Sources Of Energy Flashcards
What is a potential new source of oil?
Oil shale ‘fracking’
Fracking is a method of extracting oil and gas from underground by injecting high-pressure fluid.
What are the oil frontiers mentioned?
Arctic Ocean and Southern Atlantic
These regions are considered new areas for oil exploration and extraction.
What trend has been observed in natural gas production?
Production has increased very quickly
This includes notable production in Europe, particularly in the North Sea, which is now declining.
What are the advantages of solar energy?
- Infinite, renewable resource
- No greenhouse gas emissions
- Can be constructed over water and land
- Suitable in deserts
Solar energy can provide an alternative source of income in areas unsuitable for agriculture.
What are the disadvantages of solar energy?
- Sunlight is variable and intermittent
- Less effective in cloudy conditions
- Requires expensive storage
- Large scale farms need significant land
- Sandstorms in the Middle East reduce efficiency by 40%
Efficiency can be significantly impacted by environmental conditions.
What is the largest solar farm in Africa?
Benban Solar Park
It showcases the potential of solar energy in large-scale applications.
What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
- Nearly 0 carbon dioxide emissions
- Large capacity for energy production
- Job creation
- Reliable fuel source
- Small amount of uranium required
A nuclear power plant can produce energy for 6 million homes.
What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?
- Radioactive waste
- Negative public perceptions
- Geopolitical tensions
- Significant amounts of waste produced
Example: California’s 3 Mile Island incident.
What are the advantages of wind energy?
- No greenhouse gas emissions
- Can be located offshore and onshore
Wind energy is a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
What are the disadvantages of wind energy?
- Noise pollution
- Damage to local ecosystems
Wind turbines can disrupt local wildlife, particularly bird species.
What is the Cranell wind farm known for?
Texas, 100 turbines, powers 66,000 homes
It represents a significant investment in wind energy, costing $500 million.
What are the advantages of hydroelectric power?
- Provides flood control
- Facilitates irrigation
- Provides drinking water
These benefits make hydroelectric power a crucial resource in many regions.
What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?
- Very expensive to build and maintain
- Requires specific geographical features
Large areas may need to be flooded to create reservoirs.
What is an example of a major hydroelectric project?
3GD (Three Gorges Dam)
It is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.
What are the advantages of geothermal energy?
- Stable energy source
- Small footprint
Geothermal energy is sustainable and has a minimal environmental impact.
What are the disadvantages of geothermal energy?
- Air and water pollution
- Cost-effective only in geothermally active areas
Geothermal energy is not feasible in areas lacking geothermal resources.
What percentage of Icelandic homes are heated with geothermal energy?
85%
Iceland utilizes its geothermal resources extensively for heating.
What are the advantages of biomass energy?
- Replenished quickly
- 80% reduction in emissions compared to coal
- 60% reduction in emissions compared to gas
- Powers 4000 homes in the UK
Biomass is considered a more sustainable energy source.
What are the disadvantages of biomass energy?
- Specific wood pellet quality needed
- High carbon footprint in transport
Transporting biomass can negate some of its environmental benefits.
What is the capacity of Drax power station?
2.6 GW for biomass
It is one of the largest biomass power stations in the UK.
What was the percentage of coal use in the UK for electricity production as of November 2024?
0%
The UK has made significant strides in reducing coal reliance.
What was the energy mix in the UK in 2023?
- Gas: 36.5%
- Oil: 37.6%
- Renewable: 11.2%
- Non-renewable: 76.8%
The UK is transitioning towards more renewable energy sources.
What is the primary energy supply in Iceland from geothermal production?
85%
Geothermal energy is a significant part of Iceland’s energy strategy.
What does China account for in global energy consumption by 2030?
40% of the world’s total energy consumption
China’s rapid industrialization drives its energy demands.
Why does China have its specific energy mix?
- Mass manufacturing industry requires electricity
- Rapid urbanization
- Growing car ownership
These factors contribute to China’s high energy consumption.
What issues does China face with its energy mix?
- Dependence on foreign fossil fuels
- Environmental dangers from HEP programs
- Excess supply leading to waste
These challenges complicate China’s energy strategy.
