Key Terms

📖 Key Terms

Renewable energy resource

A resource that is naturally replenished and will not run out (e.g. wind, solar, tidal, hydroelectric, geothermal, wave, biofuel). Renewable resources generate energy with little or no CO₂ emissions during operation.

Non-renewable energy resource

A resource that will eventually run out because it cannot be replenished on a human timescale (e.g. coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear uranium). Fossil fuels release CO₂ when burned.

Energy mix

The combination of different energy sources used to meet a country's energy demand. A diverse energy mix improves energy security and can reduce environmental impact.

Geothermal energy

Energy extracted from heat stored inside the Earth, produced by radioactive decay in the crust and mantle. Used to generate electricity or heat buildings directly.

Biofuel

Fuel produced from organic (biological) material such as wood, crop residues, or purpose-grown energy crops. Considered approximately carbon neutral because CO₂ released during burning was absorbed during growth.

Intermittent

Not producing energy continuously — output varies with weather or time of day. Wind and solar are intermittent sources. This creates challenges for grid management.

Baseload

The minimum level of electricity demand that must be met at all times. Nuclear and gas power stations are used for baseload because they can generate reliably around the clock.