Renewable & Nonrenewable resources SUMMARY

Renewable Resources

A renewable resource is one that can be used repeatedly, or that can be replaced relatively quickly.

Non-renewable resources

A non-renewable resources is one that cannot be used more than once or takes a long time to replace once it has been used.

List some renewable resources

Biofuels
Wood
Hydro-electric power
Wave energy
Wind power
Solar cells
Waste products
Geothermal
Tidal

List some nonrenewable resources

Coal
Oil
Natural gas
Nuclear

List advantages of using fossil fuels to produce electricity

• It is easy to find and make

• It is easy to transport through pipes

• It can usually produce a lot of electricity from one location

• They are cost-effective

• We're used to using them

• Reliable energy source

List disadvantages of using fossil fuels to produce electricity

Contributes to climate change - releases CO2 and sulfur dioxide (causes acid rain)
It is a non-renewable source
Unsustainable source of energy
Nuclear fuel releases radiation

Name the 2 fuels used in Nuclear power plants

Uranium and Plutonium

List advantages of using Nuclear fuel to produce electricity

• It does not contribute to global warming

• Uranium and Plutonium are long lasting sources

• It does not produce carbon dioxide

• It produces a lot of electricity for each kg of fuel

List disadvantages of using Nuclear fuel to produce electricity

• They produce 'nuclear waste' which is radioactive for millions of years

• It takes a long time to start producing electricity

• Any accident can cause radioactive material to be introduced into the environment

• It costs a lot of money to decommission a nuclear power plant