P3.5 Big energy issues

Question 1

Why can hydroelectric energy be unreliable

Answer 1

Upland reservoir could run dry

Question 2

Why can wind/waves energy be unreliable

Answer 2

Wind & waves too weak on very calm days

Question 3

Why can tidal energy be unreliable

Answer 3

Height of tide varies both on a monthly and yearly cycle

Question 4

Why can solar energy be unreliable

Answer 4

No solar energy at night, and variable during the day

Question 5

What do the overall costs of new energy facilities involve

Answer 5

• Capital cost to build it
• Running costs for fuel and maintenance
• More capital costs to take it out of use at the end of its working lifetime

Question 6

How are the costs of new energy facilities made

Answer 6

• Increasing fuel bills
• Energy saving schemes e.g: low-energy light bulbs
• improved home insulation