Answers to GCSE Hydroelectric, Wave and Tidal

Practice Questions

1.Explain how hydroelectric can help to meet our energy requirements during peak periods of use

Hydroelectric can use pumped storage where during periods of excess electricity, water is pumped up to the higher reservoir. Then during periods of peak demand this water is allowed to flow back down to generate electricity.

2.In the UK, we are surrounded by water, but wave power is not commonly used. Suggest reasons why it is not commonly used.

Wave power needs cables to connect the wave generator to the mainland, in addition there are construction problems with building structures in water. 

3.Suggest why tidal power could be considered both as a reliable energy resource and an unreliable energy resource

Tidal is a reliable energy resource because there are two tides per day. However, it is unreliable because the tide times can change throughout the year and the periods between the tides, less electricity is produced.