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Coal, produced over millions of years, is a finite and non-renewable resource on a human time scale. A non-renewable resource (also called a finite resource) is a natural resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a pace quick enough to keep up with consumption. [1] An example is carbon-based fossil fuels.
The transition to renewable energy depends on non-renewable resources, such as mined metals. [38] Manufacturing of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and batteries requires significant amounts of rare-earth elements [39] which has significant social and environmental impact if mined in forests and protected areas.
An energy transition is a broad shift in technologies and behaviours that are needed to replace one source of energy with another. [14]: 202–203 A prime example is the change from a pre-industrial system relying on traditional biomass, wind, water and muscle power to an industrial system characterized by pervasive mechanization, steam power and the use of coal.
Renewable energy can contribute to "social and economic development, energy access, secure energy supply, climate change mitigation, and the reduction of negative environmental and health impacts". Under favourable circumstances, cost savings in comparison to non-renewable energy use exist. [2]
The most common fuel used in conventional nuclear fission power stations, uranium-235 is "non-renewable" according to the Energy Information Administration, the organization however is silent on the recycled MOX fuel. [225] The National Renewable Energy Laboratory does not mention nuclear power in its "energy basics" definition. [226]
Oceans often act as renewable resources. Sawmill near Fügen, Zillertal, Austria Global vegetation. A renewable resource (also known as a flow resource [note 1] [1]) is a natural resource which will replenish to replace the portion depleted by usage and consumption, either through natural reproduction or other recurring processes in a finite amount of time in a human time scale.
[123] [124] Although the uranium ore used to fuel nuclear fission plants is a non-renewable resource, enough exists to provide a supply for hundreds to thousands of years. [ 125 ] [ 126 ] However, uranium resources that can be accessed in an economically feasible manner, at the present state, are limited and uranium production could hardly keep ...
In 2020, the global renewable energy market was valued at $881.7 billion [2] and consumption grew 2.9 EJ. [3] China was the largest contributor to renewable growth, accounting an increment of 1.0 EJ in consumption, followed by the US, Japan, the United Kingdom, India, and Germany. In Europe, renewable consumption incremented 0.7 EJ. [3]