Energy Resources I (Junior Cert Geography): Revision Notes

Energy Resources I

Natural Resources

Natural resources can be classified as either renewable or non-renewable.

• Renewable Resources: These resources can be used repeatedly and do not run out. They are non-finite. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric power.
• Non-Renewable Resources: These resources cannot be replaced once they are used up. They are finite, meaning they will eventually run out. Examples include oil, coal, and peat.

Renewable Energy

• Solar Energy: Used to heat homes and power road signs. It is clean with no CO₂ emissions and is non-finite. The disadvantage is that energy production varies throughout the year.
• Wind Energy: Adds electricity to the National Grid. It is clean with no CO₂ emissions and is non-finite. The disadvantages are that turbines can be noisy and visually unappealing.
• Hydroelectric Power (HEP): Generates electricity for the National Grid. It is clean with no CO₂ emissions and is non-finite. It also creates recreational areas such as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. The disadvantages are that it disrupts fish migration and floods land behind dams.
• Geothermal Energy: Used to heat homes and in some countries generate electricity for the National Grid. It is clean with no CO₂ emissions and is non-finite. The disadvantage is that it requires high ground temperatures, which limits its use in some areas.
• Nuclear Energy: Used in Europe for electricity, though not in Ireland. It is cheap to produce. However, there are safety concerns and it is costly to store safely.

Non-Renewable Energy

• Oil: Used for heating homes, industry, and making products like petrol and plastics. It is cheap, efficient, and widely available. The disadvantages are that it is finite, can cause environmental damage from spills, and its price fluctuates.
• Coal: Used for heating homes. It is cheap and easily available. The disadvantages are that it is finite and emits CO₂.
• Natural Gas: Used for heating homes and sourced in Ireland. It is cheap and easily available. The disadvantages are that it is finite and emits CO₂.
• Peat: Used for heating homes, briquettes, and power stations. It is cheap, easily available, and sourced in Ireland. The disadvantages are that it is finite and emits CO₂.