Global Resources & Energy

Question 1

What is fracking and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 1

• Fracking is a way of extracting shale gas – natural gas trapped underground in shale rock
• Liquid is pumped into shale rock at high pressures, causing rock to crack, releasing the gas, which is collected as it comes out of the well.
• Lots of shale gas is available in the UK: 5 trillion m² of fracking sites are thought to be in Lancashire.
• Fracking increases the UK’s energy security and means less has to be imported.
• Gas is less polluting than other fossil fuels, releasing half the CO2 of coal when burned.
• The technology is existing.
• Gas is not sustainable.
• Fracking pollutes groundwater.
• Protest over fracking have led to arrests.
• Investment may slow down as it is instead placed on renewable energy.
• 2.9 magnitude earthquake recorded near fracking site in Lancashire.

Question 2

What’s the difference between direct and indirect emissions?

Answer 2

Direct emissions are produced from things that use energy, such as heating, electrical appliances and travel. Indirect emissions are produced when making the things we buy, such as clothing or food.

Question 3

How can energy be conserved?

Answer 3

Sustainable design:
- Insulation in buildings
- Modern boilers are more efficient
- Solar panels implemented
- Electric transport

Demand reduction:
- Tax relief to incentivise lower energy use
- Improve public transport to encourage walking and cycling
- Fitting smart energy meters

Using technology:
- Energy saving light bulbs
- Hybrid cars
- Regenerative breaking
- Combined Cycle Gas Turbine technology in power stations generate up to 50% more energy for the same amount of fuel

Question 4

Describe a sustainable energy scheme in a LIC or NEE.

Answer 4

Bihar is a rural state in north-east India (a NEE)

Why was it needed?
- around 85% of people who live in Bihar are not connected to the electricity grid, and those that are have unreliable connection.

What was done?
- In 2007, a scheme using rice husks as biofuel was started.
- The husks are collected to small, local power plants that can supply energy within a 1.5km range.
- Local production is efficient, as the husks and electricity do not travel far.

Why was the scheme successful?
- By 2015, 84 power plants supplied electricity to 200,000 people.
- The need for fossil fuels was reduced.
- The power plants provided jobs for local people.
- The government now offers financial support to further the project.