Carbon EQ2 Flashcards
6.4- What is the difference between primary and secondary energy resources?
Primary energy resources- those which are consumed in their raw form. They include burning fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable resources ( solar wind or wave energy).
Primary resources can also be used to generate electricity, which is a secondary energy resource. It flows through power lines and infrastructure to power homes.
What does energy security mean?
Being able to access reliable and affordable sources of energy. These may be domestic, but could also include energy sources from “friendly” countries.
Uk imports more energy that it produces domestically, the country has an energy deficit and is energy insecure.
What is the distinction between renewable and non- renewable sources?
non- renewable- coal, oil and gas. Exploitation and use of these stocks will eventually lead to their exhaustion. Coal- major source for producing electricity.
Renewable- solar, wind and wave power.
What does access to and consumption of energy resources depend on? (6)
- physical availability- are the energy resources available within the country or do they have to be imported?
- cost- transport costs if being imported, or to consumer. Even if domestic energy is their exploitation going to be technically difficult and expensive?
- processing (converting a primary into secondary resource) is costly.
- technology- deposits of oil and gas require deep drilling. Technology can help tap energy resources that are not easily accessible. This is likely to encourage energy consumption.
- public perception- this depends on the level of economic development and the standard of living.
- economic development- higher econ development, the less sensitive to energy costs. Developed countries have higher levels of energy consumption.
- environmental priorities- concern for the environment, might mean a government does not take the cheapest route to meeting energy needs. Renewables are not necessarily environmentally friendly. Cost of green energy can be a lot.
CASE STUDY- Norway Vs UK
Why is high dependence on imported energy an issue?
Puts country at risk from sudden threats:
- artificial and abrupt increases in energy prices.
- supplies cut off by military campaigns or civil unrest.
- can become the victims of various forms of blackmail.
Physical availability of UK Vs Norway:
UK- Until 1970s, Uk depended heavily on domestic coal from Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, South Wales and north- East England.
- It was also among global leaders in nuclear technology from 1950s-1970 however lost momentum after discovery of large reserves of North Sea oil and gas.
- Increased use of North sea oil from 1970s altered Uk energy mix.
Norway- Mountainous with steep valleys and rainfall, HEP is the natural energy choice.
- Much of oil and natural gas in Norway is exported (eg to UK)
Costs of UK Vs Norway:
UK- North Sea became a “secure” alternative to dependency on middle eastern oil, after prices rose in early 1970s.
- However, North Sea oil expensive to extract, global prices fell (1997-98 and 2014-15), it became less viable.
- stocks of NS oil and gas declining, forcing UK to import more.
Norway- Norsk Hydro runs over 600 HEP sites, which supply 97.5% of Norway’s renewable electricity.
- HEP costs are low once capital investment is complete.
- However, transfer of electricity from HEP production in remote areas to urban areas and isolated settlements is expensive.
Technology UK vs Norway:
UK- There are 150 years worth of coal reserves left in UK, however technology and environmental policy means extraction is expensive.
- UK’s last deep coal mine closed in 2015, although 80% of UK’s primary energy still came from fossil fuels. The technology exists for “clean coal”- however coal has lost political support.
Norway- deepwater drilling technology enabled both Norway and UK to develop North Sea oil and gas extraction.
Political considerations UK Vs Norway:
UK- increasing reliance on imported energy sources has become a political issue.
- However, public concern is also growing over new and proposed fracking and nuclear sites.
- Privatisation of UK energy supply in 1980s now means overseas companies decide which energy sources are used to meet UK demand.
Norway- HEP has been used since 1907, Norwegian water and energy directorate manages the nation’s power supply.
- Norweigan government prevents foreign countries from owning any primary energy source sites- waterfalls, mines, forests.
- Royalties and taxes paid into government from sale of fossil fuels boost the standard of living through gov spending.
- Profits also go to sovereign wealth fund to prepare for a future without fossil fuels and i investment in environmental sustainability.
Level of economic development UK vS Norway:
Norway= higher GDP per capita
UK- $41,200
Norway- $61,500
Environmental priorities- UK vS Norway
UK- In 2015, UK commited to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- Intends to broaden its energy mix with renewables (wind) and more nuclear power.
- However, UK also abandoned its “Green deal” conservation and insulation schemes in 2015.
- In 2015, the UK’s co2 emissions were 7.13 tonnes per capita (down from a peak of 11.5)
Norway-
- In 2015, Norway committed to a 40% reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- Norway is expanding its output of hydrocarbons.
- Norways “Policy for change” launched in 2016, with a domestic target of being carbon neutral by 2050.
- In 2015, Norways CO2 emissions were 11.74 tonnes per capita (up from 11.6 tonnes in 1989)
What is the role of TNCS as an energy player?
- explore, exploit and distribute energy resources.
- They invest in distribution and processing of raw materials, as well as electricity production and transmission.
- Respond to market conditions to secure profits for their shareholders.
EXAMPLES- BP (UK)
Who are OPECs members?
- it is an IG0
- members include are oil producing and exporting countries like Saudi Arabia, where oil is their main or only export, and therefore is vital for their economic growth.
What is the role of OPEC in securing energy?
- OPECS mission is to unify the petroleum policies of its members, to ensure the stabilisation of oil markets to secure:
- a regular supply of petroleum to consumers
- a steady income for producers
- a fair return for those investing.
Examples- 2012-2016, maintaining output at high levels kept oil prices low- in order to compete with USA’s increased oil production, which caused a collapse in global oil prices.
What is the role of national governments in securing energy pathways and energy supplies?
- to meet international obligations, whilst securing energy supplies for the nation, as well as supporting country’s economic growth.
- also regulating role of private companies and setting environmental priorities.
EXAMPLE-EU governments aim to fulfil co2 emission targets and reduce fossil fuel dependency.
What is the role of consumers in securing energy pathways and supplies?
- create demand. Purchasing choices are often based off of price.
- consumers have some power over oil companies- eg by purchasing electric cars or installing solar panels.
- most solar panels in 201 were installed in EU and UK due to large gov subsidies on offer.
6.5 -Why is there a mismatch of fossil fuels?
- fossil fuels are not distributed evenly across the world; their location is determined by underlying geology. Fossil fuels are found only where geological conditions in the past favoured their formation.
- mismatch between locations of conventional fossil fuels- oil, gas and coal
Is there a mismatch between supply and demand for coal?
- there is a small mismatch
- coal is very expensive to import as it is heavy.
- China produces 3,650 but only consumes 1839.4 tonnes.
- 8 of the largest coal producers are also the largest coal consumers.
- coal is characterised by high transport costs relative to low energy density.
Is there a mismatch between supply and demand for oil?
- only three of the world’s leading oil producers are also the world’s leading oil importers.
- oil has a higher energy density (more valuable) than coal.
- There is no substitute for oil as a transport fuel, so there is a deeper global market and differences between consumers and producers.
- oil is highly profitable and can be transported more easily than coal.
- oil is vital for everyday life such as for plastic, plants and fertilisers.
- also important for our health- coating for pills, binding agents and for creams
Is there a mismatch between supply and demand for natural gas?
- there is the biggest mismatch.
- only 2 of the biggest gas producers happen to be gas importers.
- there is lots of technology to be relatively cheap and easy to be transported around the world.
- not as damaging as coal and oil to environment.
- higher energy density is more desirable.
What is an energy pathway?
The flow of energy between a producer and a consumer and how it reaches the consumer
- pipelines
- transmission lines
- shipping routes
- road and rail
