Trends in Energy Resource Use

Question 1

Suggest one reason why the UK currently generates most of its electricity using non-renewable energy resources

Answer 1

e.g. electricity can be generated fairly cheaply using fossil fuels, and the supply is reliable

Question 2

Give one reason why electricity use in the UK has decreased this century

Answer 2

E.g. appliances are becoming increasingly efficient and people are becoming more careful with energy use in their homes

Question 3

Give two reasons why governments are keen to use more renewable energy resources

Answer 3

Renewable energy resources have less of a negative impact on the environment than non-renewables, so other countries and the public are exerting pressure to shift towards renewable resources. Also governments are aware that non-renewables will run out one day, so are trying to make sure we can get by without them before this occurs

Question 4

Why can’t a government suddenly switch from using non-renewable resources to using renewable resources

Answer 4

The renewable energy resources required to replace the non-renewables are generally less reliable and cannot increase power output on demand. Researching ways to improve reliability takes time

Question 5

A campaign group made this statement: “Onshore wind farms are a cost-effective way to meet electricity demand without burning lots of fossil fuels”. Give two limitations on the number of onshore wind farms that can be built

Answer 5

There are only a limited numbers of places where onshore wind farms can be built that don’t have people living nearby who may protest about the noise of the turbines. Building wind farms also costs money. The amount of money available to spend will therefore limit the number of wind farms that can be built