8.3.2

Non-Fossil Fuels

Test yourself

Renewable vs Recyclable Energy

Instead of fossil fuels, renewable or recyclable energy can be used as a more sustainable fuel option. For all forms of energy, the strike price refers to the minimum price per megawatt hour (MWh).

Illustrative background for Renewable energyIllustrative background for Renewable energy ?? "content

Renewable energy

  • Biomass - heat energy from biological and man-made waste (£80/MWh).
  • Solar power - electrical energy is generated using photovoltaic cells in sunlight (£50-80/MWh).
  • Wind energy - a wind turbine is turned by wind driving a generator (onshore: £80/MWh Offshore: £115-120/MWh).
  • Hydroelectric Power - water held behind at a dam turns a turbine to drive a generator (£100/MWh).
Illustrative background for Recyclable energyIllustrative background for Recyclable energy ?? "content

Recyclable energy

  • Nuclear power - uses the heat from atomic reaction to heat water, the steam produced turns turbines to generate electricity (£92.50/MWh).
  • Heat and power systems - heat inside the building is used to draw warm air in from outside (costs between £1,200-3,000 per house).

Nuclear, Wind and Solar

Instead of fossil fuels, other sources of energy can be used as a more sustainable fuel option.

Illustrative background for Nuclear powerIllustrative background for Nuclear power ?? "content

Nuclear power

  • Before the 2011 Tsunami, 27% of Japan’s electricity came from nuclear power. But the Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged and released dangerous levels of radiation.
  • This has resulted in Japan closing all its nuclear reactors temporarily.
Illustrative background for Wind powerIllustrative background for Wind power ?? "content

Wind power

  • A wind turbine 25m taller than other onshore turbines in Aylesbury provides energy for 2,000 homes.
  • But residents are concerned about it being visually displeasing.
  • Environmentalists are concerned about the potential harm to birds.
  • There are concerns that the supply may be intermittent depending on the frequency and intensity of the wind.
Illustrative background for Solar powerIllustrative background for Solar power ?? "content

Solar power

  • Solar panels covering an area equal to 175 football pitches and costing £50 million have been set up in Christchurch. They will provide energy for 75% of Bournemouth’s homes.
  • There are arguments against the solar farm because of the vast area of productive farmland being used.
  • Solar electricity still requires a high strike price, meaning that it is a relatively expensive form of electricity for its consumers.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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