Why energy supply varies:

Question 1

1) Physical:

Answer 1

 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 2

2) Economic:

Answer 2

 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 3

3) Political:

Answer 3

 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
the river

Question 4

Energy distribution

Answer 4

COAL:
 China produced 41.1% of global
coal in 2007
 USA produces 18.7%

WIND
Germany world leader at 23.6%
Germany, USA and Spain and account for 58% globally

NATURAL GAS:
 Russia and USA produce 40% of world’s total

OIL:
 In 2007 the Middle East = 30.8% of oil production
 N. America = 16.5%
 Saudi Arabia dominates production
 12.6% of world’s total
 Russia accounts for over ½ of production for Europe and
Eurasia

Question 5

Energy consumption: NICs

Answer 5

NICs:
China accounts for 1/3rd of the growth in global oil demand since 2000
Demand for oil in China is expected to rise by 5-7% year

Question 6

Energy consumption: MEDCs

Answer 6

 The USA shows huge demands for energy resources

 Germany and UK have improved their energy efficiency resulting in a modest increase in demand compared with NICs

Question 7

Energy consumption: Developing countries

Answer 7

 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 8

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

Answer 8

 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