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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the energy sources used in the UK and explain how they are becoming more sustainable.

      Key learning points

      1. The UK relies on both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
      2. Wind power is the leading source of renewable electricity in the UK.
      3. Natural gas is often still piped to homes to be burnt to heat rooms and food.
      4. The UK has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2050.
      5. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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.

      Correct Answer:Renewable,Can be used again and again and naturally replace themselves

      Can be used again and again and naturally replace themselves

      Correct Answer:Non-renewable,Will eventually run out and take millions of years to form

      Will eventually run out and take millions of years to form

      Correct Answer:Sustainable,Using resources that meets today’s needs without harming future needs

      Using resources that meets today’s needs without harming future needs

      Q2.
      Which of the following is a renewable resource?

      Coal
      Oil
      Correct answer: Solar energy
      Natural gas

      Q3.
      Which resource is non-renewable?

      Wind
      Correct answer: Oil
      Trees
      Tides

      Q4.
      The Earth provides us with resources such as water, sunlight, and minerals.

      Correct Answer: natural

      Q5.
      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
      Correct answer: A high-income industrial country

      Q6.
      Which of these statements is true?

      Earth has unlimited resources for everyone.
      Correct answer: We need to manage resources carefully for the future.
      Natural resources never run out.
      Humans don't affect natural resources.

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each term with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:Renewable,Can be reused and won’t run out

      Can be reused and won’t run out

      Correct Answer:Non-renewable,Will run out and cannot be replaced quickly

      Will run out and cannot be replaced quickly

      Correct Answer:Energy mix,A mix of different types of energy used by a country

      A mix of different types of energy used by a country

      Correct Answer:Sustainable,Meeting needs now without harming the future

      Meeting needs now without harming the future

      Q2.
      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
      Correct answer: A mix of renewable and non-renewable sources

      Q3.
      Which of these is a renewable energy source?

      Natural gas
      Correct answer: Wind
      Oil
      Coal

      Q4.
      Why might wind energy not be used everywhere in the UK?

      Correct answer: Some places don’t have enough wind
      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?

      Correct answer: Some places get less sunlight than others
      Solar panels do not need light
      Solar energy is not renewable
      Solar energy only works in cities

      To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Energy in the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...