Energy

Question 1

Importance of Non-Renewable Fossil Fuels

Answer 1

The demand for energy across the globe is rising
Population growth and development are the two main causes of the increase in energy demand:
- The higher demand for food leads to more intensive farming which requires more energy for machines, light and heat
- Increasing industry requires energy for heating, lighting and machinery
- There is more transport all of which requires energy in the form of petrol, diesel or electricity
- Urbanisation increases with development increasing domestic appliances, heating, lighting
- Increased wealth means people buy more appliances and technology which require energy

Question 2

Importance of Renewable Energy Sources

Answer 2

Renewable energy is increasingly important in the global energy mix
This is due to:
Non-renewable fossil fuels will at some point run out and so they need to be replaced with another energy source
The use of non-renewable fuels is damaging to the environment.
Increasing awareness of the impact of using fossil fuels has resulted in international pressure to reduce their use.
Countries wanting to reduce their reliance on imports of energy sources and improve their energy security.

Question 3

Explain why relying on imports of natural gas could cause problems

Answer 3

Expensive
Prices fluctuate
Reliance on a fuel which is non-renewable / will eventually run out / may have to find alternative fuel
Specified impact(s) on natural environment e.g. air pollution, global warming

Remember natural gas is non renewable

Question 4

Examples of non renewables and renewables

Answer 4

Coal
Oil
Natural gas

Geothermal
HEP
Wave tidal power
Solar power
Biofuels

Question 5

Advantages of the different types of non renewables

Answer 5

Coal -Lasts 300yrs, now become more efficient, needed to make coke
Oil - More efficient than coal, easier to transport, diversity of uses, petro-chemicals
Natural gas - Cleanest of fossil fuels, cheaper than oil, easy to distribute

Question 6

Disadvantages of non renewables

Answer 6

Coal - Cost of production high, produces lot of GH gases, dangerous, open cast = visual pollution, costly to transport, acid rain
Oil - Lasts only 50-70yrs, oil spills, releases greenhouse gases, prices fluctuate, refineries use lot of space, acid rain
Natural gas - Releases methane, explosive, prices fluctuate, acid rain, greenhouse gases.

Question 7

Advantages of non renewables

Answer 7

Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels
No pollution
Source lasts forever
Lower prices of and demand for natural gas and coal
Protects the environment