Consumption factors & UK mix Flashcards
Physical availability
Consumption
Till 70s UK relied on domestic coal
Was global leaders in nuclear in 50s to 70s but lost momentum after discovery of North sea oil and gas - altering UK energy mix.
Domestic energy can be diff to access and require spenny tech
Cost
Consumption
North sea oil is expensive to extract compared to Middle Eastern oil.
North sea oil is declining in stock, forcing UK to import more.
Includes exploitation, processing and delivery.
Environmental priorities
Consumption
in 2015, the UK committed to a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030.
Broadening energy mix with renewable sources e.g. wind and nuclear.
Cheap is NOT environmentally friendly
Climate
Consumption
Very high levels of consumption in North America, the Middle East and Australia reflect the extra energy needed to make the extremes of heat and cold more comfortable (at home, at work and in public places)
Public perception
Consumption
increasing reliance on imported energy - making it an political issue.
Public concern growing over proposed fracking and nuclear sites.
Economic development
Consumption
Avg household energy costs in UK = £1300
High development = High consumption
Perception is based on country
Technology
Consumption
UK has 150 years left of coal, but technology make its extraction expensive and unrealistic.
UKs last coal mine closed in 2015, although 80% of UKs primary energy still came from fossil fuels.
Help exploit difficult resources.
Climate
Consumption
High levels consumption in USA reflect extreme hots and colds.
Low levels in Africa due to low development.
Explain the factors that affect the energy mix of a country (6 marks)
- Climate
E.g. USA and Australia extreme high and low temps seasonally.
WMT more heating/air conditioning needed to heat or cool WMT high consumption - Population
E.g. USA 350 million compared to Peru 33 million.
WMT high population means higher demand WMT more energy is consumed.
