ESS Topic 7.2 - Energy sources: use and management - SL and HL (new syllabus)

Renewable energy (7.2.1)

Energy from sources that naturally replenish on human timescales and do not deplete with use. Examples: wind power in Denmark, solar energy in Saudi Arabia, geothermal energy in Iceland, hydroelectric power in Norway, tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy (Canada)

Non-renewable energy (7.2.1)

Energy from sources that exist in finite quantities and cannot be replenished within human timescales once depleted. Examples: coal power plants in China, natural gas extraction in Russia, petroleum refineries in Saudi Arabia, nuclear power in France

Fossil fuels (7.2.1)

Carbon-based energy sources formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years, including coal, oil, and natural gas. Examples: coal mining in the Appalachian region (USA), offshore oil drilling in the North Sea, natural gas extraction in Qatar

Energy consumption (7.2.2)

The total amount of energy used by individuals, societies, or the global population, typically measured in terajoules or British thermal units. Examples: residential heating and cooling, transportation fuel use, industrial manufacturing processes, electricity for lighting and appliances

Per capita energy demand (7.2.2)

The average amount of energy used per person in a given population, often reflecting economic development and living standards. Examples: high demand in wealthy nations like USA (about 300 million Btu/person), lower demand in developing nations like Ethiopia (about 10 million Btu/person)

Energy sustainability (7.2.3)

The ability to meet current energy needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs, minimizing environmental degradation. Examples: Iceland's reliance on geothermal and hydroelectric power (nearly 100% renewable), Costa Rica achieving extended periods of 100% renewable electricity generation

Intermittent energy (7.2.5)

Energy production that varies unpredictably due to changing environmental conditions rather than producing constant output. Examples: solar panels producing no electricity at night, wind turbines stopping when wind speeds are too low or too high, tidal power varying with lunar cycles

Energy storage (7.2.5)

Technologies and systems that capture energy for later use, essential for managing intermittent renewable sources. Examples: lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, pumped storage hydroelectricity facilities, molten salt thermal storage in concentrated solar plants, hydrogen fuel cells

Pumped storage hydroelectricity (7.2.5)

Energy storage method using two water reservoirs at different elevations; water is pumped uphill when electricity is abundant and released downhill through turbines when demand is high. Examples: Dinorwig Power Station in Wales, Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia (USA)

Energy conservation (7.2.6)

Reducing total energy consumption by using less energy or eliminating unnecessary energy use through behavioral changes. Examples: turning off lights when leaving rooms, lowering thermostat settings in winter, walking or cycling instead of driving, air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer

Energy efficiency (7.2.6)

Achieving the same or better outcomes while using less energy through improved technology or design. Examples: LED bulbs using 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, triple-glazed windows reducing heat loss, smart thermostats optimizing heating schedules, high-efficiency appliances

Energy security (7.2.7)

A nation's access to reliable, affordable energy supplies that meet demand without disruption or dependence on unstable sources. Examples: Switzerland's diversified energy portfolio reducing vulnerability, Japan's energy insecurity following Fukushima disaster requiring increased imports

Energy insecurity (7.2.7)

Vulnerability to energy supply disruptions, price fluctuations, or insufficient availability to meet national needs, often creating economic and political instability. Examples: Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas creating vulnerability to supply disruptions, Sri Lanka's 2022 energy crisis causing widespread blackouts

Fossil fuel reserves (7.2.8)

Economically recoverable deposits of coal, oil, or natural gas that can be extracted using current technology at current prices. Examples: Saudi Arabian oil reserves (approximately 267 billion barrels), USA coal reserves (estimated 150 years at current consumption), Qatar natural gas reserves

Nuclear fission (7.2.9)

Process where atomic nuclei split into smaller fragments, releasing enormous energy; typically involves uranium-235 or plutonium-239 in controlled chain reactions. Examples: nuclear power plants in France generating 70% of national electricity, nuclear reactors in USA navy submarines

Radioactive waste (7.2.9)

Materials containing unstable isotopes that emit harmful radiation for thousands of years, produced during nuclear power generation and requiring isolated storage. Examples: spent fuel rods stored at Yucca Mountain (USA), high-level waste stored in underground facilities in Finland, contaminated materials from Chernobyl accident

Battery storage (7.2.10)

Devices that store electrical energy through chemical reactions, enabling later use; essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Examples: Tesla Powerwall home batteries in Australia, large-scale battery systems in South Australia stabilizing grid, electric vehicle batteries in China

Rare earth elements (REEs) (7.2.10)

Group of seventeen metallic elements essential for modern technology, including batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines; difficult to extract with concentrated global production. Examples: lithium for batteries, neodymium for wind turbine magnets, cobalt from Democratic Republic of Congo

Lithium-ion battery (7.2.10)

Rechargeable battery technology using lithium ions moving between electrodes; dominant technology for electric vehicles and portable electronics. Examples: Tesla electric vehicle batteries, smartphone batteries, grid-scale storage systems in California