Features of energy resources

Question 1

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy resources?

Answer 1

1) Renewable naturally re-form relatively quickly
( solar, wind, wave, tidal )
2) Non-renewable are either not being formed, or re-form so slowly the current use reduces the amount available for future use
( fossil fuels, uranium )

Question 2

Explain what is meant by depletable energy resources and give an example?

Answer 2

• Depletable is where use can reduce future availability
• Includes all non-renewable resources + renewable resources where unsustainable exploitation may reduce availability
• E.g. wood, where forests are felled faster than they re-grow

Question 3

Explain what is meant by abundance and give an example?

Answer 3

• Abundance measures the amount of the resource that exists
• E.g. fossil fuels that are deep underground and cannot be extracted
• E.g. low intensity sunlight that cannot produce high temperatures

Question 4

Why is there local constraints regarding energy resources?

Answer 4

• Not evenly distributed
• Each has its own locational factors
• Energy sources only accessed by extraction (fossil fuels) must be located in favourable deposits