Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Electricity Production
Using Fossil Fuels
Advantages | Disadvantages |
High energy density. A lot of energy may be extracted from a small amount of fuel. | Combustion products are a source of pollution eg acid rain. |
Relatively cheap, easy and safe to transport. | Combustion products contain greenhouse gases. |
Less expensive than other forms of energy. | Extraction of fossil fuels can damage the environment. |
Can be used in a wide variety of situations. | One used up, they cannot be replaced. |
Using Renewable Energy
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Apart from the setting up and eventually dismantling the production unit, there is no pollution. | Low energy density. Only a small amount of energy may be extracted from a large amount of the source. |
No transport is required. Energy production is at site of source. | The production unit can damage the environment. |
No greenhouse gases are produced. | More expensive than other forms of energy. |
Can be used in a wide variety of situations. | Only available when water flows (hydroelectric) or wind blows (wind power). |
Effectively infinite source of energy. |
Using Nuclear Power
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Very high energy density. A lot of energy may be extracted from a small amount of fuel. | A lot of radioactive waste is produced, which is expensive to store. |
No atmospheric pollution is produced. | More expensive than other forms of energy. |
Experience is obtained for making atom bombs. | Nuclear power stations are expensive to dismantle. |
Can be started up quickly, and produces variable power as required. | One used up, the fuel source – uranium - cannot be replaced. |