Topic 1-National and Global Energy Resources Flashcards
What is renewable energy resource?
As energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up
Give four examples of renewable energy resources
Wind energy
hydro-electricity
tidal energy
solar energy
Give an example of a non-renewable energy resource
Fossil fuels
What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?
Flexible generation: gas power stations have a short start-up times so can be switched on/off more readily
Lower emissions of carbon dioxide
State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power
output often determined by external factors (like wind speed), so supply is uncertain
generating power through other means is often more efficient and economically beneficial
explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels
Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, and causes global warming
sulphur dioxide leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings and crops
State three advantages of fossil fuels as energy resources
Reliable, not dependent of external factors so can generate power anytime
can produce large amounts of energy for a given quantity
still relatively abundant, so cost-effective
State three advantages of nuclear power
very large amounts of energy for relatively small quantum fuel
doesn’t release greenhouse gases and so doesn’t contribute to climate change
low fuel costs
State three disadvantages of nuclear power
produces nuclear waste which is harmful to humans and must be safely stored for centuries
non-renewable energy source
risk of nuclear accident, can have fatal consequences on humans and the environment
How does hydroelectric power produce energy
rainwater collects behind a dam
when this water is released it is used to turn a turbine
this turbine turns a generator which produces electricity
What are some disadvantages of using biofuels
When plants are burned or decay they release CO2
In order to grow biofuels, you need to destroy land which leads to problems because:
-The land could have been natural habitats
-Destroying land may involve burning plants growing on it, which would release CO2
Growing biofuels reduces the land available for growing food
What are the advantages of tidal energy sources
They do not produce greenhouse gases
they are quite reliable as tides happen twice a day
they are cheap to run as tides are natural and so are free
What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?
The dam may cause flooding
It can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure
What are some advantages of solar panels
They don’t cause harm to the environment
They are a renewable resource
They can be used in remote areas where other of energy are less accessible
