Energy Consumption Flashcards
Energy affordability
Even when modern forms of energy are available, households may not use them if they are much more expensive than traditional sources such as burning wood.
Energy availability
In many parts of the world modern types of energy are either not available, or remain inaccessible because the necessary infrastructure to deliver those energies has yet to be put in place.
Cultural preferences
Tradition often slows the adoption of more modern energy sources. For example in the UK today there are still many who prefer to use an open cool fore than electric.
The influence of climate
The need to keep warm in cold climate, and to keep cool in warm climates by means of air conditioning increases consumption. In both instances there is a seasonal variation in energy consumption.
Global availability of energy resources
Fuel and energy resources are not evenly distributed round the globe. The global distribution of energy availability depends on factors such as geology, physical geography, technology and cost of exploitation.
Big players
Despite the search for new reserves, the middle east remains the biggest player. Saudi Arabia alone accounts for 22% of the world’s reserves.
Coal as well has uneven patterns of availability - China builds two new medium sized coal stations each week.
Local Variations
Renewables also vary. Solar input can vary due to factors such as cloud cover. Access to energy varies spatially. Poverty and access to electricity have been found to be inversely related.
