Energy Resources (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics): Revision Note
Renewable & Non-renewable Energy Sources
Non-renewable energy sources are finite and will run out. These include:
Fossil fuels
Nuclear
Renewable energy sources are infinite and will not run out. These include:
Hydroelectric
Wave/tidal
Wind
Solar
Geothermal
Biomass/waste
Once set up, these renewable resources do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions (except for biomass/waste)
However, 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
Supplies of fossil fuels will not last forever, so they will need to be replaced by more sustainable energy sources
The use of non-renewable fuels is damaging to the environment
For example, burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming, and sulphur dioxide, which causes acid rain
In addition, mining and drilling for fossil fuels can contribute to the destruction of habitats and the environment
Increasing awareness of the negative impacts of using fossil fuels has resulted in:
International pressure to reduce fossil fuel use globally
An increased focus on improving technology to extract energy from renewable sources
Countries reducing their reliance on other countries to import energy sources from
Table of renewable & non-renewable energy sources
Energy Resource | Renewable? | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
Fossil Fuels | No | Highly reliable. Can produce large amounts of energy at fairly short notice. | Produces significant greenhouse gases and pollution. Obtaining fossil fuels can cause significant destruction to wildlife habitats |
Nuclear | No | Highly reliable. Produces no greenhouse gases or pollution. A large amount of energy is produced from a small amount of fuel. | Produces dangerous radioactive waste that can take thousands of years to decay to safe levels. |
Bio-fuels | Yes | The CO2 produced while burning the fuel is balanced by the CO2 absorbed whilst producing it. | Can take up a lot of land and consume resources that are needed for food production. |
Wind | Yes | Produces no greenhouse gases or pollution. Land can still be used for farming. | Not reliable. Turbines can be noisy and ugly. Weather dependent, so not everywhere is suitable. |
Hydroelectric | Yes | Reliable and can produce large amount of energy at short notice. Produces no pollution or greenhouse gases. | Can involve flooding of large areas, and destruction of wildlife habitats |
Tidal | Yes | The tides are very predictable, and a large amount of energy can be produced at regular intervals. | Very few suitable locations. Can cause environmental harm to estuaries and disrupt shipping |
Geothermal | Yes | Reliable in some locations. Produces no greenhouse gases or pollution. Geothermal stations are usually small. Good for producing energy in remote places. | Can result in the release of harmful gases from underground. Not many places are suitable. |
Solar | Yes | Reliable in some locations. Produces no pollution or greenhouse gases. No fuel input is required Solar panels are cheaper to produce and maintain than other energy sources | Not reliable in some locations as it only works during the day when there is little cloud cover. For large scale electricity production, solar panels require large areas of land |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You must recognise the different types of energy sources, and whether they are renewable or non-renewable. You will be expected to justify each as well.
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