A2 Environmental Management
2.1 Sustainable energy supplies
Renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
Flow resources : Have a natural rate of availability, yield a continuous flow that can be consumed in a period fo
time, without endangering future usage.
Non-renewable resource : Built up over time and cannot be used without depleting their stock.
Critical or recyclable resource : Includes biomass, these resources require prudent management to ensure
sustainable use. Spend nuclear rods are included in this category.
Recoverable reserves : Amount of energy resources likely to be extracted for commercial use i.e. proved
resources
Primary energy : Resources from raw materials such as coal etc. in their natural form to produce energy
Non-critical or everlasting : Eg. tides, solar, waves. Flows are continuous but can vary
Secondary energy : Resources involve converting a primary energy source into a new form. Eg. crude oil into
petroleum.