Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption focuses on where our energy comes from, how we use it, and the environmental consequences of energy production. On the APES exam, this unit often appears in data analysis FRQs and multiple-choice questions involving calculations, comparisons, and sustainability recommendations.
In this RevisionDojo guide, you’ll get a complete breakdown of the unit plus exam strategies.
🔋 Key Topics in Unit 6
- Types of energy resources
- Nonrenewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear)
- Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal)
- Energy efficiency & conservation
- Electricity generation methods
- Global energy consumption patterns
- Environmental impacts of energy use
- Energy policy and sustainable solutions
🛢 Nonrenewable Energy
Coal
- Abundant, cheap, used for electricity generation
- High CO₂ emissions, air pollutants (SO₂, NOx, particulates), mining impacts
Oil
- Main source for transportation fuels
- Greenhouse gases, oil spills, habitat destruction from drilling
Natural Gas
- Cleaner burning than coal/oil, used for electricity & heating
- Methane leaks, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) concerns
Nuclear Energy
- Low greenhouse gas emissions during operation
- Radioactive waste disposal issues, risk of accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima)
🌞 Renewable Energy
Solar
- Photovoltaic cells, concentrated solar power (CSP)
- Clean energy but dependent on sunlight availability and storage
Wind
- Low-cost electricity in windy areas
- Visual impact, noise, bird/bat collisions
Hydroelectric
- Reliable base-load power
- Disrupts aquatic ecosystems, displaces communities
Biomass
- Can use waste materials, renewable
- Air pollution from burning, land use concerns
Geothermal
- Low emissions, reliable in certain areas
- Limited to geologically active regions
⚡ Electricity Generation & Efficiency
- Generators convert mechanical energy → electrical energy via turbines
- Improving efficiency: combined heat & power (CHP), energy-efficient appliances, smart grids
🌍 Global Energy Consumption Trends
- Developed countries → higher per capita energy use
- Developing countries → rapid growth in demand
- Shift towards renewables in many regions
🚨 Environmental Impacts
- Air pollution, greenhouse gases → climate change
- Habitat loss from mining, drilling, damming
- Water pollution from oil spills, thermal pollution from power plants
✅ Sustainable Solutions
- Transition to renewable energy
- Improve public transportation systems
- Promote energy conservation through efficiency standards
- Implement carbon pricing or cap-and-trade systems
🧠 APES Exam Tips for Unit 6
- Be ready to calculate energy efficiency and compare sources.
- Know the pros/cons of each energy type.
- Understand base-load vs. peak demand.
- Practice FRQs on energy trade-offs and sustainability plans.
💡 FAQ – Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption
Q: Which energy source has the highest EROEI (Energy Return on Energy Invested)?
A: Historically, conventional oil had the highest, but it’s declining; hydropower can also have high EROEI.
Q: Why is natural gas considered a “bridge fuel”?
A: It produces fewer CO₂ emissions than coal and oil, making it a transitional option towards renewables.
Q: What’s the main limitation of solar and wind power?
A: Intermittency and the need for storage solutions.
Final Word from RevisionDojo:
Unit 6 pushes you to connect energy choices with environmental consequences. The APES exam often tests your ability to weigh trade-offs, so be ready to compare multiple options in FRQs and justify your answer.
