Energy Mix

Question 1

What is the physical availability of resources in the UK?

Answer 1

Natural resources can be imported easily.
1970- UK depended on domestic coal.
It was among global leaders in nuclear technology from the 1950’s-1970’s.
Lost momentum after discovery of large oil reserves in the North sea.

Question 2

What is the physical availability of resources in Norway?

Answer 2

Norway has a significant amount of oil.
HEP is the natural energy choice- it is a mountainous region, with steep valley and plentiful rainfall.
Much of oil and natural gas is exported.
Coal from Svalbard exported.

Question 3

What is the cost of resources in the UK?

Answer 3

UK rich enough to import natural resources.
North sea reserves became a ‘secure’ alternative to dependency on Middle Eastern oil.
North sea oil expensive to extract.

Question 4

What is the cost of resources in Norway?

Answer 4

Norsk Hydro runs over 600 HEP sites, which supply 97.5% of Norway’s renewable electricity.
HEP costs are low one capital investment is complete.

Question 5

What is the technology in the UK?

Answer 5

Extraction in UK is uncrealistic and expensive due to current technology and environmental policy.

Question 6

What is the technology in Norway?

Answer 6

Norway invested in hydropower.

Deepwater drilling technology enabled both Norway and the UK to develop North Sea oil and gas extraction.

Question 7

What are the political considerations in the UK?

Answer 7

Increasing reliance on imported energy sources affects the UK’s energy security, became a political issue.
Public concern about new and proposed fracking and nuclear sites.

Question 8

What are the political considerations in Norway?

Answer 8

Foreign companies prevented from owning energy companies.

Royalties and taxes paid into government from sale of fossil fuels.