energy resources and uses

• Types of energy resource

  • Fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gases)
  • Nuclear fuels
  • Biofuel
  • Wind
  • Hydroelectricity
  • Geothermal
  • Tides
  • Sun
  • Water waves
• Renewable energy resource


  One that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used
• Non-renewable energy resource


  One with a finite amount that will eventually run out when all reserves have been used up
• Fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gases)

  • Energy store: Chemical

  Renewable or non-renewable: Non-renewable

  Uses: Transport, heating, electricity generation

  Power output: High

  Impact on environment: Releases CO2 (causes global warming)
• Nuclear fuels


  • Energy store: Nuclear

  Renewable or non-renewable: Non-renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation

  Power output: Very high

  Impact on environment: Radioactive waste (needs to be disposed of safely)
• Biofuel


  • Energy store: Chemical

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Transport, heating, electricity generation

  Power output: Medium

  Impact on environment: 'Carbon neutral' - little or no effect on the environment. Although growing biofuels can take up land that could be used for farming.
• Wind


  • Energy store: Kinetic

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation

  Power output: Very low

  Impact on environment: Takes up large areas that could be used for farming. Windmills change the landscape
• Hydroelectricity


  • Energy store: Gravitational potential

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation

  Power output: Medium

  Impact on environment: Local habitats are affected by the large areas that need to be flooded to build dams
• Geothermal


  • Energy store: Internal (thermal)

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation, heating

  Power output: Medium

  Impact on environment: Very low
• Tides


  • Energy store: Kinetic

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation

  Power output: Potentially very high, but hard to harness

  Impact on environment: Tidal barrages can block sewage which needs to go out to sea. Local habitats also affected
• Sun


  • Energy store: Nuclear

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation, heating

  Power output: Dependent on the weather and only available during daylight

  Impact on environment: Very little
• Water waves


  • Energy store: Kinetic

  Renewable or non-renewable: Renewable

  Uses: Electricity generation

  Power output: Low

  Impact on environment: Very low