3.4.1: The classification & distribution of energy resources Flashcards
Renewable energy
Energy from a source that isn’t depleted when used, infinite.
Non-renewable energy
Finite resources as their formation takes billions of years.
Renewable energy resources
6
tidal hydroelectric solar wave wind geothermal
Non-renewable energy resources
6
coal oil gas peat unsustainable biofuel (nuclear)
Primary energy
unconverted or original fuels
Secondary energy
not directly harnessed from nature
Primary energy
examples 8
oil coal biomass sunlight wind water natural gas uranium
Secondary energy
examples 6
gasoline liquid fuel oil biofuels electricity heat hydrogen
Percentage of global energy consumption from fossil fuels in 2012
82%
Most non-renewables are…
combustable
Two categories of renewable fuel
critical and non-critical
Critical renewable resources
Recyclable resources such as biomass which requires management to ensure its sustainable
Non-critical renewable resources
Everlasting resources such as tides, sunshine, wind or running water
Percentage of electricity consumption from renewables in 2016
44%
Fossil fuel stocks distribution
uneven distribution
reserves vs production
Most abundant and widely distributed fossil fuel in the world?
coal
Where is coal largely found?
USA, Australia, China and India
Natural gas
largest reserves in Russia and the Middle East
relatively cheap and clean resource
Largest oil producing company in the world
USA
Mini casestudy: use of biomass
Vaxjo, Sweden
Vaxjo, Sweden
Biomass casestudy description
city of 100,000 residents
aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2050
exploring alternative fuel technologies - ethanol and biodiesel
How is Vaxjo, Sweden
planning to become carbon neutral
urban planning, helping the city stay green
retaining its natural setting, forest
promotes cycling and walking
biomass and biofuels from (forestry remnants) wood chips, sawdust, bark and peat as major energy forms
green buildings
Green buildings/passive buildings
Vaxjo, Sweden
Smart meters, energy efficiency training for builders, ventilation efficiency standards
Examples of energy and politics cross
2015, Russia halts gas supplies to Ukraine after talks breakdown, price wars
