Renewable and non-renewable resources
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Explainer Video
Summary
Renewable and non-renewable resources
In a nutshell
Non-renewable energy resources cannot be replenished whereas renewable energy resources can. Fossil fuels is the biggest energy resource but they are non-renewable and contribute to global warming. This means we have to become more reliant on renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energy.
Definitions
Keyword | Definition |
| Carbon neutral | Equal amount of carbon that is getting emitted is also getting absorbed |
| Global warming | An increase in the temperature of Earth's atmosphere |
| Greenhouse gases | Gases which absorb and reflect energy in the atmosphere, causing global warming in the similar way to a greenhouse |
| Pollution | Substances released into the atmosphere which are harmful |
Non-renewable energy resources
There is only a finite amount of non-renewable energy resources. Non-renewable means that they cannot be replenished, so (at some point) will run out. Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels
The main sources of non-renewable energy resources are fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil). Fossil fuels take millions of years to form from dead organisms, and we have used them far quicker than the Earth is able to make them.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Reliable as there is currently enough to meet energy demand | Releases carbon dioxide when burnt into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming |
| Running costs of mining fossil fuels are (relatively) cheap | Sulphur dioxide is produced when coal and oil are burnt, which causes acid rain and damages plant life and habitats |
| Get a lot of chemical energy per kg of fossil fuel (which leads to a further reduced cost) | Oil spillages can have detrimental impacts on sea life |
Nuclear energy
Using radioactive materials such as uranium and plutonium, nuclear energy is also used to generate electricity. There is a limited amount of uranium and plutonium, so one day nuclear energy will also run out.
However, of nuclear fuel has times the amount of energy compared to of fossil fuel. Nuclear energy also does not produce harmful greenhouse gases. However the radioactive waste produced is very difficult to get rid of and can be very harmful to humans (and the environment).
Renewable energy resources
Renewable energy resources do not run out. This means that as we use renewables, they can be replaced.
Most energy comes from fossil fuels. However countries around the world are trying to become more reliant on renewable energy, as fossil fuels deplete and global warming worsens.
Solar cells
Solar cells convert radiation from the Sun into electric currents. Examples of solar cells in every day uses are calculators. You can also see them on the roof of houses and 'solar farms' which are fields of solar cells.
Advantages | disadvantages |
| After manufacturing, no pollution produced | Whilst manufacturing solar cells, greenhouse gases are produced |
| Very reliable source of energy in sunny places | In cloudier countries, like the UK, not always a very reliable source of energy especially in the winter |
| Once installed, little running costs | Very expensive to initially manufacture and install solar cells |
| | Solar cells are not very effective at nighttime due to the lack of sunlight |
Wind power
Wind turbines use kinetic energy to turn a generator that produces electricity. Wind turbines are found in remote places (for example hills or off the coast in the sea) in order to be exposed to as much wind as possible.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| After manufacturing, no pollution produced | Some pollution produced when manufacturing and installing |
| No fuel costs are needed | Need lots of wind turbines to produce the same amount of electricity as a coal-fired factory which can be an eye sore |
| | They can be very loud |
| | Wind turbines won't produce electricity if there is no wind, and will also stop working if it is too windy |
Bio-fuels
Bio-fuels are made from plant products or animal poop. Just like fossil fuels, they are burnt in order to transfer their chemical energy.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| They are carbon neutral when plants are grown at the same rate they are being burnt | Growing food for bio fuel has taken over space used for farming and growing food to eat |
| Crops only take a short amount of time to grow | Need water for bio-fuel to be sustainable, which takes water away from other crops and animals |
| Bio-fuels can be stored to be used at a later to point to keep up with demand | Habitats are being destroyed in order to make room for bio-fuel farms |
Geothermal power
Geothermal power uses the Earth's natural thermal energy stores. Volcanic rocks and hot springs (geysers) . The thermal energy can be used for heating homes or generating electricity.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Can heat homes as well as generate electricity | Only possible in volcanic areas and would not work somewhere like the UK |
| Very reliable source of energy | |
| No fuel costs are needed | |
Hydro-electric power
Hydro-electric power transfers gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy to generate electricity. This is done by collecting rain water in a valley which has been dug into a dam. The water then runs downhill, turning turbines to generate electricity.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Reliable source of energy in places like the UK (where there is lots of rain) | Building a dam can have a huge negative impact on the environment as habitats and vegetation lost |
| Hydroelectric power stations can easily be turned on and off so can be used as and when needed | To build a dam some people are forced to move from their homes |
| | Vegetation which has been flooded over by a dam will rot and produce greenhouse gases |
Wave power
Wave power involves waves transferring kinetic energy to turn a turbine. This is done by moving air in and out of a turbine with the force from the motion of a wave.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| No pollution once installed | Need lots of turbines to generate enough electricity |
| No fuel costs are needed | Can be unreliable as wave power depends on the wind |
| | Can disturb the sea bed and therefore sea-life habitat |
Tidal power
Tidal power is generated by using a tidal barrage containing turbines. The gravitational pull from the moon means seas, estuaries and rivers rise and fall. It is this motion that transfers kinetic energy to generate electricity.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Reliable source of energy (there is always a tide!) | Tidal barrages block access to boats |
| Tidal Barrages can easily be turned on and off so can be used as and when needed | Some people think they are an eye sore |
| There is no pollution once manufactured and installed | Disturb marine life habitats |
Energy usage
Energy usage during the day and the year
in households, energy usage varies during the day and during the year. Energy usage is generally at its lowest during the night because people are sleeping, and at its highest when people return from work or school.
During the summer, energy usage is generally lower. This is because energy for light does not need to be used as much (because the days are longer) and less heating is needed. During the winter when it is colder and darker, more energy is generally used.
Energy usage in the UK and globally
Energy usage varies globally. This is because different countries have access to different types of energy resources.
Energy usage in the UK
Below is a pie chart to show energy usage for different resources in the UK.
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Energy usage globally
Below is a pie chart to show energy usage for different resources around the globe.
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What are examples of renewable energy?
Examples of renewable energy include solar energy, wind power, hydro-electric power, tidal power, bio-fuels and wave power.
Is nuclear energy renewable?
Nuclear energy is not renewable as there is only a finite amount of uranium and plutonium. However, only a small bit is needed for nuclear energy, so it can be used for a very long time. Nuclear energy also does not produce greenhouse gases.
What are the three fossil fuels?
The three fossil fuels are natural gas, coal and oil.
What does non-renewable mean?
Non-renewable means it cannot be replaced as it is being used as there is only a finite amount.
What does renewable mean?
Renewable means it can be replaced as it is being used.