Paper 3 Pre-release Flashcards
Why is energy important in our daily lives?
Energy is essential for heating, lighting, communication systems, and access to food, water, and consumer products.
What was the percentage decrease in overall energy consumption in the UK in 2020 compared to 2019?
13%
What caused the decrease in energy consumption in the UK in 2020?
The Covid-19 pandemic led to business closures and travel restrictions.
What is energy security?
Energy security is having an uninterrupted and affordable energy supply.
List the components of the UK’s total energy mix in 2020.
- Oil: 40%
- Natural gas: 36%
- Renewables: 15%
- Nuclear energy: 6%
- Coal: 3%
What is the UK’s electricity energy mix in 2020?
- Gas: 40%
- Renewables: 39%
- Nuclear: 15%
- Oil: 4%
- Coal: 2%
Why is energy security important?
It ensures economic and political stability, links to food supply, and affects living standards.
What are the 4 ‘A’s of energy security?
- Availability
- Accessibility
- Acceptability (safety and environmental concerns)
- Affordability
What factors affect energy security?
- Physical environment
- Costs
- Technology
- Political factors
Fill in the blank: Energy security is linked to _______ and economic development.
food supply
True or False: Disruptions to energy supply can impact living standards.
True
What was the significant source of energy production in the UK from 1970 to 2020?
Heavy reliance on North Sea oil and gas
The North Sea was a major contributor to the UK’s energy production during this period.
What trend is observed in the UK’s energy imports from 1970 to 2020?
Increasing energy imports
The percentage of energy imports grew significantly over the decades.
In what year did significant oil and gas production in the North Sea begin?
1970
This marks the start of notable energy production in the North Sea.
What was the total electricity capacity in the UK in 2022?
Data not provided
The specific figure for total electricity capacity in 2022 is not included in the text.
List the countries with the highest share of wind and solar electricity generation in 2021.
- Denmark: 51.9%
- Ireland: 32.9%
- Spain: 32.9%
- Portugal: 31.5%
- UK: 25.2%
- Germany: 28.8%
- Luxembourg: 43.4%
These percentages reflect the share of electricity generation from wind and solar sources in different European countries.
True or False: The UK’s share of wind and solar electricity generation in 2021 was higher than that of France.
True
The UK had a 25.2% share compared to France’s 9.4%.
Fill in the blank: The UK’s electricity generation from wind and solar sources was _______ in 2021.
25.2%
This percentage indicates the contribution of renewable energy sources to the UK’s electricity generation.
What was the electricity capacity trend in the UK from 2004 to 2022?
Increasing electricity capacity
The text indicates a growing trend in the overall electricity capacity in the UK.
What percentage of electricity generation from wind and solar did Luxembourg achieve in 2021?
43.4%
This high percentage reflects Luxembourg’s strong investment in renewable energy.
Name one country with less than 5% share of wind and solar electricity generation in 2021.
- Russia: 0.5%
This indicates a minimal reliance on renewable energy sources in Russia.
What is the percentage of electricity generation from wind and solar sources in Norway as of 2021?
7.5%
This figure shows Norway’s lower reliance on wind and solar compared to other European countries.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy comes from sources that won’t run out, including:
* the wind
* the sun
* the waves and tides
* natural underground heat
* energy crops, wood and waste
What percentage of renewable energy in the UK comes from wind energy?
28%
What are the main types of renewable energy used in the UK as of 2021?
- Wind energy
- Bioenergy
- Hydro energy
- Biomass energy
- Geothermal energy
- Solar energy
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- Tidal energy
- Wave energy
How is hydroelectric energy generated?
Hydroelectric energy is generated from moving water
What is biomass energy?
Biomass is plant and animal matter (e.g., wood, straw, sewage, and waste food), or trees grown for fuel. Burning biomass can produce heat and electricity.
What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal power stations use heat from deep underground to generate electricity.
How can solar energy be used?
The sun’s light and heat can be captured by solar panels and turned into electricity or used to heat water.
What do hydrogen fuel cells do?
Hydrogen fuel cells can work like batteries and can power vehicles.
What generates tidal energy?
Marine turbines can use the movement of the tide, as the sea rises and falls, to generate electric power.
How is wave energy generated?
The energy in waves can be used to generate electricity.
What are some advantages of renewable energy?
- Will not run out and are seen as sustainable
- May be less affected by international disputes
- Cause very little air pollution
- Development of renewable technology can create job opportunities
- Requires less costly maintenance than fossil fuel power stations
- Can reduce fluctuation in energy prices
What are some disadvantages of renewable energy?
- Dependent on weather conditions
- Less efficient in producing electricity than traditional methods
- High initial cost of large-scale projects
- Some developments require a lot of space and may have environmental impacts
- Manufacture and recycling may create environmental issues
Fill in the blank: Total renewable energy used in the UK is _______ million tonnes of oil equivalent.
24.36
True or False: Renewable energy sources are often affected by international disputes.
False
What is the proposed tidal power project in Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary called?
Northern Tidal Power Gateways (NTPG)
NTPG has proposed a multi-billion pound tidal barrage scheme.
What are the two main purposes of the tidal barrage scheme proposed by NTPG?
- Generate electricity
- Provide a transport link between Lancashire and the Lake District
For how many years does NTPG suggest the tidal barrage scheme will generate renewable energy?
100 years
How many homes could the tidal barrage scheme potentially supply energy for?
Up to 2 million homes
How many jobs is the whole project estimated to create?
13,000 jobs
What additional facilities will each barrage contain?
- Navigation locks
- Fish passes
True or False: The UK has one of the smallest tidal ranges in the world.
False
What are the local concerns regarding the tidal barrage project?
- Potential cost of the project
- Environmental impact on tidal mudflats and salt marsh
Why is Morecambe Bay considered an important physical environment?
It is the largest area of tidal mudflats in the UK.
What types of activities can visitors enjoy in Morecambe Bay?
- Quiet sandy beaches
- Historical sites
- Hiking and cycling routes
- Bird watching
What is the significance of Morecambe Bay’s ecosystem?
It is a designated wetland area of international importance with a wide range of wildlife.
What types of birds can be found breeding in Morecambe Bay?
- Wading birds
- Ducks
- Geese
Fill in the blank: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserve is located at _______.
Leighton Moss
What can visitors see at the South Walney nature reserve?
Seals on the sandbars at low tide
What is the estimated cost of the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary tidal gateway project?
£10 billion
This project aims to generate renewable energy and create transport links.
How many turbines will be installed in the Morecambe Bay tidal gateway project?
130 turbines
These turbines will generate enough energy for 2 million homes.
What is the expected reduction in journey times from North Lancashire to West Cumbria due to the project?
75%
This will save both time and money for travelers.
How many journeys are estimated to occur over the crossings annually?
9 million journeys
This will help reduce traffic congestion on the M6.
How much fuel is expected to be saved each year due to the project?
750,000 litres
This will lead to significant cost savings for local people and businesses.
What are the projected cost savings for local people and businesses from the project?
Over €200 million
This includes savings from reduced travel distances.
What is the projected job creation from the Morecambe Bay tidal gateway project?
Up to 13,000 jobs
This will contribute to the regeneration of Lancashire and Cumbria.
What is the projected economic growth contribution from the project?
£400 million a year
This will be driven by new industries and business expansion.
What is the estimated annual saving from generating emission-free energy?
£370 million a year
This highlights the environmental benefits of the project.
What is the potential economic generation from new industries over 20 years?
£20 billion
This will help stimulate local economies.
What environmental issue is addressed by the project?
Protecting the environment against future flooding and storm damage
This is projected to save £100 million a year.
Why is tidal power not used as frequently as wind and solar energy?
High cost and complex engineering
Tidal power can be up to ten times more expensive than onshore wind energy.
What makes tidal patterns more favorable compared to wind patterns?
Predictability and power
Tidal patterns and ocean currents are more predictable than wind.
What are some of the costs associated with tidal power?
Complex engineering and environmental issues
Maintaining machinery that can survive in seawater is particularly challenging.
What is the ‘energy trilemma’?
A framework that requires an energy system to deliver affordable energy, ensure supply security, and reduce emissions.
What potential does tidal power have?
To generate large amounts of renewable energy.
What are the significant risks associated with tidal power?
Disturbance to sensitive environments and impact on marine birds and wildlife.
What does the RSPB encourage energy companies to do?
Find solutions to balance clean energy production with the protection of valuable environments.
Why is Morecambe Bay an important site?
It is internationally important for wintering wildfowl and waders.
What is the estimated cost of the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary project?
£10 billion.
How long is the construction of the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary project expected to take?
25 years.
What are some arguments against the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary project?
It may be uneconomic, environmentally damaging, and could worsen the economic situation in Barrow-in-Furness.
What benefits could the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary project potentially provide?
New transport links, skills-based training, employment opportunities, and protection against climate change effects.
What are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
Protected areas of high biodiversity that support a wide range of species.
True or False: The Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary project is universally supported by locals.
False.
Fill in the blank: The Morecambe Bay barrage could potentially create new habitats for _______.
[birds].
What are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)?
Protected areas known for their scenic beauty and environmental significance.
What are some alternatives mentioned to the Morecambe Bay project?
Cheaper methods of generating electricity that exert less pressure on the environment.
What negative impacts could arise during the construction of the tidal power schemes?
Increased pressure on existing infrastructure and disturbance to wildlife.
What are some of the economic concerns regarding the project?
It may lead to overcrowding in summer and drive locals to work in Morecambe or Lancaster.
What is the potential impact of the barrage on tidal surges and flood risks?
It could reduce tidal surges and flood risks.
