11. Energy Resources - Renewables & Non-renewables

1. Classification of Energy Resources

Non-Renewable Resources

• Definition: Resources that will eventually run out and cannot be replenished at the rate they are consumed.

• Fossil Fuels: Includes coal, oil, and natural gas. These have been the primary sources of energy for the past 200 years.

• Nuclear Energy: Although not a fossil fuel, nuclear power is also considered non-renewable because the uranium fuel is finite.

Renewable Resources

• Definition: Resources that can be replenished as they are used, meaning they will never run out.

• Examples: Solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biofuels, and tidal energy.

• Recent Trends: There has been a massive rise in the use of these "new generation" resources over the last 50 years.

2. Main Uses of Energy

Transport

• Primary Fuels: Most road vehicles (cars, buses) rely on petrol and diesel, while planes use kerosene. These are all derived from oil (non-renewable).

• Evolution of Trains: Historically powered by coal, most modern trains are now powered by electricity.

• Sustainable Shifts: Recent increases in biofuels (made from plants) and the adoption of electric cars.

Domestic Uses (Household)

• Heating: In the UK, the primary source is natural gas, which is burned to heat water for radiators.

• Alternative Heating: * Non-Renewable: Burning coal in fireplaces.

  • Renewable: Solar water heaters (using the sun's energy to heat water) and burning biofuels.

3. Electricity Generation

The Nature of Electricity

• Secondary Energy Source: Electricity itself is neither renewable nor non-renewable. Its status depends entirely on how it is generated.

• Current UK Landscape: * Almost 60% of electricity comes from fossil fuels.

  • In total, nearly 80% of electricity is generated from non-renewable sources.

  • While renewable generation is growing, the vast majority currently remains non-renewable.

4. Summary Table