Question 1: Renewable energy sources are those that...

Answer: Can be replenished naturally over a short time, such as wind, solar, or hydro power.

Question 2: Nuclear power in the UK is generated primarily at which facility?

Answer: Hinkley Point

Question 3: What term describes energy that is produced from the movement of water?

Answer: Hydropower or hydro energy

Question 4: Name an example of a non-renewable energy source used in the UK.

Answer: Natural gas, coal, or oil

Question 1: What percentage of the UK's energy was generated from renewable sources in 2022?

Answer: Approximately 40%

Question 2: Name two major types of renewable energy used in the UK.

Answer: Wind power and solar power

Question 3: Which UK region is most associated with offshore wind farms?

Answer: East coast of England

Question 4: What is the main challenge of relying on nuclear power in the UK?

Answer: Managing radioactive waste and safety concerns

Question 5: Explain why the UK is increasing investment in offshore wind energy.

Answer: Because offshore wind is a renewable, low-carbon energy source with high energy potential, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security.

Question 1: The Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is a major project in Somerset. Based on the text, discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of this project for the UK.

Answer: Advantages include providing a low-carbon, reliable energy source and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Disadvantages include high costs, long construction time, safety concerns, and radioactive waste management issues.

Question 2: Describe the environmental impacts associated with offshore wind farms off the coast of Yorkshire.

Answer: Impacts include disturbance to marine habitats, noise pollution during construction, and potential effects on bird migration patterns.

Question 3: Assess how the UK’s energy imports influence its energy security.

Answer: Heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels makes the UK vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions, but increasing domestic renewable energy reduces this dependence.

Question 4: Evaluate the role of government policies in promoting renewable energy in the UK.

Answer: Government policies such as subsidies, renewable energy targets, and planning regulations have incentivized investment in wind and solar power. These policies help reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy independence, though challenges remain in balancing economic costs and environmental impacts.

Question 1: Explain why offshore wind farms are primarily located off the east coast of the UK.

Answer: Because the east coast has strong, consistent winds, shallow waters, and proximity to major energy demand centers, making it ideal for offshore wind development.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of the UK's transition from coal to renewable energy sources.

Answer: Causes include environmental concerns about pollution and climate change, government policies phasing out coal, economic factors favoring renewables, and technological advances making renewables more viable and cost-effective.

Question 3: Explain how geographical location influences the distribution of renewable energy sources in the UK.

Answer: Locations with high wind speeds, suitable land or water conditions, and proximity to energy demand areas influence where renewable energy sources like wind and solar are most effectively developed.

Question 1: To what extent have UK government policies been successful in increasing renewable energy production? Consider both benefits and challenges.

Answer: UK policies such as subsidies, renewable targets, and planning regulations have significantly increased renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions. However, challenges include high costs, public opposition, and technical limitations. Overall, policies have been somewhat successful, but further efforts are needed for a fully sustainable energy system.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential for the UK to become completely energy self-sufficient in the next 30 years.

Answer: While increasing renewable energy capacity and technological advances make self-sufficiency plausible, challenges such as storage, grid infrastructure, and seasonal variability remain. Dependence on imports for certain fuels and global market fluctuations also pose risks. Therefore, achieving complete energy self-sufficiency is ambitious but possible with sustained policy support and technological innovation.