Renewable and Non-renewable Energy

Energy Security

In this course, Dr Kirsten Jenkins (University of Edinburgh) explores energy security and resource management. In the first module we discuss renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, what they are, some examples of the technologies involved in this sources of energy as well as the pros and cons of each. In the second module we discuss the idea of an energy mix and how different types of energy sources contribute the total energy generation of a country. In the third module we focus on how and why energy consumption and demand differs by country to country, including differences in geology, geopolitics and uses of technologies. In the fourth and final module we take a look at some case studies of various energy resource management strategies, including charitable organisations as well as large scale government schemes.

Renewable and Non-renewable Energy

In this module we describe and discuss renewable and non-renewable energy. We focus on: (i) the distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and how renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and water, naturally replenish within human lifetimes, whilst on-renewable sources, like fossil fuels (coal, oil), do not and take geological time spans to form; (ii) how fossil fuels have played a crucial role in economic growth and technological advancements, enabling modern conveniences and infrastructure; (iii) the negative impacts of fossil fuels, including climate change, air pollution, and social disruption; (iv) how renewable energy technologies, though greener and producing fewer carbon emissions, also have drawbacks, such as the environmental and social impacts of mining rare earth minerals for wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries.