6.2- Consequences of the increasing demand for energy Flashcards
What is energy security
the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
What is long-term energy security
timely investments -> supply in energy sources that match economic developments and environmental needs.
What is short-term energy security
focuses on the ability of the energy system to react promptly
to sudden changed in the balance between energy demand and energy supply.
What are the 4 aspects of energy supply
Availability, Accessibility, Affordability and Reliability
What is energy intensity?
A measure of how efficiently a country is using its energy - calculated as units of energy used per unit of GDP
How is energy consumption expressed?
Per capita in terms of
- kg of oil equivalent per year
- gigajoules per year
- megawatt hours per year
What is energy mix?
The combination of different available energy sources used to meet a country’s total energy demand, and important component of energy security.
What is consumption of energy rising?
Due to development, rising living standards and population growth
Name the 3 energy sources used to generate electricity
-non-renewable fossil/ carbon fuels
-recyclable fuels
-renewable energy
What factors affect access to and consumption of energy resources?
physical availability (domestic vs imports)
cost (physical exploitation, processing, delivery)
technology
public perception (based on level of economic development and standards of living)
climate (colder places need more heating)
environmental priorities
What is an energy pathway?
The route taken by any form of energy from its source to its point of consumption
Where do different players fit on the spectrum of energy supply and demand?
Energy supply - energy companies, governments of energy producing countries (OPEC)
Energy transport - TNCs, shipping companies, pipeline controllers
Energy demand - TNCs, energy companies, governments, consumers
What is energy consumption measured in
- Equivalent kilograms of oil per year (Kgoe/yr)
- Gigajoules per year (GJ/yr) or Exajoules (EJ/yr)
- Megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr)
What does a high energy intensity
indicates a high price or
cost of converting energy into GDP
Name 6 factors the consumption of energy depends on
-physical avaliability- are energy sources avaliable within country or do they have to be imported - if imported, ^ costs -> decreases energy consumption
-technology- modern tech helps exploitation of energy resources that are hard to access -> ^ energy consumption
-cost - low energy costs ^ energy consumption
-economic development - more developed the country -> less sensitive to energy costs -> ^ energy consumption
-climate - ^ consumption in countries with extremes of heat & cold
-environmental priorities - green energy -> decreased consumption
Who are the 5 major players in the world of energy?
TNCs
OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum exporting Countries)
consumers
governments
energy companies
What is the role of TNCs in the supply and demand of energy?
explore, exploit and distribute energy resources -> consumers
can choose how much to charge for energy -> vary their prices for different consumers
-some are state-owned - these can exert global influence
e.g. - Shell
Name 3 parts of the energy mix
- Non-renewable fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal.
- Recyclable fuels like nuclear energy and general waste.
- Renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal
What is a primary energy source
it produces energy using a raw material
-e.g, coal, oil, natural gas
What is the role of the OPEC in the supply of energy?
group of 13 countries that work together to influence supply & price of oil
aims to stabilise oil market
in competition with USA
Name 3 reasons why TNC’s are the most prominent energy players
- Some TNCs have more economic value than a small country, enabling the company to take action & invest in large-scale projects that a country may not afford.
- TNCs can bypass political tensions and access sources otherwise restricted to
other countries. In certain parts of the world, an MEDC trying to help to exploit an energy source in an LEDC could be seen as a direct threat to the LEDC. - TNCs may be inclined to invest in local infrastructure, logistics and development of workers’ villages. This benefits all; the TNC benefits from faster transport links and a
happier workforce, whilst the government receives ‘free’ investment.
Explain 4 negatives of TNC’s in terms of there involvement as energy players
- may encourage environmental
degradation
-could exploit workers
-unsustainable transportation (e.g. tankers liable to oil
spills).
What is the role of the OPEC in the supply of energy?
Permanent IGO - 12 member countries who own between them 2/3rds of the world’s oil reserves
- can control amount & prices of gas & oil entering global market
What is the role of governments in the supply and demand of energy?
try to secure energy supplies for their country
influence sourcing of energy for geopolitical reasons
provide legislation on emissions levels
What is the role of consumers in energy demand?
They create demand - purchasing choices often based on price/cost issues
- largely passive players in determining/fixing energy prices
Consumers create demand with purchasing choices usually based on price. As a country
becomes richer and more educated, the population can change their shopping habits to
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reflect their needs: locally sourced, environmental friendly, reliable energy supply during
winter and extreme weather.
For example, lots of energy companies now have tariffs on imported or non-renewable
sources to reduce energy insecurities or carbon-offset their energy. Here, money raised on
non-renewable energy can fund environmental work such as afforestation, research into
carbon capture and storage, etc.. If consumers change their spending habits and only use
these tariffs then companies will be encouraged to move towards more green energy.
Consumers can have an impact on TNCs.
Name 3 reasons why there is a mismatch between the supply and demand for fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal)
-inequality in wealth & development
-natural resource supplies
-industrialisation
How are supply and demand balanced/unbalanced for each of the 3 fossil fuels?
COAL: most of consumers are producers, so not a large mismatch. This reflects the fact that coal is characterised by high transport costs despite low energy density
OIL: main producers OPEC countries, mismatch between production and usage, high demand for it as a transport fuel
GAS: production dominated by USA and Russia, leading producers are often also consumers
Name the 3 problems with achieveing energy security
-fossil fuel supply - mismatch between supply & demand for fossil fuels -> due to ineuqality in wealth, development, resource supplies
-places with no oil require it to be transported -> insecurities, tensions
-energy pathways- ways of transporting energy between countries
->pipelines are efficient but depend on international agreements
->oil tankers - transport oil but choke points can get blocked -> oil prices ^ -> political tensions ^
-e.g. Ukraine = choke point in EU supply of oil -> most pipelines from Russia run through Ukraine -> war -> insecure supply for EU
-political conflicts -> can limit energy security -> military conflict can destroy infrastructure -> restricts flow of energy from source -> use
-disagreements -> limits energy security
-e.g. russia have political sanctions -> has caused shortages for europes electricity supply
How can political conflicts impact achieveing energy security
-political conflicts -> can limit energy security -> military conflict can destroy infrastructure -> restricts flow of energy from source -> use
-disagreements -> limits energy security
-e.g. russia have political sanctions -> has caused shortages for europes electricity supply
How can energy pathways impact achieving energy security
-energy pathways- ways of transporting energy between countries
->pipelines are efficient but depend on international agreements
->oil tankers - transport oil but choke points can get blocked -> oil prices ^ -> political tensions ^
-e.g. Ukraine = choke point in EU supply of oil -> most pipelines from Russia run through Ukraine -> war -> insecure supply for EU
How can fossil fuel supply impact achieving energy security
-fossil fuel supply - mismatch between supply & demand for fossil fuels -> due to ineuqality in wealth, development, resource supplies
-places with no oil require it to be transported -> insecurities, tensions
Why have alternative energy sources to fossil fuels (unconventional fossil fuels) become introduced
How are mismatches in energy supply and demand resolved?
Via the creation of energy pathways that allow transfers to take place between producers and consumers
How is energy transported along energy pathways?
Pipelines, transmission lines, shipping routes, road and rail
What are the issues surrounding the energy pathway of gas from Russia to Europe?
Russia supplies a quarter of Europe’s gas and 80% of this transits through Ukraine
2009 - pay disputes between Gazprom and Naftogaz led to Gazprom cutting off all supplies to Europe
2014 - Russia annexation of Crimea increased geopolitical tensions
Although Russia has tried to bypass Ukraine for gas supplies, the two countries are inextricably linked. The EU would be wise to not increase reliance on Russian gas due to the significance of the geopolitical situation
What are the 4 unconventional fossil fuel resources?
Tar sands - mixture of clay, sand, water and bitumen
Oil shale - oil bearing rocks that are permeable enough to allow oil to be pumped out directly
Shale gas - natural gas trapped in fine grained sedimentary rocks
Deepwater oil - oil and gas found well offshore at considerable ocean depths
What are 3 examples of the exploitation of unconventional fossil fuels?
Tar sands - Canada, Alberta province, tar sands produce 40% of Canada’s oil outputs
Shale gas - US, provided 25% of supply in 2015 due to increased use of hydraulic fracturing
Deepwater oil - Brazil, discovered huge oil deposits in 2006 leading to countries like Petrobras raising production to 500,000 oil barrels a day
What are the pros and cons of tar sands?
Pros = relatively secure source of energy so can spur economic growth. Produces large profits and extraction provides thousands of jobs
Cons = extraction method is very carbon intensive, destroys areas and reduces biodiversity, limited reserves leads to overdependence, high social and health costs
What are the pros and cons of offshore drilling for deep water oil?
Pros = increased oil production stimulates the economy, reduces interdependence and lowers oil prices
Cons = expensive facilities, not always technologically feasible, danger to environment from oil spills, high risk
What are the pros and cons of oil shale/shale gas via fracking?
Pros = eliminates foreign dependence on oil, cheaper to produce, doesn’t produce CO2
Cons = environmental concerns, uses a lot of water, carcinogenic chemicals can escape and contaminate groundwater. May cause small earth tremors.
Who are the players involves with the harnessing of unconventional fossil fuels?
exploration companies
environmental groups
affected communities
governments
Name the 5 main sources of renewable energy
-wave power
-wind power - offshore
-solar - solar powered roofs, road
-tidal - tidal stream
-geothermal - enhanced geothermal systems
What is solar power
panels that convert the sun’s
energy into electricity
👍 low cost
👍 Large potential in desert areas
👎 Not very efficient yet (15-20%)
👎 Effectiveness dependent on climate
and time of the year and day
What is wind power
Wind drives large turbines and
generators that produce electricity
👍 Low running costs
👍 Can be used year round
👍 Plenty of suitable sites
👎 Bird life can be affected
👎 Weather dependent
What is wave power
Description: Waves force a turbine to rotate and produce energy
👍 Produce most electricity during winter when demand is highest
👎 Very expensive
👎 Needs to survive storms
What is tidal power
Description: Incoming tides drive turbines
👍 Has significant potential
👍 Reliable source of energy once
installed
👎 Very expensive
👎 Few schemes currently operating in
the world
👎 Impact on marine life
What is geothermal power
Water is pumped
beneath the ground to hot areas- steam from the water drives
turbines to produce electricity
👍 Low maintenance costs
👍 Suitable where other
technologies might not be
👎 High installation cost
👎 Risk during earthquakes etc.
Describe the relationship between GDP and energy consumption
-wealthy countries -> consume lots of energy pp -> can afford to
-poorer countries -> consume less energy pp -> less affordable -> lifestyles less dependent on; electricity, hetaing
Whp are fossil fuels becoming increasingly dominated by
-emerging economies like china, india
-developing rapidly so can now buy into energy pathways which were previously too expensive
-but developed countries still account for large amounts of fossil fuel use
Name 5 disruputions to energy pathways and why are they bad
-these can raise the price/ half the flow of energy
-disruptions;
-hazards- rupture pipelines -> energy doesn’t reach destination in time
-time- wear & tear on pipelines & transmission lines -> cause energy leakages
-depletion - supplies of fossil fuels have run out -> energy pathways have become vulnerable to competition
-conflict - energy pathways are vulnerable to conflict in regions they pass through
-choke points - too much traffic delays transportation -> ^ prices
What are the drawbacks of renewable energy sources?
not all countries have renewable energy resources to exploit
more expensive
Why is renewable energy being increasingly used over fossil fuels
-as reserves of oil & gas are diminshing
-fossil fuels are detrimental to environment
-it has a low carbon footprint
Name 3 alternatives to fossil fuels
-renwable energy
-nuclear power
-biofuels
Name 3 alternatives to fossil fuels
-renwable energy
-nuclear power
-biofuels
Name 3 alternatives to fossil fuels
-renwable energy
-nuclear power
-biofuels
Name 3 alternatives to fossil fuels
-renwable energy
-nuclear power
-biofuels
What is nuclear energy, what are the pros and cons?
Nuclear energy is the use of nuclear reactions to produce electricity
Pros = low carbon footprint, recyclable energy source, high energy production
Cons = issues with safety, terrorism threats, costs of building/decomissioning
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
Name 3 risks that nuclear power poses
▪ Nuclear Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima (mainly due to mismanagement) could
happen again
▪ The risk that nuclear powered stations may be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists.
▪ The technology involved is only accessible for developed countries. Operational costs
are quite low but construction and decommissioning costs are extremely high.
What is a biofuel?
A fuel derived immediately from living matter (biomass) such as crops
Primary = unprocessed form (wood chips, pellets
Secondary = processing of biomass e.g. ethanol
Why is biofuel better than fossil fuels
-process is carbon neutral
-> co2 taken in by plant during photosynthesis & is released during combustion
What are the pros and cons of the use of biofuels?
Pros = alternative ‘green’ energy source
Cons = forests have beenc cleared to plant oil palms, oilseed rape to make biofuel -> ^ deforestation -> less veg to take in co2
-> ^ food security -> less land to grow food
Name 2 strategies used to reduce carbon emissions
-carbon capture and storage
-hydrogen fuel cells
-
Name 2 strategies used to reduce carbon emissions
-carbon capture and storage
-hydrogen fuel cells
-
What is carbon capture & storage
a technological strategy used to capture CO2 emissions from coal fired power stations.
gas collected from the power plant,
compressed and stored into underground aquifers or disused mines.
-> reduces carbon emissions by 19%
-> expensive
What is carbon capture & storage
a technological strategy used to capture CO2 emissions from coal fired power stations.
gas collected from the power plant,
compressed and stored into underground aquifers or disused mines.
-> reduces carbon emissions by 19%
-> expensive
What is carbon capture & storage
a technological strategy used to capture CO2 emissions from coal fired power stations.
gas collected from the power plant,
compressed and stored into underground aquifers or disused mines.
-> reduces carbon emissions by 19%
-> expensive
hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cells provides an alternative to the use of oil. Hydrogen is the most
abundant element in the atmosphere but it usually combines with other elements especially
carbon. Therefore Hydrogen needs to be separated and stored before use. Fuel cells
convert chemical energy found in hydrogen into electricity and this produces pure water as a
by-product. These fuel cells are much more efficient than petrol engines in vehicles.
