requirements. These non-renewable resources of energy are now of a serious concern to the Indian government.
