energy Flashcards
define a ‘renewable’ energy source, and give some examples:
renewable: a resource that cannot be exhausted.
- tidal
- geothermal
- HEP
- wave
define a ‘non-renewable’ energy source, and give some examples:
non-renewable: a resource that can run out. it’s finite.
- nuclear
- oil
- coal
- gas
describe the energy challenges in the UK:
- our own supplies of fossil fuels, especially oil, are running out.
- in 2019, the UK imported 36% of its energy, and this may cause problems in terms of energy security.
- we can’t rely on other countries for
energy - we’re isolated, and we can’t risk
it.
describe the change in energy demand in the UK:
- between 1970 and 2010, industrious energy use has decreased
- transportation energy use has steadily increased over the years
- domestic energy use has also steadily increased
- other uses’ energy demands have remained the same.
- since the 1970s, we’ve been using less energy than ever before, despite a higher population.
why has energy consumption reduced?
due to advanced technology, appliances and devices now use less electricity. device screens turn off when not used. LED light bulbs have been installed in all buildings, and this has a massive difference in energy savings.
- the attitude towards energy saving has changed - we’re now more aware of the climate and of saving money.
define ‘energy mix’:
the different sources of energy used by households, industries and other commercial users such as shops and offices.
why has the UK energy mix changed?
- concerns over the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels and global warming - all coal-fired power stations are to be closed by 2025.
- renewable technology, especially wind and solar power, has really improved in recent years.
- oil production from the North Sea has declined as reserves run out and we don’t want to rely on other countries to buy from too much.
describe the change in the UK energy mix:
1990:
non-renewable energy sources were very popular, and vice-versa for renewable sources. 66% of the UK’s energy mix was made up from coal, and only 3% was made up from renewables.
2014:
renewable energy sources have grown in popularity a little bit (increased by 9%). however, renewable energy sources still dominate, such as coal, natural gas and nuclear.
2022:
renewable energy sources are now the main contributor to the UK energy mix, at 42%. the list is still dominated by non-renewable sources, with natural gas for example still making up 30% of the mix, but we’re taking steps in the right direction.
describe how energy can effect economic well-being:
- power means people can be better educated and get better jobs.
- fossil fuels like oil are essential for the industry and machinery to function.
- oil is essential for transport and trade.
- a good fuel supply means secondary, tertiary and quaternary industries can be developed.
describe how energy can effect social well-being:
- a good power supply means people can communicate better using phones and e-mail.
- a good power supply means people can use things like washing machines to save time.
- a good energy supply means that homes can have light, heat and power for cooking.
- new compute technologies and communications need power to improve the quality of life.
describe the global inequalities in the supply and consumption of energy:
- distribution of energy resources (e.g. fossil fuels) varies greatly globally.
- coal historically bolstered Europe’s early economic growth and societal well-being.
- the wealthiest billion people consume 50% of the world’s energy. only 4% of the world’s energy is consumed by the poorest 1%.
- as LICs and NEEs are developing economically, the demand for energy increases. farming becomes mechanised, urbanisation occurs.
- while renewable energy such as solar, wind, and water have a better distribution, their development costs limit access for poorer nations.
describe the economic and environmental issues associated with exploitation of energy sources.
- in order to reach the oil and gas reserves in the North Sea, we must drill under the sea from large offshore oil and gas rigs. this is dangerous, as there have been many accidents where oil rigs have been set on fire, and disasters have been killed where people are trying to get the rigs to work.
- we still have coal reserves left in the UK. is it morally right to continue suing unsustainable fossil fuel reserves when we have viable renewable energy sources (e.g. wind, solar power).
