The recognised impact on the environment of burning fossil fuels has caused science and society to develop the
use of renewable energy resources and make machines more efficient.
In some developed countries, nuclear power stations are a growing form of electricity generation. Nuclear fuel
can release large amounts of energy compared to fossil fuels and does not emit carbon dioxide. However, the
radioactive waste that is produced is difficult to store and dispose of.
Other factors that could influence governments’ decisions about the use of energy resources are political and
economic pressures. For example, countries like Saudi Arabia, whose economy is heavily based in extracting
and exporting oil, have a strong interest in fossil fuels to be largely used in electricity generation. In order to
compete with more developed countries, growing countries like China need a large power output to keep
growing their industry. This means they are likely to continue using fossil fuels and developing the use of
nuclear power.
Comparing resources
Power stations that use fossil fuels or nuclear fuel are very reliable sources of energy. These two types of
stations provide much of the UK’s electricity. They operate almost continuously. When additional power is
needed, gas power stations are usually used because they will come on very quickly and start generating
electricity almost immediately. The fuel for nuclear power stations is relatively cheap, but the power stations
themselves are expensive to build. It is also very expensive to dismantle, or decommission, old nuclear power
stations at the end of their useful life. The highly radioactive waste needs to be stored for millions of years
before the natural activity will reduce to a safe level. Water power eg tidal and hydroelectricity are reliable and
predictable because of the Moon causing the tides and rainfall filling reservoirs. These two types can also be
used to supply additional demand. But many of the renewable sources are unreliable, including wind and solar
energy, and cannot respond to increased demand - sunny and windy weather cannot be guaranteed.
Renewable resources have no fuel costs, but the equipment used is expensive to build.
Renewable
Energy or non- Advantages Disadvantages
renewable
Fossil fuels (oil,
Non- Very reliable source of energy. Can Releases pollutants like carbon dioxide in
coal and produce large energy in a short time the atmosphere
renewable
natural gases)
Non- It is a reliable source of energy. Can produce Produces radioactive waste that is very
Nuclear fuels large energy in a short time using a small expensive to dispose and takes thousands of
renewable amount of fuel years to become safe naturally
The CO2 produced when burning the
Can take up a lot of land needed to
Biofuel (optional) Renewable biofuel is balanced by the CO2 produce the biofuel
absorbed, making it environment friendly
Clean source of energy. Produces no It is not very reliable. Can cause noise
Wind Renewable greenhouse gases pollution and takes up a large area
It is a reliable source of energy and can Very expensive to build and can cause
Hydroelectricity Renewable produce a large energy in a short time floods. It can also affect aquatic wildlife
Can only be built in regions where there
Geothermal Renewable Clean energy and reliable is volcanic activity
Tides Renewable Clean and reliable energy Can only be built in coastal regions
Sun Renewable Produces clean energy Not very reliable. Depends on weather.
ENERGY TRANSFERS
Fossil fuel: Chemical energy in the fuel →Heat energy in water →Kinetic energy in steam → Kinetic energy in turbine
blades → electrical energy in the generator
Nuclear: Nuclear energy → Heat energy in water →K.E in steam → K.E in turbine blades → electrical energy in the generator
Wind: Kinetic energy in the wind →Kinetic energy in turbine blades → electrical energy in the generator
Hydroelectricity: GPE in water → K.E in the wind →K.E. in turbine blades → electrical energy in the generator
Geothermal: Heat energy in water →K.E. in steam → K.E. in turbine blades → electrical energy in the generator
Tidal: Kinetic energy in the water → Kinetic energy in turbine blades → electrical energy in the generator
Solar: Light energy from the sun → chemical energy in the photocells→ electrical energy
