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