Introduction
From the second we wake up and even while we are asleep we are using energy resources. Generating the electricity we use makes a significant contribution to climate change. In this topic we will study our options for power generation and the problems associated with them.
Specification links:
Task 1: Know
Task 1a: Use look, cover, write check and quizlet to learn the answers to the core questions and the keywords for this topic
Learn
Task 2: Energy demands
Task 2b: Make notes that:
Define renewable and reliable
List different energy resources and categorise as renewable and non-renewable
Describe how a fossil fuelled power station works
Evaluate the use of fossil fuels (this means give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how nuclear power station works
Evaluate the use of nuclear fuels (this means give advantages and disadvantages)
Task 2c: Complete and self mark these exam questions
Task 3: Renewable energy resources
Task 3b: Make notes that:
Define biofuels
Evaluate the use of biofuels (give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how wind power works
Evaluate the use of wind power (give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how wave power works
Evaluate the use of wave power (give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how hydroelectric power works
Evaluate the use of hydroelectric power (give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how tidal power works
Evaluate the use of tidal power (give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how geothermal energy works
Evaluate the use of geothermal energy (give advantages and disadvantages)
Describe how solar power works
Evaluate the use of solar power (give advantages and disadvantages)
Task 3c: Complete the exam questions and mark your answers
Task 3d: Complete the progress quiz
Task 4: Energy issues
Task 4b: Make notes that:
Describe how the demand for electricity is met
Define
start up costs
running costs
decommissioning / disposal costs
Summarise the problems with using fossil fuels
Evaluate the use of renewable resources
Task 4c: Answer these questions
Answers
Gas without carbon capture storage. [1]
i. Capital costs for wind and solar power much higher for same power output. [1]ii. Nuclear and coal-fired power capital costs much higher for same power output, [1] when include carbon capture storage higher overall costs for gas-fired/oil power. [1]
4000MW × 30 years = 4 × 106 kW × (30 × 365 × 24) = 1.05×1012 kWh [1] Decommissioning cost per kWh = £1000 million/1.05×1012 ≈ 0.1p/ kWh [1]
Task 4d: Complete the exam questions and mark your answers
Task 5: Summary
Task 5a: Watch the video
Task 5c: Make a mind map or single page revision summary of this topic and add it to your revision folder.
Task 6: Check
Complete the quiz to make sure you understand this unit.