Revision notes · Energy
National and global energy resources
National and global energy resources4.1.3
Definition: A non-renewable energy resource is one that is being used up faster than it can be replaced, and will eventually run out. A renewable energy resource is one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used, so will not run out.
| Non-renewable | Renewable |
|---|---|
| Coal, oil and gas (fossil fuels) | Bio-fuel |
| Nuclear fuel | Wind |
| Hydro-electricity | |
| Geothermal | |
| Tidal | |
| Solar | |
| Water waves |
The main uses of energy resources are for transport, electricity generation and heating. Non-renewable resources are still used for most large-scale electricity generation, since they release a large amount of energy per kilogram of fuel and can supply power reliably on demand, whereas most renewables cannot easily match demand (e.g. solar generates nothing at night or in poor weather, and wind output depends on how windy it is).
- •Extracting energy resources has an environmental impact — e.g. mining and drilling for fossil fuels can destroy landscapes and habitats; wind turbines and solar farms take up land and can be considered unsightly.
- •Using energy resources also has an impact — burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (contributing to climate change) and other pollutants, whereas wind and solar generate electricity with no emissions during use.
- •Renewable energy has become increasingly important because fossil fuels are finite and will eventually run out, and because of concerns about the emissions from burning them.
🧠 Remember: Non-renewable = will run out (fossil fuels, nuclear). Renewable = replenished as used, but often less reliable on demand (solar, wind, hydro-electric, geothermal, tidal, biofuel, water waves).
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