energy resources

energy resources

non - renewable energy resources
1. non renewable energy resources will all run out one day. they are fossil fuels. fossil fuels are natural resources that form underground over millions of years.
  1. they are typically burnt to provide energy.
    1. main fossil fuels
      1. coal
      2. oil
      3. (natural) gas
      4. these all do damage to the environment however they produce most of our energy
renewable energy resources
1. the sun (solar)
  1. solar cells generate electric currents directly from sunlight. solar cells are often the best source of energy to charge batteries in calculators and watches which dont use as much electricity
  2. + theres no pollution
  3. solar power is often used in remote places where theres not much choice.
  4. a very reliable source in sunny countries
  5. like wind, you cannot increase the power output when there is extra demand.
  6. initial costs are high but after that energy is free
2. wind
  1. needs lots of wind turbines up in exposed places like on moors or round coasts
  2. each turbine has a generator inside it - the rotating blades turn the generator and produce electricity.
  3. + no pollution
  4. - they do spoil the view and effect the scenery
  5. - can be noisy which can be annoying for nearby villagers
  6. - can stop if not enough or too much wind
  7. initial costs can be quite high but there are no fuel costs and minimal running costs
  8. + no permanent damage to the landscape but if you remove the turbines , you remove the noise and the views return to normal
3. water waves
  1. you need lots of small wave powered turbines located around the coast.
  2. + no pollution
  3. - may disturb seabed and the habitat of marine animals
  4. - fairly unreliable since waves tend to die out
  5. initial costs are high, but there are no fuel costs and minimal running costs
  6. produces energy on a small scale suitable for small islands.
4. hydro elecricity
  1. usually requires the flooding of a valley by building a big dam. water is allowed out through turbines.
  2. + there is no pollution.
  3. - it has a big impact on the environment due the flooding of the valley
    1. - rotting vegetation releases methane and C02
    2. - possible loss of habitat
  4. + can provide an immediate response to an increased demand for electricity
  5. initial costs are high but there are no fuel costs and minimal running costs.
  6. it can be a useful way to generate electricity on a small scale in remote areas
5. bio fuel
  1. renewable energy resources created from either plant products or animal dung.
  2. can be solid, liquid or gas and can be burnt to produce electricity or run cars in the same way as fossil fuels
  3. fairly reliable
  4. the cost to refine bio fuels is very high and some worry that growing crops specifically for bio fuels will mean there isnt enough space or water to meet demands for crops that are grown for foods
6. geothermal
  1. this is possible in volcanic areas or where hot rocks lie quite near to the surface.
  2. + reliable
  3. + does very little damage to the environment
  4. can be used to generate electricity or to heat buildings directly
  5. - arent many suitable locations however

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	Created by Flora Greening about 9 years ago