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Energy Sources in the UK - Coggle Diagram
Energy Sources in the UK
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is useful energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, including carbon neutral sources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
Non renewable energy
A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption. An example is carbon-based fossil fuel. The original organic matter, with the aid of heat and pressure, becomes a fuel such as oil or gas.
Renewable energy sources
Biomass
It is generated from decaying plant or animal waste, or organic material and can be burned to provide energy.
Why important in the UK?
Some bio fuels are produced and used in transportation. Biofuels and waste account for over 5% of the UK's electricity
Wind
Wind turbines (modern windmills) turn wind energy into electricity.
Why important in the UK?
In 2014, wind power counted for just 10% of the UK'e electricity demand
Hydro
Energy harnessed from the movement of water through rivers, lakes and dams.
Why important in the UK?
Currently supplies just 1.4% of the UK's electricity
Geothermal
In volcanic regions it is possible to use the natural heat of the earth. Cold water is pumped under ground and comes out as steam. Steam can be used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.
Why important in the UK?
Some small geothermal projects in the UK e.g in Southampton city centre
Tidal
The movement of tides drives turbines. A tidal barrage (a kind of dam) is built across estuaries, forcing water through gaps. In the future underwater turbines may be possible out at sea and without dams.
Why important in the UK?
No existing tidal power barrages in the UK due to high costs and environmental concerns. Tidal power could generate up to 10% of the UK's electricity in the future, sites such as Swansea bay and Bridge water bay
Solar
Energy from sunlight is captured in solar panels and converted into electricity.
Why important in the UK?
During the summer, solar power can generate considerable amounts of electricity. There are increasing numbers of solar farms in the UK and many homes have solar panels on their roof
Wave
The movement of seawater in and out of a cavity on the shore compresses trapped air, driving a turbine.
Why important in the UK?
Portrugal has installed the worlds first wave farm, which started generating electricity in 2008.
Non renewable energy sources
Coal
Formed from fossilised plants and consists of carbon with organic and inorganic compounds. It is mined from seams of coal found between layers of rock in the earth.
Natural Gas
Methane and other gases trapped between seams of rock under the earth are released through pipes sunk into the ground.
Nuclear
Radioactive minerals such as uranium are mined. Electricity is generated from the energy that is released when atoms from these mineral split.
What is the energy mix in the UK
Over 50% of the UK's energy comes from natural gases. Coal is still important despite the closure in 2015 of the last deep mine. Together natural gas, coal and nuclear provide the majority of the UK's energy. Only a relatively small amount comes from renewable energy sources
