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Classification of Energy (Edexcel GCSE Geography B)

Revision Note

Bridgette Barrett

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 CO2 gases

  • 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

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Bridgette Barrett

    Author: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

    Jenna Quinn

    Author: Jenna Quinn

    Expertise: Head of New Subjects

    Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.