Geography Summer Exams - Natural Energy Resources

Energy Resources

Anything made by nature that is useful to people.

Renewable Resources

Can be used over and over again, non-finite and environmentally friendly.

Solar Energy

Are used for solar panels, heating homes and giving light for road signs. A negative effect for solar energy is that it is not always sunny.

Wind Energy

Powers the NGS by wind turbines. A negative effect is that it causes visual pollution.

Hydroelectric Energy

Powers the NGS by dams. A negative effect is that it causes flooding behind the dam which causes fish to be disrupted.

Tidal Energy

Powers the NGS by underwater turbines. A negative effect is that it is expensive to build and causes fish to be disrupted.

Geothermal Energy

Usually on plate boundaries and underground pipe system. A negative effect is that the ground temperature won't always be warm.

Non-renewable Resources

Cannot be replaced once used, is finite and emits CO².

Oil

Extracted by drilling. From the Middle East. Used for petrol, plastics and heating homes. Positive effect is that it is cheap and easy to transport. Negative effect is oil spills.

Coal

Extracted by mining. From China or Russia. Used to heat homes. Positive effect is it is cheap.

Natural Gas

Extracted by drilling. From ireland. Used for heating homes. Positive effect is that it is cheap.

Peat/Turf

Extracted by machinery cutting bog. From ireland. Used for heating homes. Positive effect is that it is cheap.