4.3.2 Types of Energy Sources | Edexcel IGCSE Geography Revision Notes 2019

Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy are energy sources which are finite and will eventually run out. They include:
- Gas
- Oil
- Coal
- Nuclear
Fossil fuel energy sources are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions
All non-renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Energy Source	Advantage	Disadvantage
Gas	Efficient Least polluting of the fossil fuels Easy to transport - pipes Easy to produce energy from Reliable	Risk of explosions Releases CO₂one of the main greenhouse gases Air pollution Price fluctuates
Oil	Efficient Less polluting than coal Quite easy to transport - pipes or barrels Easy to produce energy from Reliable	Risk of oil spills - Exxon Valdez Risk of fire/explosions - Piper Alpha oil platform Low world reserves Releases CO₂one of the main greenhouse gases Air pollution Price fluctuates
Coal	Large world reserves Mechanisation and technology have made coal more accessible and cheaper Cheap Efficient Easy to produce energy from Reliable	Releases CO₂ one of the main greenhouse gases Releases SO₂ which leads to acid rain Opencast mines destroy habitats Heavy and bulky to transport Mining accidents Air pollution
Nuclear	No greenhouse gas emissions Efficient Small amounts of uranium needed	Nuclear waste is radioactive and expensive to dispose of Power stations are expensive Risk of nuclear accidents - Chernobyl, Fukushima Possible health impacts in the areas around nuclear power stations

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy are energy sources which are infinite and will not run out. They include:
- Hydroelectric
- Wave/tidal
- Wind
- Solar
- Geothermal
- Biomass/waste
Once in place with the exception of biomass/waste they do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases may be emitted in the production, construction and transport of the equipment
All renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy Sources

Energy Source	Advantages	Disadvantages
Hydroelectric	No greenhouse gas emissions Controls flooding downstream Often in sparsely populated areas May provide water storage for irrigation and domestic use	Large areas of land are flooded behind the dam Dam traps sediment which can affect ecosystems downstream Visual pollution Can prevent fish movement upstream People and settlements may have to be relocated Expensive to build and maintain
Wave/Tidal	No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution Has the potential to produce large amounts of energy Reliable	Expensive to build and maintain Can affect marine ecosystems Few suitable sites
Wind	No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution Can be small or large scale Cheap to run Can be on land or offshore	Not reliable only works when the wind is strong enough but not too strong Visual pollution Noise pollution Many turbines (233) are needed to produce the same energy as an average coal fired power station May affect bird migration patterns or kill birds who fly into the moving blades
Solar	No greenhouse gas emissions No air pollution Can be small or large scale Can be used in most locations Can be incorporated into building design	Expensive Not reliable only works when it is sunny Large numbers needs to produce energy Uses large areas of land
Geothermal	No CO₂gases Lots of potential sites Reliable Can produce large amounts of energy	Expensive Emits sulphuric gases High temperatures cause maintenance issues
Biomass/Waste	Uses waste or biofuels which regrow Available in most locations	Air pollution Produces greenhouse gases Expensive

Exam Tip

Remember reducing fossil fuel use is not as easy as simply switching to renewable energies. Although the costs are coming down renewable energy is often still more expensive than using fossil fuels and they are generally not as efficient. This means you need far more to produce the same amount of electricity.

Types of Energy Sources (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

Revision Note

Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Exam Tip

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Author: Bridgette