National and global energy resources: distinguish between energy resources that are renewable and energy resources that are non-renewable

The idea

Energy resources are classified by whether they are replenished as they are used. Renewable resources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, geothermal and biomass, are replaced naturally at a rate comparable to consumption, so they will not run out on a human timescale. Non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear fuel, exist in finite stores formed over millions of years and are used faster than they form. To distinguish them, ask whether the resource is being replaced while it is consumed. Burning methane from a landfill is renewable if the waste is continually produced; extracting ancient natural gas is not. This distinction underpins choices about electricity generation, transport fuels and heating.

What earns the marks

• State that renewable resources are replenished naturally at a rate comparable to their use, so they are not used up on a human timescale.
• State that non-renewable resources are finite and are used faster than they can form, so they will eventually run out.
• Correctly classify named examples: solar, wind, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, geothermal and biomass as renewable; coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear fuel as non-renewable.
• Explain the criterion used, namely whether the resource is being replaced while it is consumed, rather than simply listing examples.
• Apply the distinction to a familiar context, such as comparing a wind farm with a gas-fired power station, and justify the classification given.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Calling nuclear fuel renewable because it does not produce carbon dioxide when used.

  Put it right: Nuclear fuel comes from finite uranium stores, so it is non-renewable.

• Treating biomass as non-renewable because it is burned.

  Put it right: Biomass is renewable when the plants or waste are regrown or continually produced.

• Assuming all renewable resources are harmless.

  Put it right: Renewable describes replenishment, not absence of environmental impact, so habitats and landscapes can still be affected.

Exam tips

• Define both terms before giving examples, so the examiner sees the criterion as well as the labels.
• When asked to distinguish, give one clear difference and support it with a named example of each type.
• Check the wording of the question: classify, compare and explain require different depths of response, so match your answer to the command word.