Y10 Geography - 3.2.3.4 Energy

Energy security

Energy security occurs when a country's energy supply meets or exceeds demand, providing a reliable and affordable source of energy.

Energy insecurity

Energy insecurity occurs when energy demand exceeds supply, leading to shortages, higher prices and potential economic problems.

Energy surplus

An energy surplus occurs when a country produces more energy than it consumes, increasing energy security and opportunities for export.

Energy deficit

An energy deficit occurs when a country consumes more energy than it produces, increasing dependence on imported energy.

Global distribution of energy consumption

Energy consumption is highest in developed countries such as the USA and parts of Europe because people use more energy for transport, industry and technology.

Global distribution of energy supply

Energy production is concentrated in regions with large reserves of fossil fuels or suitable conditions for energy generation, creating areas of surplus and deficit.

Economic development

As countries develop, demand for energy increases because industry, transport and manufacturing expand.

Rising population

A growing global population increases the demand for energy as more people require electricity, heating and transport.

Technology

Increasing use of computers, mobile devices, machinery and household appliances raises energy consumption.

Physical factors

The availability of energy resources depends on geology, climate and natural conditions. For example, fossil fuels require suitable rock formations and HEP needs reliable water supplies.

Cost of exploitation and production

Some energy resources are expensive to extract or generate, limiting their use despite large reserves.

Technology

Technological developments can make previously inaccessible resources economically viable, such as shale gas extracted by fracking.

Political factors

Government policies, international relations and conflicts can influence which energy sources are developed and where energy is obtained.

Exploration of difficult and sensitive areas

Countries facing energy insecurity may exploit resources in remote or environmentally sensitive areas such as the Arctic, increasing environmental risks.

Economic costs

Energy shortages can increase energy prices, reduce economic growth and increase production costs for businesses.

Environmental costs

Extracting energy in sensitive environments may damage ecosystems and increase pollution.

Impact of energy insecurity on food production

Food production requires energy for machinery, irrigation, transport and fertiliser production. Energy shortages can therefore reduce food output and increase prices.

Biofuels and food production

Growing biofuel crops can reduce the land available for food production, contributing to higher food prices.

Impact of energy insecurity on industrial output

Industry depends on energy as both a power source and raw material. Energy shortages can reduce production and slow economic growth.

Potential for conflict

Competition for scarce energy resources can create political tensions and conflict between countries.

Arctic energy resources

The Arctic contains significant undiscovered oil and natural gas reserves which could help meet future energy demand.

Advantage of Arctic exploitation

Exploiting Arctic resources could improve energy security, increase energy supplies and create economic opportunities.

Environmental disadvantage of Arctic exploitation

Oil spills and industrial activity could cause severe damage to fragile Arctic ecosystems where recovery is slow.

Economic disadvantage of Arctic exploitation

Extreme climates, specialised equipment and long transport distances make Arctic extraction expensive.

Political disadvantage of Arctic exploitation

Competing territorial claims over Arctic resources may increase international tensions.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished and can provide a sustainable long

Non

renewable energy

Biomass

Biomass uses organic material such as plant matter or waste to generate energy and is renewable if resources are replaced.

Biomass advantage

Biomass can provide a reliable energy source while making use of waste materials.

Biomass disadvantage

Growing biomass crops may compete with food production for land and water.

Wind energy

Wind turbines generate electricity using the movement of air.

Wind advantage

Wind energy is renewable and produces electricity without releasing greenhouse gases during operation.

Wind disadvantage

Wind energy is weather

HEP

Hydroelectric power generates electricity using flowing water.

HEP advantage

HEP is a reliable renewable energy source because water flow can be controlled.

HEP disadvantage

Large dams can be expensive and may flood habitats and settlements.

Tidal energy

Tidal energy generates electricity from the movement of sea tides.

Tidal advantage

Tidal energy is predictable because tides occur regularly.

Tidal disadvantage

Tidal barrages are expensive and can disrupt marine ecosystems.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from underground rocks to generate electricity.

Geothermal advantage

Geothermal energy provides a reliable renewable energy supply because it is not dependent on weather.

Geothermal disadvantage

Its use is limited to areas with suitable geological conditions.

Wave energy

Wave energy generates electricity using the movement of sea waves.

Wave advantage

Wave energy is renewable and has significant future potential.

Wave disadvantage

Wave power technology is expensive and still under development.

Solar energy

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar advantage

Solar energy is renewable and produces electricity without direct carbon emissions.

Solar disadvantage

Solar power is less effective in areas with low levels of sunshine and requires large areas of space.

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are non

Fossil fuel advantage

Fossil fuels provide a reliable supply of energy and can generate large amounts of electricity on demand.

Fossil fuel disadvantage

Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.

Nuclear power

Nuclear power generates electricity using uranium as a fuel source.

Nuclear advantage

Nuclear power produces large amounts of electricity with low carbon emissions.

Nuclear disadvantage

Nuclear power produces radioactive waste that remains hazardous for many years and power stations are costly to build.

Natural gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel used for electricity generation, heating and industry.

Fracking

Fracking is a process used to extract shale gas by breaking underground rock using high

Fracking advantage

Fracking can increase domestic energy supplies, improve energy security and create employment opportunities.

Fracking disadvantage

Fracking may cause environmental concerns such as water pollution, earth tremors and local opposition.

Sustainable energy supply

A sustainable energy supply balances energy demand with energy production while reducing environmental impacts.

Energy conservation

Energy conservation involves reducing energy use through more efficient buildings, transport and technology.

Carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual, organisation or activity.

Reducing energy demand

Energy demand can be reduced through financial incentives, awareness campaigns and more energy

Energy

efficient homes

Technology improving fossil

fuel efficiency

Camisea Project

The Camisea Project is a natural gas extraction project in the Amazon region of Peru that aims to increase energy supplies and economic development.

Camisea advantage (economic)

The project could save Peru up to US$4 billion in energy costs and generate billions of dollars through gas exports.

Camisea advantage (employment)

Natural gas extraction creates jobs and boosts local economies through investment and infrastructure development.

Camisea advantage (development)

Improved infrastructure linked to the project can benefit local communities and make agriculture more productive.

Camisea disadvantage (environmental)

Construction of pipelines and other infrastructure has caused deforestation and damaged natural habitats within the Amazon rainforest.

Camisea disadvantage (Indigenous communities)

The project may disrupt the traditional lifestyles of Indigenous groups and affect their food and water supplies.

Camisea disadvantage (pollution)

Pipeline construction and land clearance have increased the risk of landslides and pollution of rivers and streams.

Evaluation of the Camisea Project

The Camisea Project provides economic benefits and improves energy security, but these gains must be balanced against environmental damage and impacts on Indigenous communities.

Location

Chambamontera is a remote community in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

Why the scheme was needed

The community had limited access to electricity because of its remote location and low population density.

Micro

hydro scheme

Economic benefits

Electricity allows businesses to develop and supports local economic growth.

Social benefits

Electricity improves education, healthcare and quality of life through lighting and refrigeration.

Environmental benefits

The scheme provides renewable energy with little environmental impact and reduces the need to burn wood.

Evaluation of the scheme

The Chambamontera micro