Y10 Geography - Resource Management Energy (core+option)

Energy demand

UK energy demand remains high because homes, transport and industry all require energy. Population growth and increased use of technology continue to place pressure on energy supplies.

UK energy mix

The UK energy mix is the combination of energy sources used to meet demand, including fossil fuels, nuclear power and renewable energy sources.

Change in UK energy mix

The UK has reduced its use of coal and increased its use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability.

Reason for changing energy mix

The UK's energy mix is changing because of concerns about climate change, declining coal use, improvements in technology and the need for greater energy security.

Renewable Energy Renewable energy advantage

Renewable energy sources are sustainable and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, helping to reduce climate change.

Renewable energy disadvantage

Many renewable energy sources depend on weather conditions, making electricity generation less reliable and increasing the need for backup supplies.

Wind Energy Wind advantage

Wind energy is renewable and generates electricity without releasing greenhouse gases during operation, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Wind disadvantage

Wind energy depends on suitable wind speeds, so electricity generation can be unreliable when conditions are calm.

Solar Energy Solar advantage

Solar energy is renewable and generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and increasing local energy production.

Solar disadvantage

Solar power depends on sunlight, making it less effective during winter and cloudy weather in the UK.

Hydroelectric Power (HEP) HEP advantage

Hydroelectric power is a reliable renewable energy source because water flow can be controlled to generate electricity when needed.

HEP disadvantage

Hydroelectric schemes are expensive to build and can damage habitats by flooding large areas of land.

Biomass Biomass advantage

Biomass is renewable if crops are replanted and provides a reliable source of energy because fuel can be stored and used when required.

Biomass disadvantage

Growing biomass crops can compete with food production for land and water resources, while burning biomass still releases carbon dioxide.

Tidal Energy Tidal advantage

Tidal energy is renewable and highly predictable because tides occur regularly, making energy generation more reliable than some other renewable sources.

Tidal disadvantage

Tidal barrages are expensive to build and can disrupt marine habitats and ecosystems.

Geothermal Energy Geothermal advantage

Geothermal energy is renewable and provides a reliable supply of power because it is not affected by weather conditions.

Geothermal disadvantage

Geothermal energy is limited to areas with suitable geological conditions and often has high installation costs.

Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels advantage

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

Fossil fuels disadvantage

Fossil fuels are non

Fracking Fracking

Fracking is the extraction of shale gas by pumping water, sand and chemicals into rocks at high pressure to release trapped gas.

Fracking advantage

Fracking can increase domestic energy supplies, improve energy security and create jobs by reducing reliance on imported fuels.

Fracking disadvantage

Fracking may cause earth tremors, water pollution and noise pollution, leading to environmental concerns and local opposition.

Energy Security Energy security

Energy security is the ability of a country to access sufficient, affordable and reliable energy supplies to meet demand.

Energy insecurity

Energy insecurity occurs when a country cannot access enough affordable and reliable energy to meet its needs, affecting economic and social development.

Effects of Energy Insecurity Impact on food production

Food production depends on energy for machinery, transport, storage and fertiliser production. Energy shortages can therefore reduce agricultural output and increase food prices.

Biofuels and food production

Growing biofuel crops such as maize and sugar cane can reduce the amount of land available for food crops, increasing food prices and food insecurity.

Impact on LICs

In some LICs, people spend hours collecting firewood for fuel instead of working or farming, reducing food production and worsening food insecurity.

Impact on industry

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

Conflict over energy resources

Competition for scarce energy resources can lead to political tensions and conflict when countries control large shares of global energy supplies.

Russia and energy security

Russia controls a large share of global natural gas supplies, giving it influence over energy prices and supplies in other countries.

Middle East and energy security

The Middle East contains a large proportion of the world's oil and gas reserves, making it strategically important and a potential source of conflict.

Arctic energy resources

The Arctic contains around 13% of the world's undiscovered oil and 30% of its undiscovered natural gas, giving it the potential to increase future energy supplies.

Advantages of Arctic Exploitation Arctic advantage (energy security)

Exploiting Arctic oil and gas reserves could increase global energy supplies and improve energy security as existing reserves become depleted.

Arctic advantage (economic)

Developing Arctic oil and gas resources could create jobs, attract investment and generate income for countries involved in extraction.

Arctic advantage (meeting demand)

Arctic resources could help meet rising global energy demand as populations grow and economies develop.

Disadvantages of Arctic Exploitation Arctic disadvantage (environmental damage)

Oil spills and industrial activity could severely damage fragile Arctic ecosystems, where recovery is slow because of low temperatures and short growing seasons.

Arctic disadvantage (wildlife)

Resource extraction threatens unique Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals, whales and migratory birds through habitat loss and pollution.

Arctic disadvantage (economic cost)

Arctic extraction is extremely expensive because specialised equipment, advanced technology and highly skilled workers are required.

Arctic disadvantage (accessibility)

Extreme temperatures, long distances and limited transport links make resource extraction and transport difficult and costly.

Arctic disadvantage (political)

Several countries, including Russia, Canada, Norway, the USA and Denmark, claim parts of the Arctic, creating disputes over ownership and resource exploitation.

Arctic disadvantage (Indigenous communities)

Energy development may disrupt the traditional lifestyles of Indigenous communities that depend on the Arctic environment for their livelihoods.

Evaluation Flashcard (very important) Sustainable exploitation of Arctic resources

Any exploitation of Arctic oil and gas must balance the benefits of increased energy security and economic growth against environmental damage, high costs and potential political conflict