Energy Consumption Flashcards
What is the pattern of energy consumption?
World average use of energy per capita increased by 17% between 2000-2014. It’s highest in developed countries (USA - 6900 kg of oil equivalent per capita) and those with large oil reserves (Saudi Arabia).
Lowest is developing countries (DR Congo - 390 kg per oe/c)
It’s increasing the fastest in economically emerging economies (China - +150% 2000-2014).
It’s decreasing the quickest in developed countries (UK -27% 2000-2014).
What is the pattern of energy consumption in relation to GDP generated per unit of energy?
World average shows an increase of 22% between 2000-2014. Developed and economically emerging economies have improved efficiency. Developing countries have lower efficiency.
Saudi Arabia has become less efficient between 2000-2014 due to economic expansion.
What is primary energy?
Natural energy resources that have not been converted into another form of energy.
What is secondary energy?
A form of energy that has been created from a primary resource; usually electricity.
What is an energy mix?
The proportion of each primary energy resource used per year.
How does physical availability affect energy consumption?
Long-term geological processes determine where fossil fuel resources are found. Exporting makes fossil fuels available to other countries.
Climate affects availability of some renewable resources - clear skies for solar, constant winds for wind power, precipitation to grow biofuel crops.
HEP needs rivers and deep valleys for reservoirs.
How does cost and public perception affect consumption?
Costs of developing energy resources are high at all stages, from extraction to production to consumer provision.
Costs are passed on to the consumer, who may not be able to afford them or consider using less energy.
Wealthier people in developed countries consume more energy.
People have different perceptions of their energy needs based on lifestyle - such as travel patterns/quality of home life.
How does the level of economic development affect consumption?
While a country may have geological/climatic conditions that provide an energy resource, it also needs the technological ability to extract and develop it.
Many developing countries lack the necessary levels of technology without external assistance.
If a country’s level of development is lower, there may not be demand for energy and so no incentive to develop the resources.
How do environmental priorities affect consumption?
Cultures view the natural environment differently;
-Some see nature as a provider of resources.
-Others are concerned about the serious damage that can be caused by extracting energy resources, such as fracking.
Climate change concerns have led to decarbonisation, using less oil and coal.
What is the role of TNCs in energy access?
(Eg ExxonMobil) provides investment for exploration and extraction of resources.
What is the role of OPEC in energy access?
14 members. It influences the supply and price of world oil by controlling production.
Consumers influence supply through the demand they create, but may also influence energy mix through voicing environmental concerns.
What is the role of governments in energy access?
Provides legislation on emission levels and costs for consumers, gain taxes and also act to protect energy pathways to and from the country.
What disruptions can occur to the energy pathway?
Internal political problems.
Wars between countries.
OPEC reducing global production.
Sanctions against a country.
A country stopping supplies to another.
Piracy - in 2017, pirates attacked 42 tankers in the oceans.
Leaking pipelines/resources running out.
Sudden increase in demand from a country so supplies are diverted (China).
