Supply Of Non-Renewable Sources Of Energy Flashcards
What is the problem with the supply of fossil fuels?
They are not present in great quantities in the least developed countries. Recoverable amounts uranium, used in the production of nuclear energy, are also distributed unevenly.
What percentage of the world’s oil and natural gas reserves are contained within the poorest countries?
Coal- 14%
Oil- 5%
Natural gas- 8%
What percentage of the world’s oil coal, oil and natural gas reserves are within the middle income countries and NICs?
Coal- 45%
Oil- 70%
Gas- 68%
Where are most of the world’s oil reserves?
The middle east- saudi arabia has 25%. The north sea and canada have substantial oil reserves but they would be expensive to extract. Also eurasia and northern europe.
How many years are left for the oil reserves?
About 40 years.
Describe the distribution of natural gas?
They are finite but enormous and are widely distributed around the globe. (It is estimated that there are still significant amounts of undiscovered natural gas).
What country has the largest natural gas reserves?
Russia with 38%
Is natural gas a clean fuel?
It is cleaner than oil as it produces virtually no sulphur dioxide and less then half the co2 released by other fossil fuels. However, it is a volatile product.
Why must oil be transported by pipeline or expensive liquified gas?
Because it is highly flammable.
Therefore the main areas of production tend to be near their markets
Where are coal resources available?
Almost every country in the world.
At current production levels how long will coal reserves last?
At least 150 years
What is the demand for coal like?
Second highest demanded energy source. Its use is falling in medcs but rising in ledcs and nics.
Why can coal be dangerous?
It has a high sulphur content
Why is the future of coal difficult to predict?
Because cleaner ways of using it might be developed, such as coal gasification. As supplies of oil and gas decline, coal might well become the primary fossil fuel.
What is the major source of fuel for the nuclear power industry?
Uranium
