Energy Resources

Non-Renewable Energy

• Coal•Natural Gas•Oil•Nuclear

Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar• Wind• Geothermal• Hydroelectric• Tidal• Biomass

Fossil FuelsPros

• cheap• plentiful• technology exists• oil can be transported over long

distances by pipeline

Cons• contributes to climate change (builds up

carbon dioxide in atmosphere)• unsustainable (depletion of stock over time)• will become difficult to extract ( becomes

dangerous as they go further into the sea or deeper into the ground)• oil spillages and pipelines burst damage

ecosystems ( expensive to clear up)• mines clear up habitat from surface• coal not easily transported over long

distance

Nuclear Energy

Pros• does not emit carbon dioxide• technology is available• vast amounts of electrical

energy produced by a single power plant• very efficient ( 1kg uranium

contains 20000 times more energy than 1kg of coal

Cons• nuclear waste is VERY dangerous, remains for

thousands of years with no solution found yet• the more power plants, the higher risks of

having a disastrous failure somewhere in the world

• uranium is the energy source which is scarce and a non-renewable source with a estimated time of 30-60years left before depletion (depending on demand)

• time to plan/build a nuclear plant is 20-30 years

Hydroelectric Power

Pros• blocked lake can be used for

leisure, irrigation and electricity generation• once built they are cheap to run

Cons• vast areas may be flooded,

which causes loss of homes, farmlands and displacement of people• expensive• erosion rates increase• might silt up area and

become unusable

Tidal Power

Pros• Will not run out• No pollution

Cons• expensive• might be harmful to wildlife• needs good tidal range

Solar Energy

Pros• solar energy with insulation is

cheaper than fossil fuel energy when heating homes

Cons• expensive• useless in winter in northern

countries• Only works when the sun is out

Wind Power

Pros• Small ecological footprint• No pollutants

Cons• no wind = no energy• placement is critical,

needs constant wind• Can kill wildlife

Biofuel

Pros Cons• produces emissions• requires large areas of land to

plant biofuel crop• pushes up food prices• locals do not get enough food• may destroy surrounding

ecosystems to grow on

Energy from Waste

Pros• available• does not deplete natural gas• useful way of getting rid of

waste

Cons• global warming gases released

into atmosphere

Geothermal Energy

Pros• No pollution

Cons• Needs to be buried deep under

the ground our under water• Expensive

MEDCs have higher energy demands than LEDCs, as they depend on energy for many things such as transport, heating, air-conditioning, cooking and all other aspects of their lives.

The choice of what energy source should be used is different from country to country. Some have large oil, coal and gas reserves and that makes fossil fuels an obvious choice for an energy source. However generation of energy also depends on its availability, economy, cultural, environmental and technological factors. When an energy resource is available and close, it is more easier and efficient to use.

• Culture fears based on the fear of nuclear accidents and waste, have made it quite unpopular to choose.

• Cultural and tradition means that non-renewable resources are favored, and the places with renewable energy resources are limited.

• Renewable energy sources are not being used much globally which means that it is still not ready to meet current demands.

• Renewable sources can be used more if the production prices of the non-renewable sources are increased. This may better the environment as higher costs of the fossil furls means that peoples view will change.

• Peoples interest in renewable resources has led to an increased demand for renewable and non-pollution sources. This leads to greater investments and research into more alternatives or improvements.