Non-renewable energy

How are fossil fuels and nuclear energy reliable?

There's enough fossil and nuclear fuel to meet the current demand

How can power plants respond quickly to changes in demand?

They are extracted from the Earth at a fast enough rate that the power plants always have fuel in stock

Why are fossil fuels running out?

If no new resources are found

How expensive is nuclear energy?

The set up costs are quite high compared to other energy resources

Why are fossil fuels so popular?

They are incredibly cost effective

What do coal

gas

Why is a surplus of CO2 bad for the environment?

CO2 adds to the greenhouse effect

What does burning coal and oil release?

Sulphur dioxide

What does sulphur dioxide cause to the environment?

Acid rain - harmful to trees and soils and can have far-reaching effects in the ecosystem

How do we reduce acid rain?

Taking the sulphur out before the fuel is burned

Why do people not like coal-mining?

They make a mess of the landscape = the view can be spoilt by fossil fuel power plants

How do oil spillages cause environmental problems?

Affecting mammals and birds that live in and around the sea

How expensive is nuclear fuel?

Relatively cheap but the overall cost of nuclear power is high due to the cost of the power plant and final decommissioning

What is the risk of nuclear power?

Major catastrophe like the Fukushima disaster in Japan