Summarising Energy Security

Question 1

The main way to classify energy is between renewable, non-renewable and recyclable sources. Define these

Answer 1

Renewable = can be used over and over again e.g. wind and solar power
Non-renewable = these are finite resources so as they are used up the stock that remains behind is
reduced
Recyclable resources = fuel that has been used once can be used again to generate power e.g. nuclear
reprocessing can make uranium waste reusable

Question 2

What factors influence the suitability of an energy source?

Answer 2

Start up time
Affordability
Accessibility
Renewability

Question 3

How many people live without electricity?

Answer 3

1.6 billion

Question 4

Define fossil fuel.

Answer 4

Those formed over geological time from the partly decayed remains of plants or animals.
They include coal, oil and gas and can be combusted only once and a therefore finite and non renewable.

Question 5

What are future trends likely to be in terms of energy demand?

Answer 5

China and India expected to have the largest rises.
Countries in Western Europe may reduce their demands as a result of improved energy efficiency and rising energy costs.
Developing world countries expected to double by 2020, while it increases by about one third in the developed world.

Question 6

Why does energy security matter?

Answer 6

Energy is fundamental to how society and the economy functions and develops.
It is vital to maintain quality of life.
A country loses control over its affairs if it has to rely on other countries for energy.
Countries can be vulnerable in a crisis.
Unstable/unreliable energy and prices make planning difficult.

Question 7

The Oil Drum (UK case study)

Answer 7

2006- 92% of the primary energy consumed in the UK was derived from fossil solar fuels - oil, natural gas and coal.
UK WAS self sufficient in these energy resources but now importing much more.
Dependency = less energy secure upon imported energy undermines UK national security and will have potentially dire consequences for the balance of trade.

Question 8

What are 6 alternative energy sources?

Answer 8

Smart Meters- cutting down excess use of resources within a household.
Transition town- community works together to become less reliable on fossil fuels.
Community Energy- producing energy locally and working collectively.
Solar thermal energy- harnesses solar energy to generate thermal and electric energy.
Offshore wind turbines- generates electricity from kinetic energy from wind.
CHP- heat that is normally wasted in conventional power generation is recovered as useful energy.

Question 9

What are energy pathways?

Give an example

Answer 9

The flows of energy from producer to consumer are the pathways.

Trans-siberian pipeline, the main conveyor of Russian natural gas exports.

Question 10

Oil pathways

Answer 10

The middle east exports around 15,000 barrels per day, mainly to Japan, Europe and China.
Substantial amounts flow from Africa, Europe and Canada and central America to the USA.

Question 11

What is OPEC?

What are its aims?

Answer 11

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, a permanent intergovernmental organisation of twelve oil-exporting developing nations.

• protect the interests of member countries
• stabilise oil prices
• ensure efficient, economic and regular supply of oil

Question 12

What role does OPEC play in energy supply?

Answer 12

Sets oil production quotas for member countries in response to economic growth rates and demand-and-supply conditions.
•If demand rises, it can increase oil production to prevent steep price rises.
•If demand falls, oil can be reduced to stabilise the price.

Question 13

How powerful is OPEC as a player?

Answer 13

It has around 78% of the world’s oil reserves.
It produces around 45% of the world’s crude oil and 15% of natural gas.
Fracking has reduced their power, USA able to produce their own oil.

Question 14

Energy Security and Energy Pathways: Research

Answer 14

Somali Pirates- Made an illegal coast guard: developed into the pirates- taking oil tankers and charging a ransom.
Nabucco Pipeline- Passes from Azerbaijan to the EU and can carry 100 billion cubic metres of gas per year making up 1% of Europe’s total demand.
Hurricane Katrina- 2005, Damaged the US refinery and production.
Oil Crisis: 1973- OPEC raised posted price of crude oil $3 to $12 per barrel for US allies- lead to recession.
First Gulf War- 1991- Having a war stopped oil production.

Question 15

What is the UK doing to try end become more energy secure?

Answer 15

UK is investing in a £2bn nuclear plant deal to try and combat energy security issues built by Chinese.
Nuclear energy is expensive and the waste is difficult to expose of.
Relying on China doesn’t reduce energy security problems.
Takes at least 10 years to build.

Question 16

What are some responses to increasing energy demands?

Answer 16

Business as usual
Multi energy solution
Energy conservation

Question 17

Energy in Contrasting Countries-UK

Answer 17

Consume less energy today compared to 1970 due to increased efficiency eg 3 million tonnes compared to 53 million.
In the late 2020s, nuclear is also set to contribute more as the UK’s new generation of nuclear power stations come online.
43% of fossil fuels from abroad.

Question 18

Energy in Contrasting Countries- Mali

Answer 18

Mali is a landlocked country in North Western Africa.
Typical characteristics of LEDC: increasing population due to high birth rate, low life expectancy (53), low adult literacy rate (74%) etc.
70% of the population is in rural areas
Decentralised energy production for a decentralised population.
86% of the energy they use in in household.
Tiny amount of electricity but of that is hydropower (70%) and thermal power plants.
93% of the population use firewood and charcoal as primary source of energy.
Between 5 and 10% has access to electricity
Less than 5% has access to modern energy services

Question 19

Increased demand in emergent countries- China

Answer 19

2010- China overtook US to become biggest energy user
Since 1980’s, its economy has doubled in size every 8 years- the consequence of this is a massive increase in the demand for energy.
The growth of industry has created a Chinese middle class- of which have higher consumption levels (higher quality of life).
Three Gorges Dam.

Question 20

Factors contributing to the uncertainty over global energy supply.

Answer 20

• Scale of population growth
• Impact of rising standards of living
• Size of undiscovered oil and gas reserves
• Discovery of new energy technologies
• The scale of the possible switch to renewable energies
• Possible contribution of ‘unconventional’ oil sources
• Emergent economies energy demands
• Future performance of global economy

Question 21

What is business as usual?

Answer 21

Going on as we were.
Global energy demand will rise by 53%, leading to a 55% increase in global energy related carbon dioxide emissions.
Fossil fuels will remain the dominant source of energy worldwide.

Question 22

What is the multi energy solution?

Answer 22

A multi energy solution involves meeting future energy demands from a mixture of renewable, recyclable and non renewable resources.
A mix ensures energy security and to maintain an affordable supply for both individuals and industry.

Question 23

How much of the global electricity to supply is from wind power?

Answer 23

1%

Question 24

What is the energy conservation response?

Answer 24

Based on decreasing the amount of energy used.
Individuals and organisations may want to reduce consumption- to reduce costs/ maximise profits, reduce harmful emissions, or to promote energy security

Question 25

Give examples of how oil has lead to conflict.

Answer 25

Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
First Gulf War 1990 (American led coalition liberated Kuwait).
Second Gulf War 2003
Iran’s nuclear threat and ongoing conflict with the USA.

Question 26

Case study: India and China compete over energy

Answer 26

India’s growth has lead to a high demand of energy.
China is ahead in terms of planning for energy security.
Oil imports account for 2/3 of India’s oil consumption but only 1/3 of China’s.
India invested $3.5 billion in overseas oil exploration- China $40 billion

Question 27

Managing future energy needs may be achieved in two possible ways:

Answer 27

• by applying various ‘carrot and stick’ measures such as emission controls, carbon trading and green taxation to encourage reduction in energy consumption and an increase in energy efficiency.
• Developing new and radical technologies that are sustainable and bring energy security

Question 28

Why energy supply varies: physical

Answer 28

• Deposits of fossil fuels are only found in a limited number of places
• Solar power needs a large number of days a year with strong sunlight
• Large power stations require flat land and stable foundations

Question 29

Why energy supply varies: economic

Answer 29

• Onshore deposits of oil and gas are cheaper to develop then offshore deposits
• In poor countries foreign direct investment is essential to develop energy resources
• Most accessible and low cost deposits of fossil fuels are developed first

Question 30

Why energy supply varies: political

Answer 30

• Countries wanting to develop nuclear power need to gain permission from the International Atomic Energy Agency
• International agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol can influence energy decisions
• HEP schemes on ‘international’ rivers require the agreement of all countries that share

Question 31

It is important to note that the use of energy in all countries has changed over time due to:

Answer 31

• Technological developments -> nuclear power only been available since 1954
• Increasing national wealth -> incomes increase resulting in increasing use of energy
• Changes in demand -> Britain’s trains were powered by coal
• Changes in price -> Electricity production in UK switched from coal to gas power stations are they are cheaper to run
• Environmental factors/public opinion -> can influence decisions made by governments

Question 32

Energy consumption: Developing countries

Answer 32

• Most are struggling to pay for their energy
  requirements
• Energy demand is influenced by rate of
  economic development and rate of population
  growth
• In the world 2 billion people lack access to
  household electricity
• Traditional biomass in these countries accounts
  for 90% of total energy consumption

Question 33

The energy security of a country can be measured using the ‘Energy Security Index’ (ESI).
This is based upon:

Answer 33

• Availability – the amount of a country’s domestic oil and gas supplies and its level of reliance on imported resources
• Diversity – the range of energy resources used
• Intensity – the degree to which the economy of a country is dependent on oil and gas
  The higher the index, the lower the risk and therefore the greater the energy security

Question 34

Why is the USA in energy crisis?

Answer 34

1) Consumption- 2007 used 23.8% of world’s oil
2) Reliance on imports- 1960- 2003, USA’s reliance on imported gas and oil increased by 18% to 58%- 9/11 terrorist attack = concerns of dependence on imports from the Middle East.
3) Price- In 2006 the price of oil had risen from $20 to $60 per barrel. In 2008 the oil was $140
4) Reserves are beginning to run out reserves (should last 40-65 years)
5) Global sources of energy are unevenly distributed- most are concentrated in politically unstable parts of the world
6) Demand for energy is increasing- the growth of economies in China and India has meant more competition for resources

Question 35

How energy supplies can be disrupted e.g. Russia

Answer 35

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been high since 2004
Russia also opposes Ukraine’s desire to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the EU.
The EU gets a quarter of its gas supplies from Russia - 80% of which passes through Ukraine

Ukraine and Russia have faced negotiations over the renewal of gas supply contracts every year and couldn’t agree on a price (2009) and Russia accused Ukraine of taking gas meant for European customers and so cut off gas for more than a dozen countries.

Question 36

Europe’s energy security – should they be worried?

Answer 36

Yes- the amount of gas Russia supplies to Europe means that any disruptions have large-scale impacts.
No-
• Reducing dependence on Russia—building of the South Caucasus pipeline supplying gas from Azerbaijan via Turkey
• Press Russia and Ukraine to sign long-term contracts, with accepted pricing formulae, similar to those that Gazprom already has with most EU countries.
• Diversify its sources of energy, something that it must do anyway if it is to meet its ambitious climate-change targets.

Question 37

Background to Tar Sands in Canada

Answer 37

Contains up to 2.5 trillion barrels of oil (more than Saudi Arabia’s reserves)
Oil sands are made of sand, water and a hydrocarbon tar called bitumen. Since the rising oil prices and technological advances they have now become more feasible to extract.

Alberta’s tar sands produced a million barrels of oil a day in 2003 and expected to reach 3.5 million a day by 2011. By 2030 they aim to produce at least 5 million a day and export the surplus

Question 38

Problems (Tar Sands in Canada):

Answer 38

• Immense amount of heat is needed for seperation usually through burning natural gas
• Every barrel of oil produced requires 4 barrels of
  water. The water then also becomes polluted where it can damage ecosystems
• Issue of disposing of the shale once the oil has been removed
• Very expensive and only viable when oil costs over $30 a barrel
• Processes are a large source of greenhouse gas emissions
• 470km2 of forest have been removed and lakes of toxic waste cover 130km2

Question 39

Benefits (Tar Sands in Canada):

Answer 39

• Alternative source of oil during times of political or access issues
• By 2030 the tar sands could meet 16% of North America’s demand for oil
• Provide additional source of energy until more renewable sources can be found
• Oil is vital to Canada’s economy (2007= 20% of exports)

Question 40

Problems (Arctic Oil Case Study):

Answer 40

• Oil companies have already destroyed large parts of
  Alaska and Siberia so should be kept out of the Arctic
• New oil rush in the Arctic is only possible because of
  the increased shrinking of the polar ice cap due to global warming
• The Arctic is a pristine environment containing over 45 species of land and marine animals
• Issue over who has the right to claim ownership of the natural resources.

Question 41

Benefits (Arctic Oil Case Study):

Answer 41

• At around $70 per barrel it makes drilling in the Arctic viable. (2007 prices reached $100).
• Contains up to 25% of the world’s undiscovered oil and natural gas

Question 42

Rapid economic growth in China has been achieved at high environmental costs:

Answer 42

• Industrial revolution in a short time resulting in it being
  the largest contributor to CO2 emissions
• 16 of the top 20 most air-polluted cities
• 2003 – air pollution blamed for 400,000
  deaths
• 30% of China suffers from acid rain due to emissions from coal-fired power stations
• CO2 emissions in 2006 more than 6.2 billion
  tonnes (increase of 9%)
• 70% of China’s rivers and lakes are polluted
• Beijing’s pollution levels are 3x higher than
  safe WHO levels

Question 43

Rapid economic growth in China has been achieved at high social costs:

Answer 43

• Rural population still in poverty
• 20% of population live on less than $1 a day
• Child labour used in some factories
• 1/12th of people rely on the polluted Yangtze
  river for drinking water

Question 44

Named Example: USA car industry

Answer 44

The USA car industry has shrunk since 1970s due to lack of investment and a failure to compete with Japanese car technology.
In 2000, car sales- 17 million, 2007 - 13 million.
In 2008, the top five best selling cars in the USA were Japanese.
Chinese car industries are also beginning to launch themselves onto world markets and it is thought that by 2015 ‘Geely’ will produce 1.7 million cars per year.

Question 45

Named Example: China’s investment in Africa

Answer 45

• Around 30% of all used in China comes from Africa
• In 2007 Chinese investment in Africa totalled $30 billion
• 45% ownership of oil field in Nigeria
• Minerals investment in Zimbabwe
• $175 million invested in copper mining in Zambia

Question 46

The Oil Drum (UK case study)

Answer 46

In 2006, 92% of the primary energy consumed in the UK was derived from fossil solar fuels - oil, natural gas and coal.
Not so long ago the UK was self sufficient in these energy resources but now we are importing increasing amounts of all three.
Dependency upon imported energy undermines UK national security and will have potentially dire consequences for the balance of trade.