7.2 Energy sources—uses and management

Objective notes

6 learning objectives

7.2.1Energy source types

• Renewable: wind, solar, tidal, wood, geothermal, hydropower

• Non-renewable: nuclear, fossil fuels

7.2.2Global energy consumption rising

• Population increase, per capita demand

• Fossil fuels dominate, renewables increasing

7.2.3Energy source sustainability

• Varies significantly

• Both types have environmental costs

7.2.4Country energy choices

• Factors: sustainability, cost, pollution, efficiency, availability, security

7.2.5Intermittent energy production

• Some renewables require energy storage

• Solutions: batteries, pumped hydroelectricity, fuel cells, thermal storage

7.2.6Energy conservation and efficiency

• Reduce dependence on imports

• Behavioural changes, efficient technologies