Energy Resources
- Energy resources are large stores of energy that can be used to generate electricity and heat homes and businesses
- Electricity is generated in very similar ways, no matter what energy resource is used
- A turbine is turned, which turns a generator, which generates electricity
- The element that differs is how the turbine is made to turn
- Water can be used to turn turbines in the case of hydroelectric dams, tidal barrages and tidal turbines
- Energy in the kinetic store of the flowing water is transferred to the kinetic store of the turbine and then to the kinetic store of the generator and transferred electrically to the National Grid
A hydroelectric dam transfers energy from the gravitational potential energy store of the water to its kinetic energy store mechanically to turn a turbine
- Fossil fuels can be combusted to heat water, and the steam produced can be used to turn turbines
- Energy from the chemical store of the fuel is transferred to the thermal store of the water, which is then transferred to the kinetic store of the turbine, and then transferred to the kinetic store of the generator and then transferred electrically to the National Grid
The energy transfers involved in the production of electricity from fossil fuels
- Nuclear fuel can also be used to heat water to produce steam to turn turbines
- The energy transfers involved in electricity generation from a nuclear power plant are:
Nuclear store of fuel → thermal store of water → kinetic store of turbine → kinetic store of generator
- Geothermal energy is another way to produce the steam that turns the turbines
- Water is pumped down to the hot rocks and returns through a fissure as steam
Cold water is heated by the rocks and returned as hot water or steam which can be used to turn turbines to generate electricity
Energy Resources Table
Examiner Tip
You do not need to know the specific details of how electricity is generated for your exam, but it can help you to understand the differences between how the energy resources are used.