Fossil Fuels and energy Pathways Flashcards
How many countries in the world possess Uranium reserves?
35
Which nations have the largest supply of Uranium?
USA
Canada
Australia
Why did Nuclear power lose support from many developed nations in 1979 and 1986?
Major accidents at Two mile Island and Chernobyl lead to a loss in support for Nuclear energy
What % of total worldwide electricity generation does Nuclear energy account for?
16% output rose by 1.4% in 2006 but by 2020 the contribution is forecast to decline to just 10%
Where has a comparative advantage in comparison to other countries regarding oil supplies?
The Middle East
In 2006, who took over from Saudi Arabia as the World’s largest oil producer?
USA-it is responsible for the majority of non-OPEC output
How is oil transported across short distances?
It is transported by pipeline
How is oil transported across long distances?
Oil is transported by ocean going tankers over long distances
Give three factors which affect the price of oil
.Global economic expansion
.Recent growth and slowdown of the Chinese economy
.Political factors such as terrorist attacks in the middle east
.Sabotage attacks on oil facilities
.Impact of analysts in oil companies-some analysts have made incorrect forecasts of demand, therefore lowering output
How many countries have recoverable resources of coal?
70 countries
At current production levels how long will coal levels last?
For at least 150 years
What trend is coals use on in developed and developing countries?
.Its use is falling in more developed countries
.Its use is rising in countries such as China and India which are experiencing rapid insutrialisation
What % of total electricity generated from Poland and South Africa comes from Coal?
92%
What is the future of Coal closely linked to and why?
It is closely linked to the availability of Oil and gas-the prices of these commodities will directly affect the use of Coal
Which country holds the largest natural gas reserves?
Russia-around 38% in total
Why is natural gas a volatile product?
Because of its flammable nature it must be transported by pipeline or liquefied natural gas
How much of the worlds energy consumption does Natural gas account for?
Around a quarter
Why is natural gas traded very little internationally?
Due to its high transportation costs, its complex transport arrangements and enormous investment it requires
What are the different types of energy pathways?
.Pipeline over land
.By bulk carrier ship
.Tanker ship
.Underground electricity cables
What are the human problems relating to energy pathways?
.Technical pipelines
.Pipeline works
.Supplies running out
.Supplies being diverted for greater profit
What are the physical problems relating to energy pathways?
.Difficult terrain such as Tundra in Alaska and Siberia (Trans siberian Pipeline)
What are the political problems relating to energy pathways?
.Disagreements could lead to pathways being blocked
.Fossil fuels are in unstable locations
.Middle East/Somali pirate activity
.Embargos and sanctions can be put on Countries
