Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Physics · Higher
Efficient Storage and Carbon Dioxide Reduction
The UK government wants the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere to be reduced.
Explain why efficient energy storage is important in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released when generating electricity.
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Marking points
- 1 Explains that efficient storage wastes less energy.
- 2 Links this to burning less fossil fuel and therefore releasing less carbon dioxide.
- 3 Recognises the increasing role or intermittent availability of renewable generation.
- 4 Explains that efficient storage makes stored renewable energy available to meet demand.
Full-mark answer
Efficient storage wastes less energy, so less electricity has to be generated by burning fossil fuels and less carbon dioxide is released. Renewable generation must increase, but many renewable resources do not generate electricity all the time. Efficient storage keeps more of their energy available so electricity demand can still be met when generation is low.
Why this answer loses marks
Efficient storage produces no carbon dioxide.
The argument is indirect: less energy is wasted, less fossil fuel is burned, and stored intermittent renewable energy can still meet demand.