Renewable energy + energy security Flashcards
What is renewable energy?
Energy that cannot run out for example, wind power, hydroelectric power, solar energy and geothermal energy.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar.
ADVANTAGES
Clean energy - doesn’t produce green house gases.
Relatively low cost
Individual houses can use solar power.
DISADVANTAGES
Only effective in places hat receive large amounts of sunlight / long light hours
Lots of space needed to install solar farmes.
Advantages and disadvantages of wind
ADVANTAGES
They are particularly effective where there is lots of wind e.g. high ground or near the coast.
Relatively low cost.
DISADVANTAGES
Costly to set up
Cannot be set up anywhere because not all places have a constant supply of wind.
Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy.
ADVANTAGES
Provides a potentially infinite supply of energy.
DISADVANTAGES
ONLY works in places that experience volcanic activity.
Geothermal energy might calm down meaning the power stations may be left abandoned.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power.
ADVANTAGES
No harmful gases given off.
Relatively cost free once set up.
DISADVANTAGES
People who live near rivers need to be relocated in order to set up the dam which can be quite costly.
What is energy security?
Energy security describes whether a country has a reliable amount of energy to supply to its population. The countries who use the most energy also produce the most. They are mainly rich countries. This means they have energy security. Poorer countries have low energy demand and production is low. This means they mostly have energy insecurity.
Energy insecunity in the Arctic
The Arctic region holds about 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of the world’s gas reserves. Agreements are being made as to whether we should use these supplies. However it would be very expensive and dangerous to do so as an oil spill could be catastrophic for the environment.
Problems with energy insecurity.
- Many countries with energy insecurity cut down trees to drill for oil and gas which leads to habitat loss. 2. Land is flooded in the creation of hydroelectric power dams which produce renewable energy. 3. Many countries are building wind turbines in rural areas ruining scenic beauty of areas. 4. Food prices in supermarkets might increase as suppliers will have to pay more for food from farmers around the world.
