Oil and Gas

Question 1

What are some examples of Conventional Energy Sources?

Answer 1

• Natural Gas
• Coal
• Hydro
• Nuclear Energy

Question 2

What are some examples of Alternative Energy Sources?

Answer 2

• Solar
• Wind
• Biomass Energy

Question 3

What method is used to determine the presence of natural gas and oil?

Answer 3

Searching for clues such as:

• Look for rocks on the surface that have traces of oil
• Search for fossils
• Conduct seismic surveys that use shock waves

Question 4

List and Explain the two types of ways that oil is removed.

Answer 4

1. Flowing wells - There is enough natural pressure to force oil or gas to the surface . The flow is controlled by a. series of valves called a Christmas tree.
2. Non-Flowing wells - Electric or gas powered pumps are used to get the oil or gas to the surface. These are called “nodding horse” or “grasshoppers”

Question 5

Where are majority of oil/gas deposits found in Canada?

Answer 5

The western part of the Boreal plains and Prairie eco zones.
1. Alberta
2. Saskatchewan
3. British Colombia

Question 6

What are the pros and cons of Hyrdo electric production?

Answer 6

Pros:
- It’s Renewable
- It’s cleaner
- It’s safer

Cons:
- Plants are costly to build
- Sustainle sites are often far form where electricity is needed
- Building dams requires flooding ares which destroys everything there
- Flooding causes the release of dangerous chemicals
- Significantly affects lives of those living near areas that are flooded

Question 7

What are the pros and cons of Thermal electric production?

Answer 7

Pros:
- Plants can be built where energy is needed
- Plants are cheap to build

Cons:
- Fuel costs are high
- Most fuels used are non-renewable
- CO2 is produced

Question 8

What are the pros and cons of Nuclear electric production?

Answer 8

Pros:
- Plants can be built where energy is needed
- Low operating costs
- Abundance of Uranium in Canada
- Does not produce air pollution

Cons:
- High consumption costs
- Radioactive materials are harmful to humans
- Waste products remain dangerous for 100 000 years
- Plants need to be rebuilt often

Question 9

What is the breakdown of Hydro/Thermal/Nuclear in Canada (Percentages)

Answer 9

Hydro - 59%
Thermal - 28%
Nuclear - 13%

Question 10

How is oil and gas transported within Canada?

Answer 10

Natural gas is transported by pipelines. Oil is transported by supertankers and pipelines.