Energy Details

Question 1

Non-renewable energy sources

Answer 1

-Coal
-Oil
-Natural gas
-Nuclear energy

Question 2

Renewable energy sources

Answer 2

-Solar energy
-Tidal energy
-Wind energy
-Geothermal energy
-Hydro-electric energy
-Biofuels

Question 3

Benefits of nuclear power

Answer 3

-Cheap and reliable once stations are built
-Safe disposable stores for radioactive waste could be found
-Can provide all of a country’s energy needs without using coal, oil or gas
-Clean and safe
-Provides employment in construction of the stations
-Provides employment in maintenance of the stations
-Stations can be built in remote areas to reduce dangers to health

Question 4

Disadvantages of nuclear power

Answer 4

-Stations are expensive to build
-Uranium would have to be imported for most countries
-Radioactive gases and waste can pollute the environment for hundreds of years
-Nuclear accidents can never be completely ruled out
-Disposal of nuclear waste poses health risks(eg. risks of cancer)

Question 5

Benefits of renewable energy sources

Answer 5

-Constantly available/will never be used up
-Less environmental impact
-Countries can become more self reliant

Question 6

Disadvantages of renewable energy sources

Answer 6

-Challenge in energy storage
-High set-up costs
-Low efficiency

Question 7

Benefits of geothermal energy

Answer 7

-Replenished by nature
-Good for heating and cooling
-Partially built underground so no surface impact
-Reliable and consistent supply once available
-Very low carbon emissions from equipment

Question 8

Drawbacks of geothermal energy

Answer 8

-Location-specific
-Might cause small earthquakes
-High set-up costs

Question 9

Benefits of wind energy

Answer 9

-Wind is free
-No air pollution once built
-Only takes up small amount of land
-Various sizes and costs

Question 10

Drawbacks of wind energy

Answer 10

-Needs reliable winds
-Storage of electricity problem
-Noisy
-Manufacture produces some air pollution
-Many turbines needed for only one town
-Visual pollution

Question 11

Benefits of Hydro-electric energy

Answer 11

-Long-lasting
-No pollution issues
-Reliable once built
-Can respond to supply and demand quickly
-Can control flooding downstream
-Provides drinking water and other opportunities(eg. boating, fishing, etc.)

Question 12

Drawbacks of Hydro-electric energy

Answer 12

-Have to be located in remote mountain areas
-High cost of building dam and electricity infrastructure
-Requires large area for reservoir
-Dam prevents seasonal flooding of ecosystems
-Relies on rain/snowmelt

Question 13

Benefits of wave/tidal energy

Answer 13

-Renewable while there are tides
-Very efficient in converting energy to electricity
-Predictable
-No greenhouse gas pollution

Question 14

Drawbacks of wave/tidal energy

Answer 14

-Very high set-up costs
-Long time to set up
-Storm waves can damage electricity
-Limited to sites with high tidal ranges
-Requires a back-up power source(only works during tidal surges)
-Disrupts fish migration and can damage marine creatures

Question 15

Benefits of solar energy

Answer 15

-The sun’s energy is free
-No noise pollution
-No air pollution
-Little maintenance needed once set up
-Renewable while there is a sun
-Can be used in remote areas(away from a national electricity grid)

Question 16

Drawbacks of solar energy

Answer 16

-Limited availability of sun in many areas
-Very high set-up costs
-Cannot generate electricity at night/during cloudy days
-Limited storage capacity
-Can take up a large amount of land
-Visual issues of solar farms