Evaluate — 5 marks
A small coastal town is considering two options to generate electricity for the next 20 years. Option A is to build a new coal-fired power station. Option B is to install offshore wind turbines. The town council must decide which option to pursue based on energy security, environmental impact, and cost.
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Describe one advantage of using coal as an energy resource for this town.
[1 mark]
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Describe one disadvantage of using coal as an energy resource.
[1 mark]
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Evaluate which energy resource, coal or wind, would be more suitable for this coastal town. You should consider environmental impact, reliability, and sustainability in your answer.
[3 marks]
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Suggest — 4 marks
A small island nation currently relies on imported fossil fuels for 85% of its electricity generation. The government is planning a transition to renewable energy sources over the next 20 years. The island has consistent strong winds, significant tidal ranges, and limited suitable land for large-scale solar farms. The population is growing and energy demand is expected to increase by 40% within this period.
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Suggest which renewable energy resource would be most suitable for this island's electricity generation and explain your choice.
[2 marks]
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Suggest two reasons why a mixed renewable energy approach (using more than one renewable resource) would be advantageous for this island's future energy security.
[2 marks]
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Suggest — 4 marks
A remote island community currently relies entirely on diesel generators for electricity. The island experiences consistent strong winds and receives significant rainfall throughout the year. The local government is considering transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce costs and environmental impact, but faces challenges including limited storage capacity, geographical isolation, and a population that is hesitant about new technology.
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Suggest why wind energy would be a more suitable renewable resource than solar energy for this island.
[1 mark]
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The island's rainfall could be used for hydroelectric power. Suggest two reasons why this approach might be limited in effectiveness for meeting the island's total energy demand.
[2 marks]
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Suggest how a combination of wind, hydroelectric, and diesel power could help overcome the energy storage limitation and encourage community acceptance of the renewable transition.
[1 mark]
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Calculate — 2 marks
A family installs solar panels on their house roof to reduce their use of electricity from the National Grid. The solar panels have a total power output of 3.5 kW when operating at maximum capacity. On a sunny day, the solar panels operate at maximum capacity for 4 hours.
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(01.1) Calculate the energy transferred by the solar panels in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
[1 mark]
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(01.2) The cost of electricity from the National Grid is 30 pence per kWh. Calculate how much money the family saves by using the solar panels instead of buying electricity from the National Grid.
[1 mark]
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- (01.1) 3.5 × 4 = 14 (kWh)
- (01.1) or correct working shown with answer
- (01.2) 14 × 30 = 420 (pence)
- (01.2) or £4.20
- (01.2) or correct calculation using their value from 01.1
Explain — 3 marks
A small coastal town currently gets most of its electricity from a coal-fired power station. The local council is considering building offshore wind turbines instead to reduce pollution.
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(01.1) Explain one advantage of using wind turbines instead of coal to generate electricity.
[1 mark]
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(01.2) Explain why some people might object to building wind turbines offshore near the town.
[2 marks]
Show mark scheme
- (01.1) Wind is renewable / will not run out (unlike coal)
- (01.1) Wind turbines do not produce carbon dioxide/greenhouse gases (which contribute to climate change)
- (01.1) Wind turbines do not produce sulfur dioxide (which causes acid rain)
- (01.1) Wind turbines do not produce particulates (which cause respiratory problems)
- (01.1) Wind is free (whereas coal must be bought/mined)
- (01.2) Wind is unreliable / intermittent / depends on weather (whereas coal can be burned continuously)
- (01.2) Wind turbines are expensive to build / install
- (01.2) Wind turbines may spoil the view / visual pollution
- (01.2) Wind turbines may affect tourism
- (01.2) Wind turbines can be noisy
- (01.2) Wind turbines may harm birds/bats
GCSE Perfect