1.3 National and global energy sources
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What is a renewable energy source?
An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up
Give four examples of renewable energy sources
• Wind electricity • Geothermal electricity • Tidal energy • Solar energy
Give an example of a non-renewable energy source
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?
Flexible generation: gas power stations have short start-up times so can be switched on/off more readily. They also have lower carbon dioxide emissions.
State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power
Output is often determined by external factors (like wind speed), so the supply is uncertain. Generating power through other means is often more efficient and economically beneficial.
Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels
Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, and causes global warming. Sulphur dioxide leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings and crops.
State three advantages of using fossil fuels as an energy resource
• Reliable: not dependent on external factors so can generate power anytime • Can produce large amounts of energy for a given quantity • Still relatively abundant, so cost-effective
State three advantages of nuclear power
• Very large amounts of energy for relatively small quantities of fuel • Doesn’t release greenhouse gases and so doesn’t contribute to climate change • Low fuel costs
State three disadvantages of nuclear power
• Produces nuclear waste which is harmful to humans and must be safely stored for centuries • Non-renewable energy source • Risk of nuclear accidents, which have fatal consequences on humans and the environment
How does hydroelectric power produce electricity?
• Rainwater collects behind a dam • When this water is released, it is used to turn a turbine • The turbine turns a generator which produces electricity
What are some disadvantages of using biofuel?
When plants are burned or decay, they release CO2. In order to grow biofuel, you need to destroy land which leads to problems because: • The land could have been natural habitats • Destroying land may involve burning plants growing on it, which would release CO2 • Growing biofuel reduces the land available for growing food
What are the advantages of tidal energy sources?
They don’t produce greenhouse gases. They are quite reliable, as tides happen twice a day. They are cheap to run as tides are natural, and so are free.
What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?
The dam may cause flooding and it can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure.
What some advantages of solar panels?
-They don’t cause harm to the environment. -They are a renewable energy source. -They can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible.
Give examples of social factors which may act as a deterrent for certain types of energy production
Visual pollution, sound pollution (these are both disadvantages of wind farms)