Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources
What is a non-renewable energy source?
Non-renewable energy sources are those which are finite and will eventually run out. They include:
Gas
Oil
Coal
Nuclear
What are renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources are those that are infinite and will not run out. They include:
Hydroelectric
Wave/tidal
Wind
Solar
Geothermal
Biomass/waste
Once in place, except for biomass/waste, they do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases may be emitted in the production, construction and transport of the equipment
Advantages & Disadvantages of a Non-Renewable Resource
Coal: A non-renewable energy source
Coal is a fossil fuel which is
Formed from fossilised plants
Mined from coal seams within layers of rock
Coal can be mined
Coal provides over 35% of global energy
In 2022, the world's coal consumption increased by 6.3%
The main increase in consumption is in Asia (8.9%)
It is a non-renewable energy source
There are a range of advantages and disadvantages associated with coal as an energy source
Advantages and Disadvantages of Coal
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Large world reserves which are easily accessible Mechanisation and technology have made coal more accessible and cheaper Cheap/easy to mine due to improved technology Easy to convert into energy Efficient It is easy to produce energy from Reliable Can be stored safely | Releases CO2 one of the main greenhouse gases Releases SO2 which leads to acid rain Opencast mines destroy habitats Heavy and bulky to transport Mining accidents Air pollution Creates large waste tips |
Advantages & Disadvantages of a Renewable Resource
Wind energy: a renewable energy source
Wind energy is a renewable energy source
Wind turbines use the wind to convert the wind energy into electricity
Although expensive, the cost of wind turbines is decreasing
New designs are more efficient and can generate more electricity
In 2022, wind energy provided over 7% of global energy
This has increased from 1.5% in 2010
Wind energy is produced using turbines
Turbines can be small or large-scale
There are a range of advantages and disadvantages associated with wind energy
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution Can be small or large scale Cheap to run Can be on land or offshore | Not reliable only works when the wind is strong enough but not too strong Visual pollution Noise pollution Many turbines (233) are needed to produce the same energy as an average coal-fired power station May affect bird migration patterns or kill birds who fly into the moving blades |
Worked Example
Explain one advantage of the development of a named non-renewable energy resource
(3)
Answer:
In your lessons, you will have examined one non-renewable and one renewable energy resource in detail
In the revision notes, it outlines the advantages and disadvantages of coal and wind but you can use your example in the answer
One possible answer is given below for coal
Coal is found in many places around the word / easily accessible (1) which reduces costs for those wanting to develop it (1) which means that coal companies will maximise their profits (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember to explain your answer to questions with two or more marks. For example, if you are asked about the advantages of a non-renewable or renewable energy source in the exam, it is not sufficient to say 'it's cheap' or 'it's efficient'. You need to explain why that is an advantage.
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