Locational factors and required conditions controlling energy resource availability

Fossil fuels

* Economically exploitable deposits
* Power stations:
* Fuel supplies
* Condenser cooling water (large river/lake/sea)
* Suitable construction sites

Nuclear power

* High energy density → easily transported
* Power stations:
* Condenser cooling water (large river/lake/sea)
* Suitable construction site

Solar power

* High light intensity
* Low cloud cover

Wind power

* Strong, reliable winds
* Low land-use conflicts

Wave power

* Strong, reliable winds over water
* Reliable prevailing wind direction
* Long fetch

Fetch

Stretch of water over which the wind blows

HEP

Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric Power (HEP)

* High, reliable rainfall
* Site for a small dam with large reservoir basin
* Large catchment area
* Impermeable bedrock
* Stable geology

Biofuels

* Nearby forest areas
* Farmland for biofuel crops
* Farmland for crop/livestock waste
* Nearby urban areas for food waste/sewage

Geothermal power

* Hot rocks near ground surface
* Recent volcanic activity

Tidal power

* Large tidal range
* Coastal features that focus tidal flow to increase flow velocity or tidal range