Factors affecting supply and use-Wind energy in Europe

Question 1

in past wind was used for

Answer 1

transport, pumping water

increased usage since 1997 due to climate change concerns

Question 2

physical factors affecting supply: location

Answer 2

middle high lattitude zones with westerly winds/trade wind belt in tropics
coastal areas rather than inland

Question 3

best locations in Europe

Answer 3

along atlantic coast e.g. British Isles
exceptions are deep valleys e.g. Rhone in France
Turkey and Greece due to Mediterranean high temperatures promote atmospheric mixing

Question 4

human factors: political

Answer 4

• EU promote as carbon neutral and flow resource

- Kyoto protocol signed by all EU countries set targets for reduction in carbon emissions=promote renewable energy

Question 5

human factors: public opinions

Answer 5

-local people and conservationists dislike. sites with potential are coasts and uplands of high environmental quality

Question 6

human factors: technology

Answer 6

Thames estuary-new generation of giant wind turbines, with blades up to 150m in diameter .
but oppose as affects migrating birds and may impact on marine ecosystems

Question 7

how has development of wind changed over time?

Answer 7

• investment in renewable as finite resources may run out
• global political instability has underlined need for countries to depend less on imported energy e.g. oil and gas
• diversification of energy mix to provide energy security
• nervousness of nuclear power after ukraine accident=more renewables needed