Renewable energy (Advantages and disadvantages)

Question 1

Renewable fuels

Answer 1

Infinite resources

Once which can be reused and therefore will not run out

Question 2

Features of power from the ground

Answer 2

1) Ground source heat pumps take heat from the ground

2) Supply warmth to radiators or under floor heating systems

Question 3

Advantages of power from the ground

Answer 3

1) Does not give off greenhouse gases
2) Cheap once built as it is an infinite resource
3) Can cut energy costs by up to 70%

Question 4

Disadvantages of power from the ground

Answer 4

1) Expensive, cost approximately £12,000 to install

2) Enough space is needed in the garden to install the pipework

Question 5

Feature of hydroelectricity

Answer 5

1) Power from water.
2) The water turns a turbine which generates electricity
3) Rivers are dammed and the flow of water is controlled

Question 6

Advantages of hydroelectricity

Answer 6

1) Does not give off greenhouse gases
2) Cheap once built as it is an infinite resource
3) Can produce large bodies of water for leisure purpose

Question 7

Disadvantages of hydroelectricity

Answer 7

1) Alter the water flow of river - affects ecology
2) Can only be built in certain areas due to dam requirements (location restriction)
3) 40-80 millions people globally have had to move because of dam construction

Question 8

Features of tidal

Answer 8

The movement of sea water drives turbines which produce electricity

Question 9

Advantages of tidal

Answer 9

1) Does not give off greenhouse gases
2) Cheap once built as it is an infinite resources
3) Tidal barrages can also be used as bridges

Question 10

Disadvantages of tidal

Answer 10

1) Hard to ship if built across an estuary
2) Expensive to build
3) Negatively affect wildlife

Question 11

Features of wind turbines

Answer 11

Rely on the force of the wind to power blades which generate electricity

Question 12

Advantages of wind turbines

Answer 12

1) New wind turbines are quiet and efficient
2) Costs £1500 for 1 kW
3) Does not give off greenhouse gases
4) Can be on land or sea (flexible location)
5) Save up 30% of the average household’s energy bill

Question 13

Disadvantages of wind turbines

Answer 13

1) Requires an annual local wind speed of more than 6 metres per second
2) Require regular service
3) Offshore turbines may disturb migration patterns of birds

Question 14

Feature of solar panels

Answer 14

Fluid in panels on a roof heats up, producing hot water for use

Question 15

Advantages of solar panels

Answer 15

1) Provide up to 35% of a house’s hot water
2) No running costs
3) Cheap to set up, £4000 per home
4) Does not give off greenhouse gases
5) Fit onto buildings,
6) Does not take up extra land space

Question 16

Disadvantages of solar panels

Answer 16

1) Not efficient in countries where the sun rarely shines

2) Cannot be mass produced, best used on a small scale

Question 17

Features of photovoltaic cells

Answer 17

Panels or tiles which produce energy (electricity) from sunlight

Question 18

Advantages of photovoltaic cells

Answer 18

1) Does not give off greenhouse gases
2) Fit onto buildings
3) Does not take up extra land space

Question 19

Disadvantages of photovoltaic cell

Answer 19

1) Not efficient in countries where the sun rarely shines
2) Cannot be mass produced
3) Best used on a small scale
4) Cost approximately £12000 for each home.