non-renewable/renewable energies Flashcards
1
Q
advantages of oil
A
- one of the most abundant and reliable resources
- inexpensive technology is used to extract it compared to other energies - no new technology
- liquid form - easy to transport (the forties pipeline system is major transport renewable network in North Sea)
- can be easily stored - so can provide power quickly
- can be extracted in all weather
- can be sold for profit
2
Q
disadvantages of oil
A
- only around 47 years left - finite resource
- could cause oil spills (Deepwater horizon in 2010, 134 million gallons)
- looking for oil in new places requires expensive technology
- terminals and refineries take up a lot of space and there is a danger of spillage, explosion and fires
- prices can be subject to political pressures (eg. Russia invading Ukraine)
- as oil becomes more scare, energy bill prices will increase
- not sustainable to doesn’t comply with the goals in the Paris agreement
- when burned it released CO2 which harms environment
3
Q
advantages of wind
A
- infinate, sustainable source
- most effective in constant wind, exposed land or offshore areas
- Aberdeen offshore wind farm on average generates energy to supply 80,000 homes a year
- allows Scotland to be independent in terms of producing energy - reduces need to import
- In Scotland, wind generated 78% of renewable electricity in 2022
- More wind in winter - when demand is greater
- clean source - doesn’t produce CO2 (helps net zero goal by 2045, also helps Paris agreement)
- onshore wind is cheaper than any other electricity source in UK - this can lower energy bills
- when energy surplus, wind can be sold for profit
- cost effective and reduces energy bills for consumers
4
Q
disadvantages of wind
A
- can be irregular and intermittent (eg. during high pressure, can be periods of no wind)
- any wind speed in excess of 25m/s (90km/hr)is too dangerous for wind turbine - so shut down
- if overproduction of turbines, they will be turned off. The National Grid paid £215m to turn off turbines in 2022.
- location of turbines means some energy is lost transporting electricity to areas of higher demand (remote areas)
- can’t be stored yet
