Energy resources
Energy resources and their uses
An energy resource is something we can get energy from. The main ones are fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), , , , , , , water waves and the Sun.
A renewable resource is one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used. A non-renewable resource will run out one day.
We use these resources for three main things:
- Transport: petrol and diesel come from oil; some vehicles use biofuels or electricity.
- Generating electricity: every resource listed here can be used.
- Heating: gas boilers, electric heaters and solar water heaters.
Key terms
Non-renewable resources
| Resource | Reliability | Environmental impact |
|---|---|---|
| Coal, oil and gas | Reliable: power stations can be turned up to meet demand | Burning them releases carbon dioxide, adding to climate change; coal and oil also release sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain |
| Reliable: gives a steady supply all the time | No carbon dioxide while running, but makes radioactive waste that must be stored safely for a long time, and there is a small risk of accidents |
Fossil fuels are also cheap to extract for now and easy to transport, but they will run out.
Renewable resources
| Resource | Reliability | Environmental impact |
|---|---|---|
| Unreliable: no wind, no power | No pollution when running; turbines can be noisy and spoil views | |
| Daylight only; less when cloudy | No pollution when running; large solar farms take up land | |
| Reliable; can start quickly | Flooding a valley destroys habitats | |
| Tides are predictable, but output varies | Barrages can harm estuary habitats | |
| Water waves | Unreliable: depends on the waves | Can disturb sea life |
| Reliable | Very little, but only works in volcanic areas | |
| Reliable, if crops grow fast enough | Growing the crops uses land that could grow food, and forests may be cleared to make room |
Key terms
Trends in UK energy use
Through the 1900s, UK electricity use grew as the population rose and people bought more electrical devices. Since the early 2000s it has fallen a little, because appliances and lighting have become more efficient and people try to save energy.
How we generate electricity has changed a lot:
- Coal has fallen to almost nothing. The UK's last coal power station closed in 2024.
- Renewables, especially and , now generate a large and growing share.
- Gas is still important because power stations can be turned up quickly when demand is high.
Scientists can show the problems, but switching resources is slow. New power stations are expensive, people may object to wind farms near their homes, and governments must keep the supply reliable.
Exam tip
When a question says "evaluate", give advantages and disadvantages, then finish with a conclusion.