The Costs of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
The benefits of using renewable energy resources are numerous. These resources do not deplete and are replenished naturally. For example, the sun and wind are both renewable. The process of mining these materials does not destroy them. Once used, they are recycled.
The wind is also a renewable resource, and we can harness its power with a wind turbine. In fact, the amount of wind energy we use in the United States is smaller than the amount of energy we currently consume.
Understanding Non-Renewable Energy
Before delving into the costs, let's first understand what non-renewable energy sources are.
Non-renewable energies are derived from sources that will eventually run out, typically extracted from finite resources, like fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and nuclear power (uranium).
Carbon dioxide emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions largely come from burning fossil fuels in power plants, which produce electricity for homes and businesses. About 50% of U.S. CO2 emissions are from fossil fuels, which also release methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons.
Coal is a major CO2 source, though less than wind and solar per kilowatt-hour. Nuclear power has hidden carbon costs due to its high energy use. Lifecycle emissions from coal and gas include fuel extraction and transport.
While carbon capture reduces emissions, it doesn't eliminate them. As oil prices rise, people switch to renewable energy, lowering CO2 emissions.
The EU aims for 20% renewable electricity by 2020 and has declared wood carbon-neutral, promoting sustainable energy practices. Cities are significant carbon emitters, highlighting the need for urban sustainability efforts.

Benefits of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy, have been the backbone of global energy production for decades. Despite their environmental impact, these energy sources offer several benefits:
- High Energy Density: Non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, have a high energy density. This means they can produce large amounts of energy from relatively small amounts of fuel. For example, coal and oil can generate substantial power, making them efficient for meeting large-scale energy demands.
- Reliability and Consistency: Non-renewable energy sources provide a stable and continuous supply of energy. Unlike some renewable sources, such as solar and wind, which are weather-dependent, fossil fuels and nuclear power can be used consistently to generate electricity, ensuring a steady energy supply.
- Established Infrastructure: The infrastructure for extracting, transporting, and utilizing non-renewable energy sources is well-established. This includes pipelines, refineries, power plants, and distribution networks, allowing for a seamless and efficient energy supply chain.
- Economic Benefits: The extraction and processing of non-renewable energy sources contribute significantly to the economy, providing jobs and supporting industries. Countries with abundant fossil fuel reserves often have strong economies based on energy exports, which can drive national development.
- Energy Security: For many countries, relying on domestically available non-renewable energy sources enhances energy security. It reduces dependence on foreign energy imports, which can be subject to geopolitical tensions and market volatility.
- Technological Advancement: The development of non-renewable energy industries has spurred technological innovation. Advances in drilling techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing, and improvements in nuclear reactor safety and efficiency, have been driven by the need to optimize non-renewable energy production.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Historically, non-renewable energy sources have been more cost-effective compared to some renewable options. The established infrastructure and mature technology have kept the costs of energy production and distribution relatively low, making them accessible and affordable for consumers.

Cost
This report examines the costs of non-renewable energy sources from a long-term perspective. The study draws on data from 20 000 renewable power generation projects and 13 thousand power purchase agreements from around the world. The report shows that solar and wind power are among the least expensive sources of electricity, while coal and gas power are among the most expensive. It outlines the benefits of alternative sources and the costs associated with them. Several factors are considered to assess the costs of renewable energy.
Renewable energy sources are often cheaper than non-renewable energy, but the cost is not straightforward. Depending on the source, renewable energy can be both cost-effective and beneficial to the environment. The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Some people deny climate change and the fact that fossil fuels are finite. Others deny that renewable energy sources are expensive, especially in the United States, while climate activists are known to manipulate the numbers.
Currently, fossil fuel generation costs range from $0.05 to $0.17 per kilowatt hour. Solar voltaic and onshore wind power are expected to cost $0.03 – $0.07 per kilowatt-hour by 2020. Solar thermal energy costs between $0.06 and $0.10 per kWh. By 2050, costs for all non-renewable energy sources are expected to fall below $0.10/kWh.
Solar power costs have come down dramatically and are now less expensive than coal in most countries. As the price of renewables continues to drop, developing nations will have good reason to phase out fossil fuels and replace them with renewable sources. It will save the planet money and add jobs while meeting the energy needs of the global population. According to the IEA and World Bank, carbon neutrality can be achieved by 2050. However, this requires drastic changes, including massive cuts in fossil fuels and significant investment in renewables.

Storage of excess energy from non-renewable energy sources
Electricity storage is a key component of renewable energy development. This technology is becoming increasingly important as renewable energy sources become intermittent. Pumped storage is one well-established option, but other megawatt-scale technologies are also being developed. While pumped storage is the most common form of storage for electricity, battery storage is being promoted as a complementary solution to household solar PV installations. Batteries can be charged and discharged at different times of the day and can help reduce evening peak demand.
The European Commission has recognized the value of energy storage and recently proposed a broader definition of electricity storage. Under the new definition, it covers the deferring of electricity to a time when it is needed and converting it to another energy carrier. In addition, power-to-gas concepts are now included in the regulatory definition of energy storage. For example, hydrogen produced from intermittent renewable sources can be converted to fuel for vehicles, or sold directly from electrolyzers, which could provide ancillary grid services.

The Shift to Renewable Energy
In response to the escalating costs and environmental consequences linked to non-renewable energy sources, the world has witnessed an unprecedented and pervasive transition toward renewable energy. This momentous shift has been fueled by the recognition of the urgent need to address climate change and foster sustainable energy practices for the future.
Governments and international organizations have taken significant strides in redefining their energy policies and investing substantially in renewable technologies. Solar power, with its abundant potential and capacity to harness sunlight into electricity, has become a focal point of many renewable energy initiatives. Advancements in solar technology, such as photovoltaic cells and concentrated solar power systems, have enabled greater efficiency and scalability, making solar a more viable and attractive energy option.
The wind energy sector has also experienced remarkable growth, as wind turbines are increasingly deployed to capture the kinetic energy of moving air and convert it into electricity. Innovations in wind turbine design, along with strategic placement in wind-rich locations, have bolstered the capacity and reliability of wind power generation, further driving the transition towards clean energy solutions.
FAQs: The Costs of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
1. What are non-renewable energy sources?
Non-renewable energy sources refer to fuels that are finite and deplete over time, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Unlike renewable energy sources, they do not replenish themselves naturally within a human timeframe.
2. Why are non-renewable energy sources costly in terms of extraction?
As easily accessible deposits of non-renewable energy sources deplete, extraction processes have to delve deeper underground or explore more remote and challenging environments. This results in increased costs related to labor, technology, and logistics.
3. How do non-renewable energy sources contribute to air pollution?
When burned, non-renewable energy sources, especially coal, and oil, release greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) and other harmful pollutants. These emissions contribute to global warming and deteriorate air quality, leading to smog and respiratory issues.
4. Can non-renewable energy extraction lead to water pollution?
Yes. The extraction and refining processes of these energy sources can contaminate water sources. For example, runoff from coal mines can introduce toxic chemicals to rivers, and oil spills can harm marine ecosystems.
5. How do non-renewable energy sources impact human health?
Exposure to pollutants from the burning of non-renewable energy sources can lead to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to heart diseases. Additionally, water contamination due to extraction processes can result in waterborne diseases.
6. Why is there employment volatility related to non-renewable energy sources?
As these energy sources become scarcer, extraction may become less economically viable, leading companies to reduce operations or shut down altogether. This can lead to significant job losses in regions dependent on these industries.
7. How do non-renewable energy sources lead to geopolitical tensions?
The global demand for particularly oil has historically led to geopolitical tensions. Countries may compete or conflict over control of oil-rich regions, resulting in wars, sanctions, or other international challenges.
8. What are the “hidden costs” of non-renewable energy sources?
The hidden costs refer to the less tangible impacts of non-renewable energy extraction and consumption. This includes the loss of biodiversity, irreversible damage to ecosystems, and cultural impacts on communities displaced by extraction projects.
9. Why is transitioning to renewable energy sources essential?
Transitioning to renewable energy is vital not only for environmental reasons but also for economic and social reasons. The true costs of non-renewable energy encompass economic volatility, environmental degradation, health impacts, and geopolitical tensions. Shifting to renewables can mitigate many of these issues.
10. Are the economic costs of non-renewable energy sources always higher than renewables?
While initial extraction and infrastructure costs of non-renewable energy might seem lower, the long-term external costs (like health impacts, environmental clean-up, and geopolitical tensions) make them costlier in the broader perspective. As renewable technologies advance, their costs continue to decrease, making them more economically competitive.
The True Price of Non-Renewable Energy
After immersing myself in the deep-seated intricacies of non-renewable energy and its impact on our planet, a few revelations became evident. Our reliance on non-renewable energy is not just an economic or political issue; it's a profoundly human one. Every time I switch on a light or charge my phone, I am indirectly contributing to a chain of actions that affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the delicate balance of our environment.
The data underscore a disheartening reality: our dependence on these finite resources is exacting an immeasurable toll, both on our health and the health of our planet. Yet, it's the hidden costs, those that aren't always immediately visible, that resonate with me the most. The loss of biodiversity, the irrevocable damage to precious ecosystems, and the cultural upheavals that displace communities – are the untold stories of our energy choices.
Sources:
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
- International Energy Agency (IEA): https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2020