19.4 Provision of energy in the UK Flashcards
How has the UK energy mix changed?
Renewable sources have become more apparent and less reliance on fossil fuels
Why is the UK’s energy security a problem?
In 2018 the UK imported 36% of its energy
this makes the UK more reliant on foreign countries
Why are fossil fuels likely to remain important?
Coal imports are relatively cheap
Remaining reserves of fossil fuels will provide energy for several decades
What is fracking?
High pressure liquids are introduced to fracture the shale and release natural gas
What are some problems of fracking?
Possibility of earthquakes
High costs of extraction
Pollution of underground water sources
What are some economic problems of Nuclear power in the UK?
Nuclear power plants are expensive to build such as the Hinkley Point plant - which cost $20 billion dollars
-However, provides job opportunities
What are some environmental opportunities of Nuclear power?
Risk of harmful radioactive leaks
Warm waste water can harm local ecosystems
What are some economic problems of Wind farms?
High construction costs
May have negative impacts on local economy by reducing visitor numbers
What are some environmental problems of Wind farms?
Noise from wind turbines
Visual impact on the landscape
The construction of wind farms can reduce biodiversity and destroy ecosystems
