Unit 12 - Essays - One Electricity Scheme SIMPLE ENGLISH UPDATED Flashcards
Evaluate the success of one named electricity scheme in meeting changes in demand for power
Paragraph 1: How Norway’s Hydropower Meets Daily Demand Changes
Point 1: Hydropower is Flexible
Hydropower can quickly increase or decrease electricity production.
Unlike coal or gas power plants, which take a long time to start, hydropower can respond in minutes by letting more or less water flow through turbines.
Example: The Ulla-Førre hydropower station (Norway’s biggest) can produce 2,100 MW and quickly adjust to demand changes.
Point 2: Managing Electricity Use Throughout the Day
People use more electricity in the morning and evening (for cooking, heating, and working).
At night, when people sleep, demand is lower.
Norway uses pumped-storage hydropower to store extra water when demand is low and use it later when demand is high.
Point 3: Norway Makes Extra Electricity and Sells It
Norway often produces more electricity than it needs.
It sells extra electricity to other countries (like Sweden and Germany) using the Nord Pool electricity market.
Paragraph 2: How Norway Handles Seasonal and Regional (Spatial) Changes in Demand
Point 1: Electricity Demand Changes in Summer and Winter
In winter, demand is very high because people use electricity for heating.
Demand can go above 25,000 MW.
In summer, demand is lower (around 15,000 MW).
Norway stores water in reservoirs during summer and uses it in winter when demand is high.
Example: Blåsjø Reservoir (Norway’s largest) stores water in summer and releases it in winter.
Point 2: Some Areas Use More Electricity Than Others
Western Norway has many rivers, so most hydropower stations are there.
Southern and Eastern Norway have more people and factories, so they need more electricity.
Norway has a strong electricity grid to move electricity from production areas to areas that need it.
Paragraph 3: Economic Benefits and Energy Security
Point 1: Hydropower Makes Electricity Cheaper
Norway has some of the lowest electricity prices in Europe.
In 2023, Norway’s electricity price was €0.10 per kWh, much lower than the EU average of €0.25 per kWh.
This helps households and businesses save money.
Point 2: Norway is Energy-Secure (Does Not Depend on Other Countries for Power)
Many countries buy gas or coal from other countries to make electricity.
Norway does not need to do this because it makes its own electricity from water.
This protects Norway from energy price increases and supply shortages.
Point 3: Norway Makes Money from Selling Electricity
Norway exports (sells) a lot of electricity to other countries through the Nord Pool electricity market.
This helps Norway’s economy grow and provides stable electricity for Europe.
Paragraph 4: Environmental and Social Challenges of Hydropower
Point 1: Some Dams Harm Nature
Building large dams and reservoirs can flood forests, farmland, and animal habitats.
Example: The Alta River dam reduced salmon numbers because it changed the river’s natural flow.
Point 2: Some Indigenous People Have Been Affected
The Sami people in northern Norway rely on reindeer herding.
Some hydropower projects have blocked reindeer migration routes, making life harder for the Sami.
Some Sami groups have protested against new dams.
Point 3: But Hydropower is Still Good for the Environment
Unlike coal and gas, hydropower does not produce pollution.
Norway’s electricity system is one of the cleanest in the world.
It helps fight climate change and supports global climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Paragraph 5: Future Challenges and How Norway is Preparing for More Demand
Point 1: More People Are Using Electric Cars
Norway has the highest number of electric cars per person in the world.
In 2023, over 90% of new cars sold were electric.
This means more electricity is needed to charge these cars.
By 2030, electric cars could use 5 TWh more electricity per year.
Point 2: New Factories and Industries Need More Electricity
Norway is investing in green hydrogen, which needs a lot of electricity to produce.
New industries like data centers and battery factories are being built, increasing demand for power.
Norway must increase hydropower efficiency to meet future demand.
Point 3: Climate Change Could Reduce Hydropower Production
Climate change may cause more dry years, meaning less water for hydropower.
Some studies predict that hydropower production could fall by 10% in very dry years.
Norway is improving pumped-storage systems and keeping strong electricity connections with Europe to import electricity if needed.
Conclusion
Norway’s hydropower system is one of the best in the world.
It meets daily, seasonal, and long-term electricity demand changes.
It keeps electricity cheap, provides energy security, and helps the economy.
Although there are some environmental and social issues, Norway is investing in improvements to keep hydropower successful in the future.
