Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Resources

OCR

GCSE

Energy resources are classified as renewable (replenished at the rate of consumption) or non-renewable (finite reserves). Non-renewable sources, including fossil fuels and nuclear fission, provide reliable base-load power but entail environmental costs such as carbon emissions or radioactive waste management. Conversely, renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectricity reduce carbon footprints but often suffer from intermittency and lower energy density. Candidates must critically evaluate these resources against criteria including start-up time, capital versus running costs, reliability, and environmental impact.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award 1 mark for defining a renewable energy resource as one that is replenished as it is used
Credit responses that specifically link fossil fuels to the release of carbon dioxide and the enhanced greenhouse effect
Award marks for distinguishing between high start-up costs and low running costs, particularly for nuclear and wind power
In Level of Response questions, credit a balanced argument comparing resources based on reliability, environmental impact, and economic viability

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have correctly identified the resource, but you need to be more specific about *why* it is renewable (replenished as used)"
"Avoid vague terms like 'eco-friendly'; instead, state that it 'does not release carbon dioxide' or 'does not contribute to global warming'"
"Good comparison of costs, but remember to distinguish between the cost to build the power station and the cost to buy the fuel"
"To achieve higher marks, discuss the reliability of the source—can it meet demand when the wind isn't blowing or the sun isn't shining?"

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award 1 mark for defining a renewable energy resource as one that is replenished as it is used
Credit responses that specifically link fossil fuels to the release of carbon dioxide and the enhanced greenhouse effect
Award marks for distinguishing between high start-up costs and low running costs, particularly for nuclear and wind power
In Level of Response questions, credit a balanced argument comparing resources based on reliability, environmental impact, and economic viability

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When evaluating nuclear power, explicitly mention 'radioactive waste' and 'long decommissioning times' as distinct disadvantages
💡Avoid generic statements about cost; specify whether you are referring to construction (capital) costs or operation (fuel) costs
💡Use the term 'reliable' strictly to mean an energy source that can produce electricity at any time of day or night, regardless of weather

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Describing renewable resources as 'reusable' or 'recyclable' rather than 'replenished'
Using vague phrases like 'bad for the environment' or 'polluting' without specifying the type of pollution (e.g., visual, noise, atmospheric)
Confusing the concept of 'reliability' (consistency of supply) with 'renewability' (sustainability of source)

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Classification of resources (Renewable vs Non-renewable)

Mechanisms of electricity generation (Turbines, Generators, Photovoltaics)

Environmental impact (Greenhouse effect, Acid rain, Radioactive waste)

Reliability and demand matching (Base-load, Start-up times, Intermittency)

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

State

Explain

Compare

Evaluate

Suggest

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