This document discusses different types of energy resources used to generate electrical power. It provides introductions and explanations of how fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), nuclear power, solar power, wind power, tidal power, hydroelectric power, geothermal power, and biofuels work. For each type, it outlines key advantages and disadvantages, such as fossil fuels being non-renewable but able to generate large amounts of electricity, and solar power being renewable but not working at night. The document distinguishes between energy resources, which are ways of obtaining energy, versus types of energy.

1. "Energy Resources" is NOT the same thing as "Types of
energy".
"Energy Resources" is about ways of getting energy so we
can generate electrical power.

2. Fossil Fuels Nuclear Power Solar Power Wind Power Tidal Power
Hydroelectric Pumped Geothermal
Wave Power Bio Fuels
Power Storage Power

3. Introduction:
• Coal, oil and gas are called "fossil fuels"
because they have been formed from the
organic remains of prehistoric plants and
animals.
• Fossil fuels are not a renewable energy
resource.
• Once burned, there isn’t any more.
How it works
• Coal is crushed to a fine dust and burnt.
• Oil and gas can be burnt directly. After
refining.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Very large amounts of • The main drawback of fossil
electricity can be generated in fuels is pollution.
one place using coal, fairly • Burning any fossil fuel
cheaply. produces carbon dioxide, which
• Transporting oil and gas to the causes warming of the Earth.
power stations is easy.

4. Introduction:
• Nuclear power is generated using Uranium, which
is a metal, mined in various parts of the world.
• Some military ships and submarines have nuclear
power plants for engines.
• Nuclear power produces around 11% of the
world's energy needs, and produces huge
amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
• Nuclear energy is not renewable. Once we've dug
up all the Earth's uranium and used it, there isn't
any more.
How it works:
Advantages Disadvantages
• Nuclear power is not very • It is very, very dangerous.
expensive. • It must be kept safe from
earthquakes, flooding, terrorists
• Does not produce smoke or
carbon dioxide.

5. Introduction:
• We've used the Sun for drying clothes and food for
thousands of years, but only recently have we
been able to use it for generating power.
• The Sun is 150 million kilometers away, and
amazingly powerful.
• Just the tiny fraction of the Sun's energy that hits
the Earth is enough to meet all our power needs
many times over.
• Solar power is renewable.
How it works: There are 3 main ways
• Solar cells
• Solar water heating
• Solar boilers
Advantages Disadvantages
• Solar energy is free - it needs • Doesn't work at night.
no fuel and it is pollution free. • Very expensive to build solar
• Solar power can be used power stations, although the
where there is no easy way to cost is coming down as
get electricity to a remote technology improves
place.

6. Introduction:
• We've used the wind as an energy source for a
long time.
• The Chinese were using wind power to pump
water for irrigating crops 4,000 years ago, and
sailing boats were around long before that.
• Wind power was used in the Middle Ages, in
Europe, to grind corn, which is where the term
"windmill" comes from.
• Wind Power is renewable.
How it works:
Advantages Disadvantages
• Wind is free, wind farms need •The wind is not always
no fuel. predictable some days have no
• Produces no waste or wind.
greenhouse gases. •Suitable areas for wind farms
• A good method of supplying are often near the coast, where
energy to remote areas land is expensive

7. Introduction:
• The tide moves a huge amount of water twice
each day, and harnessing it could provide a great
deal of energy.
• Although the energy supply is reliable and
plentiful, converting it into useful electrical power
is not easy.
• Only around 20 sites in the world have been
identified as possible tidal power stations.
• Tidal energy is renewable.
How it works:
Advantages Disadvantages
• A barrage across an estuary is very
• Once you've built it, tidal expensive to build, and affects a
power is free. very wide area
• Tides are totally predictable. • Many birds rely on the tide so that
they can feed.
• Fish can't migrate, unless "fish
ladders" are installed.