4.14 - Energy Resources Introduction
Non-renewable resources will run out one day
- A non-renewable energy resource is one that's used up faster than nature can replace it, so it will one day run out.
- The non-renewables are the fossil fuels and nuclear fuel.
- The three main fossil fuels are coal, oil, and (natural) gas. These formed underground over millions of years and are burnt to release their energy.
- The nuclear fuels are uranium and plutonium.
What they have in common
- Reliable - Power stations keep fuel in stock, so they can generate electricity whenever it's needed. Gas power stations can also respond quickly when demand increases, but nuclear power stations are slow to start up.
- Will run out - They're being used far faster than they form.
- Damage the environment - All non-renewables harm the environment.
Renewable resources will never run out
- A renewable energy resource is one that's replenished as fast as (or faster than) it's used, so it will never run out.
- The renewable energy resources are:
- The Sun (solar)
- Wind
- Water waves
- Hydroelectricity
- Tides
- Geothermal
How they compare with non-renewables
- They do less harm to the environment than fossil fuels, though most still cause some damage.
- Several are less reliable, because they depend on the weather and can't always produce energy on demand.
- Many produce less energy than a fossil-fuel or nuclear power station, but they have low running costs once built.
TermDefinition
Non-renewable energy resourceAn energy resource that is used up faster than it can be replaced, so it will eventually run out.
Renewable energy resourceAn energy resource that is replenished as fast as or faster than it is used.