Energy Security and the Future Flashcards
There is a growing realisation that a glitch in world energy supplies could trigger an economic catastrophe. In the case of oil, for instance, there are a number of factors that are increasing the likelihood of such an event:
The possibility of peak oil being reached (the point where the maximum rate of global oil production is reached).
The conc of oil production in fewer countries as oil wells elsewhere are pumped dry.
The unpredictable actions of OPEC and Russia.
Factors contributing to the uncertainty over global energy supply.
- Scale of population growth
- Impact of rising standards of living
- Size of undiscovered oil and gas reserves
- Discovery of new energy technologies
- The scale of the possible switch to renewable energies
- Possible contribution of ‘unconventional’ oil sources
- Emergent economies energy demands
- Future performance of global economy
Responses to increasing energy demand
Business as usual
Multi energy solution
Energy conservation
What is business as usual?
Going on as we were.
Global energy demand will rise by 53%, leading to a 55% increase in global energy related carbon dioxide emissions.
Fossil fuels will remain the dominant source of energy worldwide.
What is the multi energy solution?
A multi energy solution involves meeting future energy demands from a mixture of renewable, recyclable and non renewable resources.
A mix ensures energy security and to maintain an affordable supply for both individuals and industry.
What are the USA and China in response to fears over security of fossil fuel supplies over the next 15 years?
Building several reactors and intend to increase their nuclear generating capacity.
How much of the global electricity to supply is from wind power?
1%
What is the energy conservation response?
Based on decreasing the amount of energy used.
Individuals and organisations may want to reduce consumption- to reduce costs/ maximise profits, reduce harmful emissions, or to promote energy security
It is in every country’s interests to become as energy secure as possible. The key to energy security lies in:
Making the greatest possible use of domestic energy sources.
Diversifying energy resources to minimise the use of fossil fuels and maximise the use of renewables.
Ensuring guarantees of imported energy (supplies & prices).
The characteristics of a country that is considered to be energy secure…
Affordability
Reliability
Stability
Whats a production hotspot?
An energy producing country or region where there is political instability.
Give examples of how oil has lead to conflict.
Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
First Gulf War 1990 (American led coalition liberated Kuwait).
Second Gulf War 2003
Iran’s nuclear threat and ongoing conflict with the USA.
Case study: India and China compete over energy
India’s growth has lead to a high demand of energy.
China is ahead in terms of planning for energy security.
Oil imports account for 2/3 of India’s oil consumption but only 1/3 of China’s.
India invested $3.5 billion in overseas oil exploration- China $40 billion
Managing future energy needs may be achieved in two possible ways:
- by applying various ‘carrot and stick’ measures such as emission controls, carbon trading and green taxation to encourage reduction in energy consumption and an increase in energy efficiency.
- Developing new and radical technologies that are sustainable and bring energy security
Access to energy varies from country to country because:
Sources of energy are not evenly distributed around the world.
They vary in terms of their exploitability.
The technology required to exploit energy sources is not equally available (developed countries have an advantage here).
The need to exploit or access energy sources varies from place to place.
