Energy security

Energy Security

Uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

Consumption

The way in which energy is used.

Energy Mix

The combination of different available energy sources used to meet a country's energy demand.

Primary Energy

A source of energy that occurs naturally (e.g. fossil fuels).

Secondary Energy

A source of energy that is converted from primary energy (e.g. electricity).

Energy Intensity

A measure of how efficiently a country is using its energy (units of energy per nit of GDP). High energy intensity indicates a high cost of converting into GDP. It generally decreases with economic development (energy is used more efficiently, so cost per unit is lowered).

Renewable energy

Sources of energy that are infinite - they will never run out (e.g. wind, solar, geothermal, tidal).

Recyclable energy

A source of energy that can be re-used, but may require some processing to be able to do so. (e.g. processing nuclear waste or heat recovery systems.)

Non-renewable energy

Finite sources of energy - these reserves will eventually run out. (e.g. fossil fuels.)

Physical availability

The reserves available within the country/area. If sufficient reserves do not exist, the country will need to import energy/fuels to meet demand.

Public Perception

Some sources of energy are perceived as unsafe (e.g. nuclear), or may be opposed by residents (NIMBYism) - e.g. wind turbines.

Cost of energy

The amount of capital required to fund the extraction/exploitation of the source of energy, to process the fuel (e.g. primary to secondary energy) or to deliver it to the consumer (infrastructure).

Level of economic development

This may influence perception of cost - the higher the standard of living, the less sensitive communities are to the cost of energy.

Environmental Priorities

A government's manifesto/policies may result in them taking a more expensive route to meeting energy demands in order to fulfil sustainability targets.

Energy TNCs

Companies that operate on a global scale (across national borders) that are involved with the extraction/processing/distribution of energy (e.g. Gazprom, BP and Shell).

OPEC

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries - 14 member countries, responsible for 44% of global oil production and 73% of the world's proven oil reserves. Its aim is to "to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry".

Consumers

Individuals/businesses that use energy (e.g. households, industry).

Energy pathway

The route taken by a source energy from its source to the point of consumption. How the energy is transferred/distributed may involve transmissions lines/cables, pipelines, tanker ships.

Pressure group

A group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause.

Standard of living

The level of wealth, comfort, material goods and necessities available to a certain socioeconomic class in a certain geographic area.

Technology

Technology can help to exploit/extract sources of energy that would otherwise be unfeasible/too expensive to be considered. Increased use of technology (e.g. domestic usage) can increase the amount of energy required (demand).

Climate

Extremes of temperature may result in higher levels of consumption (e.g. central heating or use of air conditioning units).