New
New
Year 11
AQA

Energy resources in the UK

I can discuss opportunities and challenges resulting from the UK's changing energy mix.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Energy resources in the UK

I can discuss opportunities and challenges resulting from the UK's changing energy mix.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Changing demand and provision of energy in the UK creates opportunities and challanges.
  2. The energy mix in the UK is changing.
  3. There are reduced domestic supplies of coal, gas and oil.
  4. There are economic and environmental issues associated with energy exploitation.

Keywords

  • Non-renewables - natural sources of energy that will run out because they cannot be reproduced, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) and nuclear power (uranium)

  • Carbon emissions - the release of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming

  • Energy mix - the combination of different energy sources used by a country or a region. The energy mix can change over time

  • Renewables - natural sources of energy that will never run out, such as wind, water and solar energy

Common misconception

Only the extraction and use of non-renewable energy has environmental consequences.

Renewables and recyclables can have environmental consequences too, although they generally cause less harm than fossil fuels. These consequences can include impacts on biodiversity and the ability of ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide.


To help you plan your year 11 geography lesson on: Energy resources in the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

GIS offers excellent opportunities to identify and assess (e.g. measure change over time) environmental impacts of energy extraction and generation in the UK landscape.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match these terms with their definitions.

Correct Answer:energy mix,a country’s range of energy sources

a country’s range of energy sources

Correct Answer:fossil fuels,fuels like coal, oil and gas made from ancient remains

fuels like coal, oil and gas made from ancient remains

Correct Answer:renewable,a source that won’t run out, like wind or solar

a source that won’t run out, like wind or solar

Q2.
What is meant by the UK’s changing energy mix?

It now only uses fossil fuels
It has stopped using all energy
Correct answer: It uses more renewables and less coal
It imports all energy from abroad

Q3.
Which of these is a renewable energy source?

Correct answer: Wind
Oil
Coal
Natural gas

Q4.
What is an environmental concern with fossil fuels?

They cool the planet
They are easy to transport
Correct answer: They release carbon dioxide
They produce oxygen

Q5.
What is one economic challenge of renewable energy?

Correct answer: It can be expensive to install
It always works at night
It uses more fuel
It increases coal use

Q6.
Which of these is a benefit of renewable energy?

It is made from coal
Correct answer: It reduces carbon emissions
It never stops working
It uses oil

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.

Correct Answer:Non-renewables,Natural energy sources that will run out

Natural energy sources that will run out

Correct Answer:Carbon emissions,Carbon released into the atmosphere

Carbon released into the atmosphere

Correct Answer:Energy mix,A country’s combination of energy sources

A country’s combination of energy sources

Correct Answer:Renewables,Natural energy sources that won’t run out

Natural energy sources that won’t run out

Q2.
What is the main concern with carbon emissions?

They are colourful
They improve air quality
Correct answer: They contribute to global warming
They make plants grow faster

Q3.
The UK is reducing use because of pollution and carbon emissions.

Correct Answer: coal

Q4.
What is one reason the UK still uses some fossil fuels?

Correct answer: They provide reliable energy
They are eco-friendly
They produce no emissions
They are renewable

Q5.
Which statement best shows a misunderstanding about energy impacts?

Fossil fuels cause carbon emissions
Wind farms affect wildlife
Nuclear power produces waste
Correct answer: Only non-renewables cause environmental problems