Renewable Energy (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Geography)

Revision Note

Written by: Bridgette Barrett

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Importance of Renewable Energy Sources

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

Increase in renewable energy

Renewable energy is increasingly important in the global energy mix
This is due to:
- Non-renewable fossil fuels will at some point run out and so they need to be replaced with another energy source
- The use of non-renewable fuels is damaging to the environment.
  - Fossil fuels when burnt release greenhouse gases and the sulphur dioxide released causes acid rain
  - Mining and drilling for fossil fuels can destroy habitats and damage the surrounding environment
- Increasing awareness of the impact of using fossil fuels has resulted in international pressure to reduce their use
- Countries wanting to reduce their reliance on imports of energy sources and improve their energy security

Advantages and disadvantages

All renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages

Energy Source	Advantages	Disadvantages
Hydroelectric	No greenhouse gas emissions Controls flooding downstream Often in sparsely populated areas May provide water storage for irrigation and domestic use	Large areas of land are flooded behind the dam Dam traps sediment which can affect ecosystems downstream Visual pollution Can prevent fish movement upstream People and settlements may have to be relocated Expensive to build and maintain
Wave/Tidal	No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution Has the potential to produce large amounts of energy Reliable	Expensive to build and maintain Can affect marine ecosystems Few suitable sites
Wind	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
Solar	No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution Can be small or large scale Can be used in most locations Can be incorporated into building design Technology is improving and reducing cost	Expensive to install Not reliable, only works when it is sunny Large numbers needed to produce energy Uses large areas of land
Geothermal	No CO₂gases Lots of potential sites Reliable Can produce large amounts of energy	Expensive Emits sulphuric gases High temperatures cause maintenance issues
Biomass/Waste	Uses waste or biofuels which regrow Available in most locations	Air pollution Produces greenhouse gases Expensive

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember reducing fossil fuel use is not as easy as simply switching to renewable energies. Although the costs are coming down renewable energy is often still more expensive than using fossil fuels and they are generally not as efficient. This means you need far more to produce the same amount of electricity.

Last updated: 19 April 2024

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