Energy resources · Year 11
We generate electricity and power transport from many energy resources. Some, like coal, oil and gas, will run out and release carbon dioxide; others, like wind, solar and hydroelectric, are renewable but depend on the weather or the landscape. Choosing a mix means weighing up cost, reliability and environmental impact.
Key facts
- Non-renewable: coal, oil, natural gas (fossil fuels) and nuclear (uranium).
- Renewable: solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, wave, geothermal, biofuel.
- Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ (global warming) and sulfur dioxide (acid rain).
- Nuclear power releases no CO₂ while running but produces radioactive waste.
- Wind and solar are unreliable (weather, night); gas, nuclear, hydro and geothermal can supply on demand.
- Power from wind ∝ v³; hydroelectric power = efficiency × (mass of water per second) × g × h.