Classification of Energy (Edexcel GCSE Geography B)

Revision Note

Test yourself

Written by: Bridgette Barrett

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Classification of Energy

Non-renewable energy sources

Non-renewable energy are energy sources which are finite and will eventually run out. They include:
- Gas
- Oil
- Coal
Fossil fuel energy sources are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions

Renewable energy sources

Renewable energy are energy sources which are infinite and will not run out. They include:
- Hydroelectric
- Wave/tidal
- Wind
- Solar
- Geothermal
Once in place they do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases may be emitted in the production, construction and transport of the equipment

Recyclable energy sources

These are energy sources which can be recycled such as biofuel and nuclear

Worked Example

Renewable and recyclable energy resources can be used instead of non-renewable fossil fuels

Explain what is meant by renewable energy resources

(2 marks)

Answer

Sources such as wind/solar/water (1) because they are inexhaustible/continuous/infinite/won’t run out (1)

Explain what is meant by recyclable energy resources

(2 marks)

Answer

Sources such as plant remains used to grow more biofuels (1) because the outputs/waste can be used again (1)

Environmental Impacts of Energy

All forms of energy source extraction and production have environmental impacts
With non-renewable energy sources these impacts are negative

Environmental Impacts of Non-renewable Energy Sources

Energy Source	Environmental Impacts
Gas	Risk of explosions Releases CO₂ one of the main greenhouse gases Air pollution
Oil	Risk of oil spills - Exxon Valdez Risk of fire and explosions - Piper Alpha platform Air pollution Releases CO₂
Coal	Releases CO₂ Releases SO₂ which leads to acid rain Opencast mining destroys habitats Air pollution Large quantities of water used during the extraction process

With renewable and recycleable the environmental impacts may be both positive and negative

Environmental Impacts of Renewable and Recyclable Energy Sources

Energy Source	Positive	Negative
Hydroelectric	No greenhouse gas emissions Controls flooding downstream	Large areas of land are flooded behind the dam Dam traps sediment which can affect ecosystems downstream Visual pollution Can prevent fish movement upstream In tropical areas it often involves large scale deforestation
Wave/Tidal	No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution	Can affect marine ecosystems
Wind	No greenhouse gas emissions once in place No air pollution	Visual pollution Noise pollution May affect bird migration patterns or kill birds who fly into the moving blades Greenhouse gas emissions during manufacture
Solar	No greenhouse gas emissions once in place No air pollution	Uses large areas of land Greenhouse gas emissions during manufacture
Geothermal	No CO₂gases	Emits sulphuric gases
Nuclear	No greenhouse gas emissions once in place	Large amounts of cement used in power plant construction (manufacture of cement releases greenhouse gases) Disposal of waste
Biofuel	Uses waste or biofuels which can be regrown	Air pollution Produces greenhouse gas emissions

Last updated: 12 October 2024

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves: