Energy Resources can be classified as renewable or non-renewable.
Non-renewable energy resources will eventually run out (for example: coal, oil and gas)
Renewable energy resources will not run out (for example wind and solar power)
Renewable energy resources include:
Hydroelectric generators use moving water to drive turbines. Large scale hydroelectric power stations usually create a reservoir of water by building a dam. The water can then be released past turbines to generate electricity.
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Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity.
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Solar (photovoltaic) cells convert sunlight to electricity.
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Solar energy can also be used by solar heating panels to heat water that can be used to keep a building warm, rather than generating electricity.
Geothermal uses the heat that is naturally occurring below the surface of the Earth. Water can be pumped down into the Earth’s crust where it is heated up. The steam produced can be used to drive a turbine and generate electricity at the surface.
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The motion of waves in the sea can be used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
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At the coast, the water level (tide) rises and falls twice a day due to the moon’s gravitational field. As the water moves in/out from the coastline, turbines can be used to generate electricity.
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Biofuels are made from living or recently living organisms. Examples include: methane from animal waste, rapeseed oil, ethanol from sugar cane, woodchips
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Fossil Fuels
Coal, oil and gas are fossil fuels. They have been formed underground from the remains of ancient organisms over millions of years.
A power station can burn a fossil fuel to heat water, producing steam. The steam is used to turn a turbine which turns a generator, producing electricity.
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Nuclear power stations use the process of nuclear fission. Splitting a nucleus of uranium in the reactor generates large amounts of energy. This heat is used to produce steam. The steam is used to turn a turbine which turns a generator, producing electricity.
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When evaluating and comparing energy resources, consider the following factors:
Worked Example
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuels and nuclear power to provide electricity to the UK:
Fossil Fuels
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Disadvantages:
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