Why does renewable energy require energy storage solutions?
Solar and wind generation are intermittent - storage smooths out supply and demand. Learn it step by step →
Energy & Sustainability is a core part of GCSE Environmental Science. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Renewable vs non-renewableResources that replenish versus those that run out.
Energy sourcesFossil fuels, nuclear and renewables.
Resource managementUsing resources sustainably.
Fossil fuelsCoal, oil and natural gas formed from ancient organisms over millions of years; burning them releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
Nuclear powerFission of uranium releases heat to generate electricity with very low operational carbon emissions, but produces long-lived radioactive waste.
IntermittencyWind and solar output varies with weather and time of day, so supply may not match demand without backup or storage.
Energy storageBatteries and pumped-storage hydroelectricity store surplus electricity and release it when demand exceeds supply.
Energy demandThe energy a population uses; it rises with population growth, economic development and higher living standards, and varies daily and seasonally.
Energy efficiencyUsing less energy for the same task, e.g. insulation, LED lighting and efficient appliances, which cuts both demand and emissions.
Energy mixThe combination of sources a country uses; a sustainable mix balances low emissions, reliability, cost and security of supply.
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Why does renewable energy require energy storage solutions?✗ Renewable energy can never meet demand.✓ Solar and wind generation are intermittent - storage smooths out supply and demand.
Practise Energy & Sustainability — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic: