Comparing Power Stations (WJEC GCSE Physics): Revision Note

Comparing Power Stations

• Different types of power stations each have advantages and disadvantages

• Having a range of energy technologies allows the benefits to be maximised and the disadvantages to be minimised

• Issues to consider when comparing types of power station:

  • Costs

  • Efficiency

  • Reliability

  • Carbon footprint

  • Output

• The costs involved in a power station include:

  • Commissioning costs

    • Buying land to build on

    • Professional fees (such as architects, legal work, planning & permits)

    • Building costs (such as materials)

    • Labour costs (such as builders, electricians, plumbers etc)

  • Running costs

    • Labour (staff)

    • Fuel 

    • Waste disposal 

    • Maintenance

  • Decommissioning costs

    • Removal of nuclear fuel (for nuclear power stations)

    • Demolition

    • Clean up

• The reliability of a power station considers:

  • How quickly and easily it can be switched on and off

  • Ability to produce electricity consistently 

  • Ability to respond to changes in demand

  • Quick recovery time from disruptions

• The carbon footprint of each type of power station considers:

  • Amount of carbon released whilst in operation

  • Amount of carbon produced in manufacturing the components used in construction

  • Amount of carbon produced in transport of fuels and materials

Comparison of Different Types of Power Stations