Energy Resources

Question 1

Advantages of extracting natural gas.

Answer 1

1. Cleanest of the fossil fuels with 45% less CO2 emissions than other non-renewable sources and less toxic chemicals.
2. Less risk of environmental accidents (like oil spills).
3. Employment for 1.2 million.
4. Can be transported in a variety of ways (pipelines)
5. Relatively abundant compared to other fuels –> increasing as technology makes exploitation of shale gas more economic.
6. Provides electricity during peak demand periods. Unlike nuclear and HEP, gas-fired power stations = shut off and turned back on when needed.

Question 2

Disadvantages of extracting natural gas.

Answer 2

1. Dangerous if handled or transported carelessly.
2. Some gas reserves are in politically unstable countries or prepared to use gas supply as a nuclear weapon.
3. Global warming = CO2 and methane emissions.
4. Fracking = controversial –> lots of water needed - wastewater and chemicals could contaminate groundwater and minor earthquakes are possible.
5. Pipelines = £££ to build + maintain.

Question 3

Extracting natural gas in Amazon: Camisea project (2004-) - exploits huge gas field in Amazonian region of Peru.

Advantages?

Answer 3

1. Could save Peru $4 billion in energy costs.
2. Peru could make several billion dollars in gas exports - up to $34 billion over 30-year life of project.
3. Employment = boosts local economies.
4. Improved infrastructure = benefits to locals and agriculture = more productive.

Question 4

Disadvantages of Camisea project?

Answer 4

1. Deforestation –> destruction of natural habitats.
2. Impact indigenous tribes + food and water supplies.
3. Locals = no immunity to diseases introduced by developers.
4. Clearing routes for pipelines = landslides + pollution of streams = decline in fish stock.

Question 5

What has Malmo, Sweden, done for sustainable energy?

Answer 5

1. Solar tubes on outside of building produce hot water which is pumped using electricity from wind power.
2. Energy comes from solar roof panels, a wind turbine and biogas from sewage and waste.
3. Buses run on Biogas and natural gas.
4. All buildings use 100% renewable energy.
5. Cyclists have priority at traffic lights.
6. Buses, water taxis and car sharing have reduced car usage.
7. Green spaces and roof gardens = created.

Question 6

How can energy demand be reduced?

Answer 6

1. Increasing price of energy or offering financial incentives to use energy saving devices.
2. Raising public awareness and encouraging greater use of off-peak energy tariffs.
3. Encouraging businesses to reduce energy demand.

Question 7

Chambamontera mico-hydro scheme:

Why?

How has benefited community?

Answer 7

Dependant on subsistence farming for small-scale coffee growing and rearing livestock. Nearly ½ pop lives on $2 a day. Steep slope rises to 1700m and rough roads impassable in winter = isolated.

High rainfall, steep slopes and fast flowing rivers = ideal for exploiting water power as renewable energy resource.

$51000 dollars - gov money + some from Japan + community money. Average cost per family = $750

1. Provides renewable energy.
2. Low maintenance + running costs.
3. Little environmental impact.
4. Used local labour + materials.

• Reduction in urban rural migration.
• Regulates flow of water = reduced danger of flooding.
• Less need to burn wood as a heat source = less deforestation and soil erosion.
• Scheme will last 25 years.
• Electricity available in winter when heating demands high.
• Reliable electricity for fridges, light and other entertainment.
• Street lights mean people can go outside after dark.
• Health care = improved because of refridgment allows storage of medicine.
• Improved school facilities + possibility of doing schoolwork after dark.
• Reduced fire risk because kerosene lights no longer needed.
• Business dev possible - piped water drives small machines for coffee de-husking and processing.