There is an increasing demand for electricity and the reserve of fossil fuels is decreasing.

A way to meet increasing demand for electricity is to build new nuclear power stations. Some people feel that no new nuclear power stations should be built because of the risks associated with nuclear fuels.

(a) Outline the arguments that a scientist working in the nuclear power industry could use to justify the building of more nuclear power stations in the future.

(3 marks)

(b) Nuclear waste is a problem that must be dealt with. One possible solution would be to bury the waste deep underground.

Suggest one reason why some people are against burying nuclear waste.

(1 mark)

(c) Electricity can also be generated using renewable energy sources.

Look at this information from a newspaper report.

• The energy from burning bio-fuels, such as woodchip and straw, can be used to generate electricity.
• Plants for bio-fuels use up carbon dioxide as they grow.
• Farmers get grants to grow plants for bio-fuels.
• Electricity generated from bio-fuels can be sold at a higher price than electricity generated from burning fossil fuels.
• Growing plants for bio-fuels offers new opportunities for rural communities.

Suggest why, apart from the declining reserves of fossil fuels, power companies should use more bio-fuels and less fossil fuels to generate electricity.

(3 marks)

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From Q6 P1 AQA January 2007