6.4 energy security

Question 1

energy security

Answer 1

Uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

Question 2

consumption

Answer 2

The way in which energy is used.

Question 3

energy mix

Answer 3

The combination of different available energy sources used to meet a country’s energy demand.

Question 4

primary energy

Answer 4

A source of energy that occurs naturally (e.g. fossil fuels).

Question 5

secondary energy

Answer 5

A source of energy that is converted from primary energy (e.g. electricity).

Question 6

energy intensity

Answer 6

A measure of how efficiently a country is using its energy (units of energy per nit of GDP). High energy intensity indicates a high cost of converting into GDP. It generally decreases with economic development (energy is used more efficiently, so cost per unit is lowered).

Question 7

renewable energy

Answer 7

Sources of energy that are infinite - they will never run out (e.g. wind, solar, geothermal, tidal).

Question 8

recyclable energy

Answer 8

A source of energy that can be re-used, but may require some processing to be able to do so. (e.g. processing nuclear waste or heat recovery systems.)

Question 9

non renewable energy

Answer 9

Finite sources of energy - these reserves will eventually run out. (e.g. fossil fuels.)

Question 10

physical availablity

Answer 10

The reserves available within the country/area. If sufficient reserves do not exist, the country will need to import energy/fuels to meet demand.

Question 11

public perception

Answer 11

Some sources of energy are perceived as unsafe (e.g. nuclear), or may be opposed by residents (NIMBYism) - e.g. wind turbines.

Question 12

cost of energy

Answer 12

The amount of capital required to fund the extraction/exploitation of the source of energy, to process the fuel (e.g. primary to secondary energy) or to deliver it to the consumer (infrastructure).

Question 13

level of economic development

Answer 13

This may influence perception of cost - the higher the standard of living, the less sensitive communities are to the cost of energy.

Question 14

environmental priorities

Answer 14

A government’s manifesto/policies may result in them taking a more expensive route to meeting energy demands in order to fulfil sustainability targets.

Question 15

energy TNCs

Answer 15

Companies that operate on a global scale (across national borders) that are involved with the extraction/processing/distribution of energy (e.g. Gazprom, BP and Shell).

Question 16

OPEC

Answer 16

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries - 14 member countries, responsible for 44% of global oil production and 73% of the world’s proven oil reserves. Its aim is to “to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry”.

Question 17

consumers

Answer 17

Individuals/businesses that use energy (e.g. households, industry).

Question 18

energy pathway

Answer 18

The route taken by a source energy from its source to the point of consumption. How the energy is transferred/distributed may involve transmissions lines/cables, pipelines, tanker ships.

Question 19

pressure group

Answer 19

A group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause.

Question 20

standard of living

Answer 20

The level of wealth, comfort, material goods and necessities available to a certain socioeconomic class in a certain geographic area.

Question 21

technology

Answer 21

Technology can help to exploit/extract sources of energy that would otherwise be unfeasible/too expensive to be considered. Increased use of technology (e.g. domestic usage) can increase the amount of energy required (demand).

Question 22

climate

Answer 22

Extremes of temperature may result in higher levels of consumption (e.g. central heating or use of air conditioning units).