New
New
Energy in the UK
I can describe the energy sources used in the UK and explain how they are becoming more sustainable.
Lesson 3 of 12
New
New
- Year 9
Energy in the UK
I can describe the energy sources used in the UK and explain how they are becoming more sustainable.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UK relies on both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
- Wind power is the leading source of renewable electricity in the UK.
- Natural gas is often still piped to homes to be burnt to heat rooms and food.
- The UK has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2050.
- Individuals in the UK are encouraged to insulate their homes, install solar panels and drive electric cars.
Keywords
Renewable - something that can be reused and will not be used up or run out
Non-renewable - something that cannot be replaced that will eventually run out
Energy mix - the combination of different sources of energy used to meet a region or country’s overall energy needs
Sustainable - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Common misconception
Any energy source can be produced anywhere.
Human and physical geography must be considered when locating energy sources.
A homework research task could bring current affairs into the learning while bringing the students up to date in a constantly changing topic. For example: research the current energy mix for the UK, the progress towards the 2050 carbon neutral target and the strategies to reach this.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these terms with their definitions.
Match these terms with their definitions.
Q2.Which of the following is a renewable resource?
Which of the following is a renewable resource?
Coal
Oil
Natural gas
Q3.Which resource is non-renewable?
Which resource is non-renewable?
Wind
Trees
Tides
Q4.The Earth provides us with resources such as water, sunlight, and minerals.
The Earth provides us with resources such as water, sunlight, and minerals.
Q5.Which country is most likely to use the highest amount of natural resources?
Which country is most likely to use the highest amount of natural resources?
A low-income country
A country with few people
A country with lots of deserts
Q6.Which of these statements is true?
Which of these statements is true?
Earth has unlimited resources for everyone.
Natural resources never run out.
Humans don't affect natural resources.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match each term with the correct definition.
Match each term with the correct definition.
Q2.What is the UK’s energy mix made up of?
What is the UK’s energy mix made up of?
Only renewable sources like wind and solar
Only fossil fuels
Mostly coal and nuclear only
Q3.Which of these is a renewable energy source?
Which of these is a renewable energy source?
Natural gas
Oil
Coal
Q4.Why might wind energy not be used everywhere in the UK?
Why might wind energy not be used everywhere in the UK?
It is too expensive
Wind turbines are always banned
It is not part of the UK’s energy mix
Q5.Why can’t the UK build a solar farm in every location?
Why can’t the UK build a solar farm in every location?
Solar panels do not need light
Solar energy is not renewable
Solar energy only works in cities
