Carbon Cycle - Booklet 2 Flashcards
What is meant by “energy security”?
Refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price, how a countries energy system responds to sudden fluctuations in supply and demand and ability to invest in energy supplies to meet levels of economic development and environmental demands.
Define what is meant by a primary energy source and give 3 examples
Are those that are consumed in their raw natural state such as coal, oil and natural gas.
Explain how “physical availability” influences access to and/or consumption of energy resources
Refers to the energy reserves that may or may not exist within a country, if energy reserves need to be imported then that will have an economic implication which may result in a decrease in consumption such that if there is a steady supply then consumption (combined with affordable prices)
Explain how “technology” influences access to and/or consumption of energy resources
If a country possesses the technology required to enable the exploitation of its resources then that will create a high energy demand, thus consumption will be high.
Explain how “costs” influences access to and/or consumption of energy resources
This refers to the cost of exploitation, processing and delivering to the consumer; e.g North Sea oil has to be drilled, transported to refineries, processed and sent to petrol stations.
Explain how “climate” influences access to and/or consumption of energy resources
Extremes of cold and heat will affect the amount of energy spent on air conditioning
Describe the UK’s energy mix
The UK consumes less energy today than it did in 1970 despite an increase of 6.5m people, implying an increase in energy use and production.
Rapid decline in use of coal and fuels mad from it (blast furnace gas); leaving a significant void in the market which was filled largely by rapid rise in use of natural gas. By 2030 the UK is believed to have produced most of its electricity from renewables (wind and solar), making up 40% of the overall mix.
The UK may still be using the same amount of energy in 2030 as it was in 1970, but it will be generating it in very different ways.
How has Saudi Arabia secured its energy?
Because they cast oil reserves (267 230M barrels), which greatly exceeds their consumption; combined with the fact that they haven’t licensed any outside companies implies total control over reserves.
However, as the global demand for renewable energy grows and the need to reduce green house gas emissions becomes urgent, Saudi Arabia has made strategic investments in what will enable a reduced dependence on oil revenues.
Vision 2030 aims to transform the countries economy into a more diversified and sustainable one; A key component of this plan is the development of renewable energy sources that will reduce carbon footprint.
