Energy

This page is Linked to the Enviromental Issues topic

The first one or two questions in the Enviromental Issues paper will most likely be related to Energy. These will only be worth about 1-4 marks.

Energy is, as you should know, what powers everything around you. Your computer is using energy right now! Okay, I'll stop patronising...

There are two forms of energy, Renewable, and Non-Renewable:

Renewable Energy Is energy that comes from a resource which can be replaced by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans.

"Solar Power, Wind Power & Wave Power are the most effective forms of renewable energy"

Non-Renewable EnergyIs energy which comes from a resource which cannot be regrown, regenerated, or reused on a scale which can sustain its consumption rate.

"Natural Gas, Oil and Coal are the main three"

Past Questions...
Name two renewable sources of energy. (2 Marks)

Name two non-renewable sources of energy. (2 Marks)

Name four sources of energy. (4 Marks)

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources? Use your own studies to answer. (2 Marks)

Pros & Cons of different renewable energy sources
Wind Power

+No pollution, doesn't need fuel.

-Expensive.

-To produce good amount of electricity, takes up a lot of space.

-Not consistent as wind doesn't always blow.

-Many locals think the farms ruin the countryside.

Solar Power

+In Denmark, buildings use special designs to make them self-sufficient using solar power.

-Expensive.

-Only 15% efficient.

-Large-Scale Solar Power VERY expensive.

Water Power from Rivers (Massive dam!)

+Doesn't cause much pollution.

-Really, REALLY expensive, takes years before cost covered in electricity.

-Can be built in limited places.

-Lot's of land has to be flooded, may people displaced.

-Local ecosystem damaged.

-Some water lost through evaporation.

Power from Plants

(Biomass, from organic matter. Wood is largest biomass resource)

+Less pollution

-Lot's of land needed

-Planting, harvesting, transporting causes air pollution.

-Burning crops releases CO2

Nuclear Power

(Ok, technically it's not renewable, but there's SO much uranium in the world, it's almost as good.)

+Provides 28% of UK's power already.

-Threat to environment from nuclear waste.

-Accident/spillage would cause radiation in surrounding area.

-Difficult & expensive to dispose of nuclear waste safely, and not very effective.