- The UK aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, requiring a major shift away from fossil fuels
- Offshore wind is the fastest-growing electricity source in the UK; the UK has the largest offshore wind capacity in the world
- Nuclear power provides around 15% of UK electricity — reliable but ageing stations need replacement
- Gas provides about 35% of UK electricity and acts as a "backup" when renewables fall short
- Coal's share of UK electricity has fallen from ~28% (2012) to less than 2% (2023)
- One large nuclear reactor generates as much electricity as hundreds of wind turbines
- Energy storage (batteries, pumped hydro) is crucial for making intermittent renewables more reliable
- All energy resources have environmental impacts — even renewables (land use, materials, wildlife)
This key facts covers Key Facts within Energy Resources for GCSE Physics. Revise Energy Resources in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 7 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Energy Resources
Which of the following is a renewable energy resource?
Give two advantages and one disadvantage of using wind turbines to generate electricity.
Quick recall flashcards
What is a renewable energy resource?
A renewable energy resource is one that is naturally replenished and will not run out on a human timescale. Examples include wind, solar, tidal, hydroelectric, geothermal, wave, and biofuel.
What does SHWGTB stand for? (Renewable energy sources)
S — Solar
H — Hydroelectric
W — Wind
G — Geothermal
T — Tidal
B — Biofuel
(Wave is sometimes added as a second W)