Geography - Consuming energy resources

Define: non renewable

These energy sources can’t be replenished quickly – they take millions of years to form. This means that they can run out. They’re also known as stock reserves as the planet has a limited supply (stock) of each one. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)

Define: renewable

An energy source is renewable if it can be replenished on a very short timescale. They are also known as flow resources renewable energy sources are flow resources because the planet has an endless supply of each one. Examples include wind, HEP and solar power.

Define: recyclable

These energy sources are those made from waste products or whose waste can be used to generate more energy. Nuclear energy and biofuels are recyclable sources of energy because they have usable waste products.

How do we use fossil fuels? Where do they come from?

Fossil fuels formed millions of years ago from the remains of dead organisms. They can be extracted from the ground and the seabed. As technology develops, it has become possible to extract resources that were previously too difficult or costly to use e.g. by fracking.

How do we generate wind energy

Wind energy – turbines use the energy of the wind to generate electricity, either on land or out at sea. Turbines are often built in large wind farms.

How do we generate solar energy

Solar energy – Energy from the sun is used to heat water and solar cookers or to generate electricity using photovoltaic cells.

How do we generate HEP

Hydroelectric power (HEP) – HEP uses the energy of falling water. Water is trapped by a dam and allowed to fall through tunnels, where the pressure of the falling water turns turbines to generate electricity.

How do we generate nuclear energy

Nuclear energy – This uses uranium atoms – when they split lots of heat is produced, which is used to boil water. The steam turns a turbine, generating electricity. New breeder reactors can generate more fuel during the splitting process, making nuclear energy more like a renewable energy source. Radioactive waste can also be processed so it can be used to generate more energy.

How do we generate biofuels

Biofuels – Wood, plants or animal waste (collectively known as biomass) can be burnt to release energy or used to produce biofuels. It is easy to produce biomass because living organisms grow quickly. Sometimes, biomass is already available as a waste product from other processes e.g. farming. Sometimes the waste products from the production of biofuels can also be used as a fuel. For example, sugar cane is fermented to produce ethanol, a biofuel often used in transport. The leftover cane is then burnt to produce more energy, e.g. for heating.

Fossil fuels: non renewable, renewable, or recyclable?

Non renewable

Wind energy: non renewable, renewable, or recyclable?

Renewable

Solar energy: non renewable, renewable, or recyclable?

Renewable

HEP: non renewable, renewable, or recyclable?

Renewable

Nuclear energy: non renewable, renewable, or recyclable?

Recycleable

biofuels: non renewable, renewable, or recyclable?

Recyclable

3 ways mining impacts the environment

Landscape scarring, removal of forest, carbon emissions

How does mining impact the environment: landscape scarring

Surface mining strips away large areas of soil, rock and vegetation so that miners can reach the materials they want. This can permanently scar the landscape.

How does mining impact the environment: removal of forests

Habitats are destroyed to make way for mines. This is done by clearing forests which leads to a loss of biodiversity.

Clearing forests also affects the water cycle because there are fewer trees to take up water from the ground. This leads to less interception, more surface runoff and increased soil erosion.

How does mining impact the environment: carbon emissions

Mining processes can release greenhouse gases e.g. carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to global warming.

Factors impacting access to energy in different countries: technology

Some countries are not able to exploit their energy resources as the technology required is unavailable or too expensive. E.g. Niger has large uranium reserves but does not have the technology to develop nuclear power plants. Developed countries can exploit more renewable energy supplies e.g. solar and wind power, but developing countries often rely on more fossil fuels because they are cheaper or easier to access.

What benefits does technology bring that allow countries to have better access to energy

Technology brings four benefits: An ability to tap less accessible energy sources A lowering of costs due to the efficiency of modern equipment and know-how The discovery of new sources of energy The invention of new ways of generating energy

Factors impacting access to energy in different countries: geology

Fossil fuels are found in sedimentary rocks, where impermeable rocks have trapped the oil and gas in the permeable rocks below. Countries located on plate boundaries may have access to geothermal energy (using the heat to generate power).

Factors impacting access to energy in different countries: accessibility

An area might have large energy resources but be unable to access them. For example, permafrost (permanently frozen ground) makes it very difficult to access fossil fuels. Some resources are also found in protected areas e.g. Antarctica and cannot be exploited.

Factors impacting access to energy in different countries: landscapes

Is the climate able to provide reliable renewable sources of energy, such as water (rainfall) for HEP, sunshine hours for solar energy and windy days for wind energy Solar power requires large amounts of sunlight to generate energy. Countries with sunny climates e.g. Spain, can use solar power more effectively than countries with duller climates e.g. the UK.

Factors impacting access to energy in different countries: climate

Wind turbines are most efficient in areas with a steady and reliable source of wind e.g. on high ground or along the coast.

Hydroelectric power usually requires lots of water to generate energy, and steep-sided valleys to use to contain reservoirs.

How can different countries' demands from different economic sectors impact their energy usage?

Developing countries may have a larger demand for energy because of their employment being in the secondary and tertiary sectors mostly, which are more energy intensive. In contrast, the largest sector in developing countries is the primary sector (mostly fishing and farming), which do not require as much energy

Describe and explain energy production and usage in developed countries

High energy production and consumption People have enough disposable income to be able to use a lot of energy People have access to highly intensive appliances like cars The government is able to invest money in energy production

Describe and explain energy production and usage in emerging countries

Increasing or high energy production and consumption Increasing industrialisation is energy intensive People have more money so are able to buy things that they could not previously, such as cars and phones The country is able to invest more money into energy

Describe and explain energy production and usage in developing countries

Low energy production and consumption People do not have access to electricity or high energy appliances Lifestyles are less dependant on energy consumption as the main sector is primary, mostly fishing and farming The government is less able to afford energy investment

Define oil reserves

Oil reserves are the amount of recoverable oil – oil that can be extracted using today’s technology.

Define oil production

Oil production is the process of extracting and refining crude (unrefined) oil.

How is oil formed and accessed?

Oil is formed from plants and animals that fall to the bottom of the ocean when they die, and they are then covered by sediment which turns to sedimentary rock over time. The heat from the earth and pressure from the earth turns the plant and animal remains into oil. Oil will rise up to the surface through the pores in the rocks. Where rocks above don’t have pores, the oil can become trapped. This trapped oil is accessed by a rig that supports a drill and the drill drills down to reach the oil.

Where are most of the world’s oil reserves found

The middle east

Why is oil consumption growing throughout the world? (give a little explanation)

Rising GDP per capita - as GDP per capita increases, so does oil consumption. People in wealthier countries have more energy-intensive goods e.g. cars. Around 65% of all oil is used to fuel vehicles.

Rapid industrialisation in emerging economies e.g. China and India, also increases oil consumption. The combination of a growing population, a boom in industry and the expansion of cities lead to higher consumption of oil.

What advantages does oil have as an energy source

It burns more cleanly than coal – lower carbon emissions It is fairly transportable – by pipeline, road, rail and ship It has a number of possible uses – transport, domestic, industrial and generating electricity

How do conflicts impact oil prices

can disrupt oil production. Shortages of oil causes prices to increase. A good example of this would be the effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which began in February 2022 and has led to shortages of gas and oil in Europe as European countries try not to buy from Russia.

How do diplomatic relations impact oil prices

oil prices may decrease because of tensions between oil-producing countries. For example, in 2013-14, rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two of the largest oil producing countries, meant they failed to agree production targets. Saudi Arabia increased the supply of oil, leading to a fall in prices on world markets.

How do recessions impact oil prices

a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced) – (e.g. the global financial crisis in 2008) lower the demand for oil because industrial activities and economic growth slow down. This causes prices to fall. This also happened at the start of the Covid Pandemic

How do economic booms impact oil prices

Oil prices increase during periods of rapid economic growth because of increased consumption and demand.

What does OPEC stand for?

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

Define conventional energy reserve

This means the usual working of coal by mining and oil and gas by drilling. The reserves are easily exploited and extraction of oil or gas from them is quick and cheap.

Define ecologically sensitive areas

An area which needs special protection because of its landscape, wildlife or historical value​

Define isolated ares

Difficult to access areas. ​

Why do companies exploit oil and gas in ecologically sensitive areas?

High oil and gas prices throughout the 2000s have helped boost research in these areas They are expensive options due to the difficult conditions (deep seas, intense cold etc), but high oil and gas prices make them more likely to be exploited. Exploring in these isolated and ecologically sensitive areas offers huge potential revenue for oil companies – and a guarantee for customers that fossil fuel supplies won’t dry up yet. ​ Liquefaction of natural gas (converting gas into liquid - LNG) means it is economically possible to transport gas by ship to the market, so it does not matter that these locations are not near the market.

Economic benefits of searching for oil sources in ecologically sensitive areas

Countries with oil and gas reserves can save money by reducing energy imports e.g. Peru is exploiting natural gas reserves in the Amazon rainforest that could save the country billions of dollars. ​These countries also make money from exporting energy.  ​Oil and gas companies bring investment and jobs to an area. For example, the proposed Willow project which is in the Arctic tundra is projected to deliver between $8 and $16 billion in new revenue and has the potential to create over 2500 construction jobs and 300 long term jobs. ​

Economic costs of searching for oil sources in ecologically sensitive areas

Clearing land to make way for pipelines and roads to reach new areas is expensive Arctic conditions are very challenging (cold, ice, deep water, ecologically sensitive): it is expensive​ to exploit in these conditions ​

Environmental costs of searching for oil sources in ecologically sensitive areas

Clearing land can disrupt fragile ecosystems and cause biodiversity loss. Roads and industry increase air pollution and can pollute soils and water. ​ Exploring offshore oil and gas reserves such as in the Arctic Ocean, can have a big impact on marine life. Noise and vibrations from drills can confuse whales and other marine mammals that rely on sound to communicate, navigate and find food. Oil spills can leak into the sea and kill birds and fish.​

Define unconventional energy reserve

In the case of fossil fuels this means doing things differently, in terms of both locations and methods of extraction. Unconventional energy reserves are exploited using more expensive methods e.g. hydraulic fracking that needs specialist technology. Extraction often takes a lot longer than from conventional reserves.

Define bitumen

A very dense sticky form of petroleum/oil

Define tar sands

Sediment that is mixed with oil (bitumen), can be mined to extract oil to be used as fuel

Define shale gas

Natural gas that is trapped underground in shale rock

How is hydraulic fracking done

A well is drilled vertically until it reaches the shale. The well is then drilled horizontally along the shale formation.​ The well is reinforced with concrete and steel. ​ Water, sand and chemicals are pumped into the well at high pressure. ​ The pressure creates small cracks (fissure) in the shale, which releases any gas stored within it. ​ The liquid is pumped out of the well. The sand remains to keep the cracks open, enabling the gas to be piped to the surface.

How is tar sands mining done

Mining: Open-pit mining is the most common form of tar sands extraction. This method requires the use of large hydraulic shovels to dig up tar sands and load them onto trucks carrying up to 320 tons per load. The oil is finally extracted from the bitumen through a combination of heat, water, chemicals, and constant movement. In-situ: This method is used when bitumen deposits are buried too deep for mining to be economical. The in-situ method relies on steam injection to heat buried tar sands and facilitate extraction via conventional wells.

Negative consequences of shale gas mining on water quality

The chemicals used in fracking liquid as well as the shale gas itself can pollute groundwater and drinking water. This has become a big problem in some fracking areas in the USA where people have been able to set fire to their tap water. Impact on local water supply since 3-6 million gallons of water are used per well.​ Disposal of flow back liquids – stored and disposed of in pits on site or at water treatment sites (tailings ponds) – if not stored properly, then they can contaminate groundwater supplies.

Negative consequences of shale gas mining on ecosystems

Land has to be cleared to build drilling pads for fracking – this destroys animal habitats and disrupts ecosystems and food chains e.g. mule deer populations have been affected in Wyoming.

Economic benefits of shale gas mining

Fracking in the USA has reduced household energy bills. Created over 2 million jobs. Reduced dependence on oil and gas imports from the Middle East.

Negative consequences of tar sands mining on water quality

Most tar sand extraction is carried out by surface mining which means vegetation is cleared and surface oil and rock removed over a large area, resulting in a total loss of habitats. This can cause a reduction in the biodiversity of the area as organisms have less space to live and find food. Processing tar sands creates huge amounts of liquid waste full of harmful chemicals which are stored in tailings ponds. These can pollute water supplies if they are not managed properly.

Negative consequences of tar sands mining on ecosystems

Mining the tar sands has led to leaks into rivers and lakes, in particular an estimated 11 million litres of toxic waste reaches the Athabasca river daily, killing freshwater fish and the animals that feed on them like bears

Economic benefits of tar sands mining

Due to the depletion of other supplies and the rising cost of oil and developing new technology, it is deemed worthwhile to exploit these resources commercially.

Energy efficiency

Using less energy to provide the same service.

For example - energy-efficient lightbulbs use less energy to produce the same amount of light as nonenergy-efficient lightbulbs.

Energy conservation

Refers to reducing energy consumption through using less of an energy service. For example - changing our behaviour as consumers by driving less, drying clothes on a washing line instead of in a dryer.

Finite energy

Energy supplies such as coal, oil and gas that will eventually run out.

Carbon footprint

A calculation of the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by a person, a country, an organisation

Energy security

Having access to reliable and affordable sources of energy

Energy mix

The range of energy sources of a region or country, either renewable or non-renewable or a mixture of

How can energy efficiency be used to reduce energy used in transport

People can buy vehicles with low Carbon dioxide emissions or electric cars which improves energy efficiency leading to a reduction in energy consumption. Hybrid cars, vans, and trains combine diesel and electric power to increase efficiency. They use electricity when possible, and recharge their batteries using diesel power. Regenerative braking – road vehicles and trains can be fitted with devices to store the energy lost under braking, either to be used later or returned to the national grid. Engine manufacturers are making more efficient engines in response to laws and rising fuel costs

How can energy conservation be used to reduce energy used in transport

Improving public transport and encouraging walking or cycling reduces demand for energy used for transport. Improving energy conservation – aeroplane design has focused on reducing drag, which reduces the amount of energy lost during flights.

How can energy efficiency be used to reduce energy used in homes

Using energy efficient lightbulbs helps to improve energy efficiency as they use less energy to light a house. This can reduce energy consumption. Modern boilers – new boilers are more efficient than older models, so will use less energy in homes.

How can energy conservation be used to reduce energy used in homes

Solar panels can be fitted to the roofs of homes providing renewable, low-carbon energy. Smart energy meters such as Google Nest Insulation – by insulating walls (cavity wall insulation), draught proofing doors, insulating roofs (fibre glass insulation), floors (thick carpets and underlays) and having double glazed windows. This will lead to less energy being required to heat homes.

Disadvantages of using fossil fuel alternatives for energy

Higher cost of energy Location - best places for generating renewable energy are far away from cities where the energy is needed Extensive land use - e.g wind farms or solar farms take up a large area, there may be conflict with residents who wish to use it for other purposes like growing crops Impact on landscape - can spoil the view, and create noise pollution Impact on ecosystems - deforestation to grow biofuel crops, birds killed by wind turbines, valleys flooded for HEP

Advantages of using fossil fuel alternatives for energy

Reduces carbon footprint - less fossil fuels → less co2 released higher energy security - energy source will always be available and will not run out diversify energy mix - increases energy security because it means that a country is not solely reliant on one type of energy, so, if there is a problem, they will still have access to energy

Costs of biofuels

Sources of biomass have to be managed sustainably to make sure they do not run out. Growing crops for biofuel reduces the amount of food crops that can be grown and lots of water is needed. Growing crops for biofuels is leading to deforestation in some areas.

Benefits of biofuels

Biofuels cause less pollution than fossil fuels when they are burned. Some biofuels are made from crop waste, manure and other by-products, reusing materials that would otherwise be wasted.

Costs of wind energy

Wind is unpredictable, so the amount of electricity produced varies. Wind turbines can cause environmental issues (lots of space needed, noise pollution and harm birds and bats). It’s expensive to transport the electricity produced from offshore wind farms to where it is needed. Offshore wind farms are built far away from where the source is needed, requiring expensive transmission lines to use the power produced.

Benefits of wind energy

After the turbines have been made and transported to a suitable area, they do not release any greenhouse emissions. It is relatively cheap source of renewable energy, in fact onshore wind is one of the cheapest renewable energy sources for the consumer.

Costs of solar energy

Sunny climates are needed to produce large amounts of electricity, so it is not a reliable energy source in places where there is very little sun. Toxic metals, e.g. mercury, are used in the construction of solar panels. Solar panels can affect habitats and ecosystems. Large solar farms can take up land that could be used for growing crops, although the land can often be used for grazing.

Benefits of solar energy

Once the panels have been made and fitted, no emissions are produced. Solar panels do not require much maintenance once they have been installed. The technology is widely available. No noise is created by the solar panels converting sunlight into energy.

Costs of hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power plants are expensive to build and require lots of water and land. Methane (a greenhouse gas) may be released from rotting organic matter in the reservoirs created behind the dams. Hydroelectric power plants can cause other environmental issues (flooding of valuable habitats, sediment build up and death of plants and algae in the river water).

Benefits of hydroelectric power

No emissions are produced when hydroelectric power plants are used to generate electricity. The flow of water through the turbines can be controlled, so the supply of energy is reliable.

Costs of hydrogen fuel

Hydrogen rarely exists by itself on Earth – energy is required to extract it e.g. from water. The energy often comes from burning fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse gases. The technology is expensive and not widely available, meaning that it is currently unlikely to be able to increase energy security. Storing hydrogen is dangerous as it is flammable.

Benefits of hydrogen fuel

Burning hydrogen does not release any harmful emissions – the only by-product is water. Hydrogen is usually extracted from water, so it is not limited to particular areas. Hydrogen energy is very efficient so it could be a big part of a country’s energy mix.

Define ‘business as usual’

Everything carries on as normal. We go on getting most of our energy from fossil fuels and do not increase the use of renewable energy sources.

Define ‘move to sustainability’

We reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use and increase our use of renewable energy sources. This allows us to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Views on energy futures (should we move to renewables or stick with fossil fuels): consumers

Want energy security → when fossil fuels start to run out, this will decrease → may begin to favour renewables Want cheap power → renewables are currently more expensive and require investment (e.g. solar panels) → favour fossil fuels Increased environmental awareness can lead to favouring sustainability

Views on energy futures (should we move to renewables or stick with fossil fuels): TNCs

Many are actively involved in extracting fossil fuels → favour fossil fuels, they might otherwise go out of business Other businesses are indirectly involved, using fossil fuels for energy for transport, production etc Controlling oil reserves gives TNCs a lot of wealth and power, which they may otherwise lose Investment required for renewables → higher costs → favour fossil fuels

Views on energy futures (should we move to renewables or stick with fossil fuels): governments

Want secure energy → understand that fossil fuels will eventually run out and alternative sources will be needed → move to sustainability Governments are coming under pressure from their people in developed countries to protect the environment Fossil fuels have helped countries to develop, most infrastructure is built off of fossil fuels → business as usual

Views on energy futures (should we move to renewables or stick with fossil fuels): climate scientists

Predicting a large temperature increase, as well as climate disasters such as flooding in the coming years if there is continued burning of fossil fuels → sustainability

Views on energy futures (should we move to renewables or stick with fossil fuels): environmental groups

Want people to switch to sustainables in order to protect the environment, both in terms of ecosystems and the climate

How does rising affluence help to change attitudes towards energy consumption

People with more money can afford to make a choice about energy use e.g. buying newer cars that are more fuel-efficient or investing in solar panels for their homes. Governments in developed countries have more money to invest in public transport and renewable energy.

How does improving education help to change attitudes towards energy consumption

People in developed countries have better access to education through school and the media – this means that they have a better understanding of the consequences of unsustainable energy use and increasing emissions. People learn how to reduce their carbon footprint, which means there is more interest in using cleaner energy sources and reducing energy consumption.

How do environmental concerns help to change attitudes towards energy consumption

Increased access to education means people are more worried about permanently damaging the environment – they’re more likely to try to reduce their carbon footprint. Developed countries can afford to invest in research into the environmental impacts of different energy sources – this creates more awareness about energy consumption and how to reduce carbon footprints. In developing countries, economic development can overshadow environmental concerns. As a country develops, the environment can become a higher priority.

Image What is it? What does it show?

This is the environmental Kuznets curve. On the y axis is environmental degradation, while the x axis has economic growth. It shows that, as an economy develops, the environment worsens at first, and then a tipping point is reached where people become more concerned about protecting it, so it improves again. From a simplistic view, it suggests that economic development is positive long term for the environment

What is used to calculate carbon footprint?

Food, home, travel, lifestyle

How might you personally reduce carbon footprint

Recycling, eating less meat products, buying locally from a farmers market