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.
📋 Key Facts
- 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)
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)