7.1 Energy Choices and Security Flashcards
Energy Security
The ability of a nation to secure sufficient, reliable, and affordable energy sources.
Factors that increase the rate of electricity consumption in a society
Economic growth, population increase, industrialization, technological advancements, urbanization.
Factors that improve a nation’s energy security
Diversification of energy sources, domestic energy production, strategic reserves, renewable energy adoption, stable geopolitical relationships
Factors that result in low energy security
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.
Primary energy consumption
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.
Energy density
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
Energy efficiency
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)
Which is the best fossil fuel to burn with regard to emissions?
Natural gas, as it produces fewer emissions compared to coal and oil.
Fossil fuels
Energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas derived from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
The grid
the interconnected network of electrical transmission and distribution systems that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers.
Turbine
A device that converts kinetic energy from fluids (such as water, steam, air, or combustion gases) into mechanical energy to generate electricity.
Photovoltaic Cell
A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity.
Nord Stream Pipeline
A major natural gas pipeline running from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea.
Biofuel
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
Advantages and disadvantages of biofuel
Advantages: Renewable, reduces greenhouse gases.
Disadvantages: Can compete with food production, lower energy density.
Nuclear fission vs fusion
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.
Acid in situ leaching
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.
Evaluate hydroelectricity
Advantages: Renewable, reliable, low emissions.
Disadvantages: Environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems, displacement of communities.
Evaluate wind power
Advantages: Renewable, low operational costs, no emissions. Disadvantages: Intermittent, noise, impact on wildlife.
Evaluate geothermal power
Advantages: Renewable, consistent output, low emissions. Disadvantages: High upfront costs, location-specific.
Evaluate solar power
Advantages: Renewable, low operating costs, abundant. Disadvantages: Intermittent, high initial costs, space requirements.
Evaluate tidal power
Advantages: Renewable, predictable, long lifespan. Disadvantages: High initial costs, environmental impact on marine life.
Evaluate nuclear power
Advantages: High energy output, low greenhouse emissions. Disadvantages: Radioactive waste, high costs, risk of accidents.
Evaluate using fossil fuels as an energy source
Advantages: High energy density, established infrastructure. Disadvantages: Greenhouse gas emissions, finite resources, environmental degradation.
Offshore windfarm
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.
Hydrogen fuel cell
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.
Tariff
A tax or duty imposed on imported goods.
