Energy Security

Question 1

Define biofuels

Answer 1

Energy source formed over geological time from partly decayed remains of plants and animals.

Question 2

Define non-renewable

Answer 2

Energy sources that cannot be replaced or can only be replaced over a long period of geological time.

Question 3

Define fossil fuels

Answer 3

The energy found in natural sources such as wood, oil, coal and sunlight.

Question 4

Define secondary energy

Answer 4

Primary energy that has been converted into a more convenient form, usually electricity.

Question 5

Define energy consumption

Answer 5

Energy being used: for example, the largest user of oil per capita is the USA.

Question 6

Define energy poverty

Answer 6

When a country or region has insufficient access to reliable sources of power.

Question 7

Define multiple energy solution

Answer 7

The combination of energy sources that supply countries energy needs.

Question 7

Define energy security

Answer 7

The extent to which affordable, reliable and stable energy supply can be achieved.

Question 8

Define energy security index

Answer 8

A measure of a countries ability to meet it’s energy so needs. A score of between 0-10 is calculated by looking at energy availability, diversity and intensity.

Question 9

Define energy pathways

Answer 9

The routes along with energy sources mover from producer to consumer, e.g. gas pipelines or oil tankers.

Question 10

Define choke points

Answer 10

A strategic narrow route providing passages between regions. For example, Panama Canal.

Question 11

Define tar sands

Answer 11

A thick slurry composed of sand, water and bitumen (a hydrocarbon).

Question 12

Define oil shale

Answer 12

A sedimentary rock saturated with oil.

Question 13

Define OPEC

Answer 13

A group of energy stakeholders who grouped together to create a trade bloc which sought to control the price and extent of the production of oil.

Question 14

Define geopolitics

Answer 14

Global scale political systems, agreements and negotiations.

Question 15

Define business as usual

Answer 15

An approach to the future of energy in which humans continue to act as they currently are.

Question 16

Define energy mix

Answer 16

An approach to the future of energy in which humans adopt a mixture of renewable, non-renewable and recyclable energy resources.

Question 17

Define emissions trading

Answer 17

An agreement allowing countries that have made greater reductions in their carbon emissions (set up in the Kyoto Protocol) to sell their surplus to countries over target.

Question 18

Define green taxes

Answer 18

Taxes set up to encourage consumers to cut the use of natural resources. For example, road tax duties on fuel efficient cars.

Question 19

Define primary energy

Answer 19

A fuel source produced by processing biomass usually crops like sugar, cane and corn.

Question 20

Define sustainability

Answer 20

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations (Brundtland Report 1987).

Question 21

Define transit state

Answer 21

A country through which energy is transported usually by boat or pipeline.

Question 22

Define energy dependency

Answer 22

A situation whereby a country or region becomes reliant on certain sources of energy.

Question 23

Define peak oil

Answer 23

The theory that oil production will peak in the near future, then gradually decline. A steep increase in cost will accompany this decline in production.

Question 24

Define finite

Answer 24

Limited.

Question 25

Define micro generation

Answer 25

Small-scale renewable energy generation by individual households or businesses, e.g. home solar.

Question 26

Define transboundary

Answer 26

An issue or problem which crosses international boundaries.

Question 27

Define energy gap

Answer 27

The difference between secured energy supply and projected future needs.

Question 28

How does nuclear energy work?

Answer 28

Nuclear reactors create heat, producing steam, which turns a turbine, creating electricity.

Question 29

How important is nuclear energy?

Answer 29

Quite important as it provides around 18% of UK energy and is environmentally large scale.

Question 30

Now much does nuclear energy cost?

Answer 30

£92.50 mwh, which is more expensive than renewable energy.

Question 31

What are the environmental impacts of nuclear energy?

Answer 31

Accidents can cause radioactive radiation and water and steam is used to cool the reactor.

Question 32

What are the advantages of nuclear energy?

Answer 32

A small amount of greenhouse gases emissions are produced.

Question 33

What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?

Answer 33

If someone goes wrong there’s large-scale consequences/problems.