Comparing Energy Resources (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy: Physics): Revision Note
Exam code: 8464
Comparing Energy Resources
Advantages and disadvantages of energy resources
Each energy resource has various advantages and disadvantages associated with it
A renewable energy resource is one that is replenished as it is used
A non-renewable energy resource is one that is finite (there is a limited supply)
A reliable energy resource is one that can produce energy at any time
Non-reliable resources can only produce energy some of the time (e.g. when it’s windy)
The table below shows a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the different energy resources:
Table comparing advantages and disadvantages of energy resources
Energy resource | Renewable? | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
Fossil fuels | No | Reliable. Can produce large amounts of energy consistently. Can respond to changes in demand. | Produces carbon dioxide (CO2), which contributes to global warming, and sulphur dioxide, which causes acid rain |
Nuclear | No | Reliable. Produces large amounts of energy consistently. Produces no pollution or CO2. Large amounts of energy are produced from small amounts of fuel. | Produces radioactive waste that takes thousands of years to decay and must be safely disposed of. Nuclear power stations are expensive to build and maintain, and take many years to build. Can not be turned on and off quickly, so cannot respond to changes in demand. |
Bio fuels | Yes | The CO2 released from combustion is balanced by the CO2 absorbed in photosynthesis, so it could be considered carbon neutral | Land and resources used to grow crops are needed to grow food crops |
Wind | Yes | Produces no pollution or CO2. Are cheap to build and maintain | Non-reliable. Only generates electricity when the wind is blowing in a certain direction. Some people consider them visual pollution (they spoil the view) |
Hydroelectric | Yes | Reliable. Can respond to meet changes in demand. No pollution or CO2 produced (unless a pump is used to return the water, as this uses fossil fuels). | Can involve flooding large areas to build reservoirs, which destroys habitats and displaces wildlife |
Tidal | Yes | Tides are very predictable, so energy can be produced at regular intervals | Few suitable locations (estuaries). Can harm aquatic life and disrupt shipping |
Geothermal | Yes | Reliable | Not many suitable locations. Can release methane (a greenhouse gas) in the extraction process. |
Solar | Yes | Produces no pollution or greenhouse gases. Good for electricity production in remote areas. | Non-reliable. Only generates electricity when the Sun is shining. Each solar cell only produces a small amount of electricity, so many cells are needed. |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you're familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of large scale electricity production from renewable and non-renewable energy sources, as this is a common exam question.
In a compare question, make a comparative statement about the same factor for both resources, for example: the wind turbine is larger, but harms birds; the tidal turbine harms fish but does not cause visual pollution.
If the question asks for environmental impact, do not write about reliability, efficiency or cost.
Unlock more, it's free!
Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams
the (exam) results speak for themselves:
Was this revision note helpful?
Build on this topic
