Renewable and non-renewable energy resources can be developed — Edexcel GCSE Geography A
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Renewable and non-renewable energy resources can be developed explained
Renewable and non-renewable energy resources can be developed covers 3 specification points, including A.
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Energy resources can be classified as… and B. Advantages and disadvantages of the…. Open a point below for its explanation and revision guidance.
a. Energy resources can be classified as renewable and non-renewable.
This statement asks you to classify energy resources into two groups: renewable and non-renewable. A renewable resource is replenished naturally on a human timescale, so it is not used up as it is consumed, for example solar radiation, wind and flowing water. A non-renewable resource is finite because it formed over geological time and cannot be replaced at the rate it is used, for example coal, oil, natural gas and uranium used in nuclear power. To classify a resource, compare its rate of replenishment with its rate of use, then state your reason. Biomass is often classed as renewable only when it is managed sustainably, so the category depends on how the resource is used. You should be able to name examples from both groups and justify each category.
b. Advantages and disadvantages of the production and development of one non-renewable energy resource.
This criterion asks you to weigh advantages and disadvantages of the production and development of one non-renewable energy resource. Production covers extraction or conversion into usable energy, such as coal mined and burned in a power station. Development covers investment in infrastructure and technology that sustains or expands supply, such as new rail links or carbon capture equipment. Advantages are benefits to users and producers, for example reliable output and employment. Disadvantages include carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution, habitat loss and finite reserves. Select one named resource only, and tie every point to production or development, not to energy in general.
c. Advantages and disadvantages of the production and development of one renewable energy resource.
This criterion asks you to weigh advantages and disadvantages of the production and development of one renewable energy resource. Production covers how the resource is harnessed and converted into usable electricity, such as wind turbines generating power from moving air. Development covers investment in the wider system, such as grid connections, storage and planning consent that allow that supply to expand. Advantages include no fuel costs and low operational carbon dioxide emissions. Disadvantages include intermittent output, visual and noise impacts on residents, and land or sea-bed use. Select one named resource only, and link each point to production or development rather than renewable energy in general.
Your focus
- Select the option that correctly places a named energy resource in the renewable or non-renewable group.
- Identify the reason a resource is classed as non-renewable.
- Explain why a resource such as biomass may be classed as renewable only when it is managed sustainably.
Show all 9 objectives
- Identify the production and development stages for one named non-renewable energy resource.
- Explain at least one advantage and one disadvantage of that resource, giving a reason for each.
- Justify which point matters more in a given context, using evidence from your answer.
- Identify the production and development stages for one named renewable energy resource.
- Explain at least one advantage and one disadvantage of that resource, giving a reason for each.
- Justify which point matters more in a given context, using evidence from your answer.
Renewable and non-renewable energy resources can be developed exam tips
Marking Points
- Places each energy resource in the renewable or non-renewable group rather than in a third category.
- Gives a reason for each classification based on replenishment rate compared with rate of use.
- Names at least one example from each group, such as wind and coal.
- Places uranium in the non-renewable group because the ore is finite.
- Notes that a resource such as biomass can be managed to remain renewable.
- Names one non-renewable resource and keeps every point focused on it.
- Explains an advantage of production, such as reliable output that can be supplied when demand is high.
- Explains a disadvantage of production, such as air pollution or habitat loss from extraction.
- Links a development point, such as carbon capture or new transport links, to its effect on an advantage or disadvantage.
- Weighs advantages against disadvantages with a reasoned link rather than listing them separately.
- Names one renewable resource and keeps every point focused on it.
- Explains an advantage of production, such as low operational carbon dioxide emissions from wind generation.
- Explains a disadvantage of production, such as intermittent output that depends on weather conditions.
- Links a development point, such as grid connection or storage, to its effect on an advantage or disadvantage.
- Weighs advantages against disadvantages with a reasoned link rather than listing them separately.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Read each MCQ option and ask whether the resource named is replaced within a human timescale.
- 💡Eliminate options that justify a category using cost or pollution rather than replenishment.
- 💡Check that the option you choose gives a correct category for the resource and not just a correct fact about it.
- 💡Name one resource in your first sentence and use it throughout the answer.
- 💡Include one clear point on production and one on development so both parts of the statement are covered.
- 💡Check each advantage and disadvantage by asking who gains or loses and why.
- 💡Name one resource in your first sentence and use it throughout the answer.
- 💡Include one point on production and one on development so both parts of the statement are covered.
- 💡Check each advantage and disadvantage by asking who gains or loses and why.
Common Mistakes
- Treats renewable as meaning free or without environmental impact. Correction: classification depends on replenishment, not cost or impact.
- Classifies a resource as renewable because it is currently abundant. Correction: abundance does not decide the category; the rate of replenishment does.
- Uses non-renewable as a synonym for polluting. Correction: the term describes whether a resource can be replaced, not how clean it is.
- Gives examples without stating the reason for each category. Correction: link every example to its replenishment rate.
- Lists resource features without stating whether they are advantages or disadvantages; label each point and explain its effect.
- Writes about energy in general rather than one named non-renewable resource; choose one resource and keep the answer within it.
- Confuses production with development by describing only new technology; define production as extraction or conversion and development as investment that sustains supply.
- Treats all renewable sources as identical; choose one resource and use its specific characteristics.
- Assumes renewables have no drawbacks; state real limitations such as land use or visual impact.
- Lists points without explaining cause and effect; explain why each point helps or harms the resource's use.