7.1 Energy Choices and Security

Question 1

Energy Security

Answer 1

The ability of a nation to secure sufficient, reliable, and affordable energy sources.

Question 2

Factors that increase the rate of electricity consumption in a society

Answer 2

Economic growth, population increase, industrialization, technological advancements, urbanization.

Question 3

Factors that improve a nation’s energy security

Answer 3

Diversification of energy sources, domestic energy production, strategic reserves, renewable energy adoption, stable geopolitical relationships

Question 4

Factors that result in low energy security

Answer 4

Overreliance on imports, political instability, limited energy infrastructure, natural disasters, lack of diversification (depending on just one thing), inability to afford energy or its constituent parts.

Question 5

Primary energy consumption

Answer 5

The total energy consumed from all sources: fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables, and imports (includes electricity and car fuels).

As opposed to primary energy production, which might be exported.

Question 6

Energy density

Answer 6

The amount of energy stored per unit volume or mass. High energy density means a large amount of energy is stored in a small amount of mass or volume.
Low: wind, solar, biofuel
High: fossil fuels
Very high: nuclear

Question 7

Energy efficiency

Answer 7

The ratio of useful energy output to total energy input, aiming to reduce energy waste.

High: Gas, Nuclear, most renewables
Low: Coal, oil, wood (high emissions)

Question 8

Which is the best fossil fuel to burn with regard to emissions?

Answer 8

Natural gas, as it produces fewer emissions compared to coal and oil.

Question 9

Fossil fuels

Answer 9

Energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas derived from the remains of ancient plants and animals.

Question 10

The grid

Answer 10

the interconnected network of electrical transmission and distribution systems that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers.

Question 11

Turbine

Answer 11

A device that converts kinetic energy from fluids (such as water, steam, air, or combustion gases) into mechanical energy to generate electricity.

Question 12

Photovoltaic Cell

Answer 12

A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

Question 13

Nord Stream Pipeline

Answer 13

A major natural gas pipeline running from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea.

Question 14

Biofuel

Answer 14

A type of energy derived from biological materials such as plants and animal waste.
Eg. Corn (maize), sugar cane is turned into ethanol and used as a substitute or blended with petrol in countries like Brazil to power cars

Question 15

Advantages and disadvantages of biofuel

Answer 15

Advantages: Renewable, reduces greenhouse gases.
Disadvantages: Can compete with food production, lower energy density.

Question 16

Nuclear fission vs fusion

Answer 16

Nuclear fission: Splits heavy atomic nuclei to release energy. This is what is used in nuclear power plants
Nuclear fusion: Combines light atomic nuclei to release energy.

Question 17

Acid in situ leaching

Answer 17

Acid in-situ leaching involves injecting acidic solutions into underground ore deposits to dissolve and recover valuable metals (such as uranium) without removing the ore from the ground.

Question 18

Evaluate hydroelectricity

Answer 18

Advantages: Renewable, reliable, low emissions.
Disadvantages: Environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems, displacement of communities.

Question 19

Evaluate wind power

Answer 19

Advantages: Renewable, low operational costs, no emissions. Disadvantages: Intermittent, noise, impact on wildlife.

Question 20

Evaluate geothermal power

Answer 20

Advantages: Renewable, consistent output, low emissions. Disadvantages: High upfront costs, location-specific.

Question 21

Evaluate solar power

Answer 21

Advantages: Renewable, low operating costs, abundant. Disadvantages: Intermittent, high initial costs, space requirements.

Question 22

Evaluate tidal power

Answer 22

Advantages: Renewable, predictable, long lifespan. Disadvantages: High initial costs, environmental impact on marine life.

Question 23

Evaluate nuclear power

Answer 23

Advantages: High energy output, low greenhouse emissions. Disadvantages: Radioactive waste, high costs, risk of accidents.

Question 24

Evaluate using fossil fuels as an energy source

Answer 24

Advantages: High energy density, established infrastructure. Disadvantages: Greenhouse gas emissions, finite resources, environmental degradation.

Question 25

Offshore windfarm

Answer 25

An offshore wind farm is a facility located in bodies of water where wind turbines are installed to generate electricity from wind, taking advantage of space and higher and more consistent wind speeds compared to onshore locations.

Question 26

Hydrogen fuel cell

Answer 26

Hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity, water, and heat. This process is highly efficient and emits only water as a byproduct.

Used in various applications, including powering vehicles, stationary power generation, and backup power systems. They are valued for their efficiency and clean emissions, but are expensive.

Question 27

Tariff

Answer 27

A tax or duty imposed on imported goods.