Non-renewable energy resources Learning Intentions
In this section, you will learn: zzabout the different types of non-renewable energy resources
zzwhere these non-renewable energy resources are located. Fossil fuel
Dependent Oil
OPEC
Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will eventually run out. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, gas and peat are all examples of non-renewable energy resources.
Fossil fuels were formed from decomposing plants and organisms. They are the world’s largest energy source – over 80 per cent of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels. In Ireland, 91 per cent of our energy comes from fossil fuels.
Unfortunately, these fossil fuels cause great harm to our environment, and people are too dependent on fossil fuels. That means that they rely on them too much.
Ireland does not produce all the energy the country needs. The pie chart on the right shows Ireland’s energy imports.
(a) What percentage of Ireland’s energy imports are from coal?
(b) What percentage of Ireland’s energy imports are from fossil fuels?
(c) Calculate the percentage difference between the amount of natural gas imported and the amount of coal imported.
Oil
Oil is a very important source of energy in our world today. It is a non-renewable energy resource. Therefore, it is vital that we try to conserve the oil we have. Look at the photographs below to see how we use oil on a daily basis:
A B
( Figure 5.4 How we use oil A Run our cars on petrol B Maintain our cars with oil C Heat our homes with oil D Fly aircraft with aviation fuel
C D ACT VITY
Can you list ways in which you and your family might use oil at home? Go online to research the products we use every day that are made using oil.
