Resources compared
Power stations
Power stations fuelled by fossil fuels or nuclear fuels are reliable sources of energy, meaning they can provide power whenever it is needed.
However, their start-up times vary according to the type of fuel used.
This list shows the type of fuel in order of start-up time:
- gas-fired station (shortest start-up time);
- oil-fired station;
- coal-fired station;
- nuclear power station (longest start-up time).
Nuclear power stations and coal-fired power stations usually provide 'base load' electricity - they are run all the time because they take the longest time to start up.
Oil-fired and gas-fired power stations are often used to provide extra electricity at peak times, because they take the least time to start up.
The fuel for nuclear power stations is relatively cheap, but the power stations themselves are expensive to build.
It is also very expensive to dismantle old nuclear power stations and to store their radioactive waste, which is a dangerous health hazard.
Renewable resources
Renewable resources of fuel such as energy from the Sun and wind energy do not cost anything, however the equipment used to generate the power may be expensive to build.
Certain resources are reliable, including tidal barragesA dam that is used to generate energy from moving water in and out of a bay or river due to tidal forces. and hydroelectric powerEnergy generated from fast-flowing water. power.
Others are less reliable, including wind and solar energy.
The emphasis on developing renewable fuels has increased in recent years because fossil fuels will run out and because they damage the environment through pollution and greenhouse gases.