Which energy source is considered non-renewable?

Which energy source is considered non-renewable?

• A. Solar energy
• B. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
• C. Biomass
• D. Wind energy

Answer: (B)

Non-renewable energy sources are finite because they form over geological timescales and cannot be replenished within human lifetimes. Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—originate from ancient organic matter that transformed under heat and pressure for millions of years. Once we burn them to obtain energy, those stocks diminish far faster than they can be formed again. In contrast, solar energy comes from the sun, wind energy from atmospheric motion, and biomass from regrowing plant matter—these sources are renewable because they are continually replenished by natural processes. So, the energy source that is non-renewable is fossil fuels.

Non-renewable energy sources are finite because they form over geological timescales and cannot be replenished within human lifetimes. Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—originate from ancient organic matter that transformed under heat and pressure for millions of years. Once we burn them to obtain energy, those stocks diminish far faster than they can be formed again. In contrast, solar energy comes from the sun, wind energy from atmospheric motion, and biomass from regrowing plant matter—these sources are renewable because they are continually replenished by natural processes. So, the energy source that is non-renewable is fossil fuels.