Topic Summaries

Energy resources

GCSE > Physics > CCEA > GCSE Physics Topic Summaries > Renewable energy and efficiency > Energy resources
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Charge, current, and electric fields

Stopping, braking, and momentum

Science skills: Measuring results

  • Energy resources are used for transport, heating and electricity generation.
  • Most forms of transport, such as cars and planes, are designed to run on fuel. Some cars and trains can run on electricity instead.
  • Renewable resources (e.g. solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, biomass) can be replenished naturally and are generally more sustainable.
  • Non-renewable resources (e.g. coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear fuels) are finite and will eventually run out.
  Resource Description Uses
Non-Renewables Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) Stores of energy found underground, which take millions of years to form. Transport, electricity, heating
Nuclear power The process of extracting the nuclear energy in uranium and plutonium. Electricity
Renewables Biofuel The energy gained from burning waste products, such as wood. Electricity, heating
Wind The energy generated from wind turning a wind turbine. Electricity
Hydro-electricity The energy generated from water flowing downhill, often from a high lake behind a dam and turning a turbine. Electricity
Geothermal The energy generated using the heat inside the Earth. Electricity, heating
Tidal The energy generated from water flowing through a turbine as the tides change. Electricity
Solar The energy gained from sunlight through the use of solar panels. Electricity
Wave The energy gained from water waves flowing through a turbine. Electricity
  • Energy mix decisions depend on factors like cost, reliability, environmental impact, and political considerations. For example, approximately 50% of the UK’s energy was generated by fossil fuels in 2015, but this value decreased to 27.2% in 2025. Renewables now make up approximately 41% of the UK's energy mix with the majority of this coming from wind power.

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