Geopolitics of Energy 1/2 done

Question 1

What is geopolitics?

Answer 1

The study of the ways in which political decisions and processes impact the use of space and resources, and the relationship between geography, economics and politics

Question 2

What are the drawbacks of relying on another country for energy?

Answer 2

Prices can increase (but the UK can’t do anything about it)
This can lead to shortfalls and blackouts
Terrorism, wars and political unrest in other countries can threaten supply

Question 3

What are the advantages of relying on other countries for energy?

Answer 3

Improve the UK’s environment (no mining or polluting power stations)
Less money spent on extracting fuels/energy production
Ready way to meet shortfalls quickly

Question 4

What is a TNC?

Answer 4

A Transnational Corporation, such as Shell or Gazprom

Question 5

What are the aims of a TNC?

Answer 5

To identify large reserves and extract energy, while working with local people and developing their skills, and using local expertise so that extraction and production is carried out as a partnership

Question 6

What are the roles of a TNC?

Answer 6

Exploration and extraction
Transportation
Refining
Marketing
Distribution

Question 7

Where does Shell operate in the UK?

Answer 7

In the North Sea, where 19% of Britian’s oil and 23% of its gas is produced
In 14 offshore platforms, 23 gas fields, 2 gas power stations and a natural gas liquid (NGL) fractionation plant

Question 8

Where does Shell operate in Canada?

Answer 8

In projects like Caroline Complex (made of a gas field, 14 wells, 3 compressor stations and a gas processing plant), located near Caroline in Alberta, where methane is produced

Question 9

What is an upstream operation?

Answer 9

Searching for potential crude oil and natural gas fields, drilling exploratory wells and then drilling and operating successful wells

Question 10

What is a downstream operation?

Answer 10

Refining crude oil and processing and purifying raw natural gas, as well as marketing and distribution of products derived from oil and gas (includes petrol, kerosene, jet fuel and diesel)

Question 11

How does Shell transport its oil and gas products?

Answer 11

Via oil tankers, with 10 fleets which can carry varying amounts of oil/gas and often within particular regions (Caribbean or Middle East)
Or pipelines which pipelines span deserts, mountains and deep seas