Unit 12 - Essays - One Electricity Scheme UPDATED Flashcards
Evaluate the success of one named electricity scheme in meeting changes in demand for power
Paragraph 1: How Norway’s Hydroelectric Power Handles Short-Term Demand Changes
Point 1: Flexibility of Hydroelectric Power
Hydropower can quickly adjust to changes in electricity use.
Unlike fossil fuel plants, which take time to increase or decrease production, hydropower can respond within minutes by releasing more or less water through turbines.
Example: Ulla-Førre hydropower system (Norway’s largest) can generate 2,100 MW and quickly adapt to electricity demand changes.
Point 2: Managing Daily Fluctuations in Demand
Electricity use changes throughout the day:
Morning and evening peaks (when people wake up and return home).
Lower demand at night (when people are sleeping).
Norway’s pumped-storage hydro plants store water during low-demand periods and release it during peak hours.
Point 3: Surplus Energy and Electricity Exports
Norway often produces more electricity than it needs because hydropower is so efficient.
Extra electricity is exported to other countries via the Nord Pool electricity market (e.g., Sweden, Germany, Denmark).
Paragraph 2: Seasonal and Regional (Spatial) Changes in Demand
Point 1: Seasonal Changes in Electricity Use
Norway’s demand is much higher in winter because of heating needs.
Winter peak demand can exceed 25,000 MW, while summer demand is lower (around 15,000 MW).
Reservoirs help balance this:
Blåsjø Reservoir (1,246 km²) stores excess water in summer and releases it in winter.
Point 2: Regional (Spatial) Distribution of Electricity
Hydropower plants are mainly in Western Norway, where there are many mountains and rivers.
However, demand is highest in the South and East, where most people and industries are located.
Norway’s high-voltage power grid transports electricity from production areas to consumption areas.
Paragraph 3: Economic Benefits and Energy Security
Point 1: Hydropower’s Impact on Electricity Prices
Norway’s electricity prices are among the lowest in Europe:
€0.10 per kWh (compared to the EU average of €0.25 per kWh).
This benefits both households and industries, making electricity affordable.
Point 2: Energy Security and Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels
Norway does not rely on imported fossil fuels because it produces its own electricity.
Unlike countries that import oil and gas, Norway is protected from energy price fluctuations.
Point 3: Electricity Exports and Economic Gains
Norway earns billions of euros each year from exporting hydroelectric power.
Connected to the European electricity grid via Nord Pool.
Helps stabilize electricity markets in neighboring countries (Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands).
Paragraph 4: Environmental and Social Challenges
Point 1: Environmental Impact of Hydropower
Large reservoirs flood natural areas and affect wildlife.
Example: The Alta River dam reduced salmon populations because it disrupted natural water flow.
Point 2: Impact on Indigenous Sami Communities
Hydropower developments have disrupted traditional reindeer migration routes.
Many Sami communities protested against new dam projects in northern Norway.
Point 3: Despite Challenges, Hydropower is Environmentally Friendly
Norway has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world.
Hydropower produces almost zero CO₂ emissions, making it much cleaner than fossil fuels.
Supports global climate targets like the Paris Agreement.
Paragraph 5: Future Challenges and Norway’s Adaptation Strategies
Point 1: Growing Electricity Demand from Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Norway has the highest EV ownership rate in the world.
Over 90% of new cars sold in 2023 were electric.
Charging all these EVs will increase electricity demand by 5 TWh per year by 2030.
Point 2: New Industrial Energy Needs (Green Hydrogen, Data Centers, etc.)
Norway is developing green hydrogen production to replace fossil fuels in industries.
New industries like data centers and battery factories require a lot of electricity.
Hydropower must scale up to meet future industrial energy demands.
Point 3: Climate Change and Hydropower Risks
Climate change may cause more frequent droughts, reducing hydropower production.
Studies suggest that Norway’s hydro output could fall by 10% in very dry years.
Solution: Improve pumped-storage capacity and maintain strong electricity connections with Europe to import power when needed.
Conclusion
Norway’s hydroelectric power scheme is one of the most successful in the world.
It effectively handles short-term, seasonal, and long-term changes in demand.
Economic benefits and energy security make it a strong system.
Although environmental and social challenges exist, continuous upgrades ensure it will remain successful in the future.
With reference to one country’s overall electrical energy strategy, assess the extent to which reducing environmental impacts is an important factor
Paragraph 1: Norway’s Clean Energy Strategy and Focus on the Environment
Point: Norway prioritizes reducing environmental impacts in its energy strategy by relying on renewables.
Evidence:
88% of electricity comes from hydropower (Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, 2023).
Norway’s goal to cut 55% of its emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 (Norwegian Environment Agency, 2023).
Development:
Unlike many countries that still rely on coal and gas, Norway has already transitioned to mostly renewable electricity.
The government continues to invest in modernizing its electricity grid to ensure clean energy is efficiently distributed across the country.
Spatial variation:
Different regions use different sources: hydropower is dominant in the west and north, while wind power is growing in the south and offshore areas.
Evaluation:
Environmental concerns are clearly a top priority, but other factors still play a role.
Paragraph 2: Hydropower’s Benefits and Environmental Trade-Offs
Point: While hydropower reduces carbon emissions, it causes environmental damage.
Evidence:
Hydropower disrupts river ecosystems, affecting fish migration and water quality.
The Alta Hydroelectric Project in the 1980s faced opposition from indigenous Sámi communities and environmental groups due to its impact on salmon and reindeer grazing.
Development:
Large-scale hydropower projects built decades ago focused more on energy security than environmental concerns.
More recently, Norway has worked to balance hydropower with conservation efforts, such as implementing fish ladders and limiting new dam projects.
Temporal variation:
In the 20th century, hydropower expansion prioritized economic growth and industrialization.
Today, new projects face stricter environmental regulations to reduce negative impacts.
Evaluation:
While environmental protection is now more important in decision-making, past hydropower developments prioritized other factors.
Paragraph 3: Wind Power and Offshore Energy Expansion
Point: Norway is expanding wind power to further reduce fossil fuel reliance, but environmental and social concerns limit its growth.
Evidence:
30 GW offshore wind target by 2040 (Norwegian Energy Commission, 2023).
Onshore wind projects, such as Fosen, faced protests from indigenous reindeer herders.
Development:
Offshore wind power is seen as a way to complement hydropower during dry seasons.
Public opposition to land-based wind farms has slowed expansion, showing that environmental impacts and cultural concerns also influence energy decisions.
Spatial variation:
Offshore wind is prioritized due to lower environmental impact, while onshore wind faces resistance in certain areas.
Evaluation:
Norway’s wind power strategy balances environmental concerns with energy needs, but reducing environmental harm is not the only factor influencing decisions.
Paragraph 4: Energy Security and Economic Considerations
Point: Norway’s energy strategy must also ensure reliable electricity and economic stability.
Evidence:
Norway exports electricity to Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK through interconnectors.
The NordLink interconnector connects Norway to Germany, allowing for electricity trade and grid stability.
Norway profits from natural gas exports, even though gas contributes to global emissions.
Development:
While Norway prioritizes renewables, it still relies on fossil fuels for economic benefits.
The government balances green energy growth with the need to maintain economic competitiveness.
Temporal variation:
In the past, Norway relied heavily on hydropower for domestic energy but has since become a major exporter of electricity and natural gas.
Evaluation:
While sustainability is important, energy security and economic growth sometimes take priority over environmental concerns.
Paragraph 5: Affordability and Public Perception
Point: Norway’s energy policies must also keep electricity affordable for businesses and households.
Evidence:
Energy prices increased sharply in 2021–2022 due to European energy market changes and dry weather reducing hydropower production.
The Norwegian government introduced electricity subsidies to help people cope with high prices.
Development:
Even though Norway supports green energy, the government must ensure electricity remains affordable.
If electricity costs become too high, public support for green policies may decline.
Evaluation:
Environmental protection is a priority, but affordability remains an important factor in decision-making.
Conclusion
Restate main argument: Norway’s energy strategy strongly prioritizes reducing environmental impacts, seen in its focus on hydropower, wind power, and carbon reduction goals.
Balance with other factors: However, energy security, economic benefits, and affordability also shape policies.
Final judgment: While sustainability is a major driving force, it is not the only factor—Norway must balance environmental concerns with economic and social considerations.
‘People have different views about the scheme’s success’. How far is this statement true of one named located scheme to produce electricity
With reference to one country, assess the extent to which recent changes in the management of energy supply led to locational changes in power production
