Energy Security Management Strategies (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management)

Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Managing Energy Security

  • Effective management of energy security involves implementing strategies to ensure reliable access to energy resources, whilst also addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainability:

    • Various approaches can be adopted to enhance energy security, including improving efficiency, diversifying energy sources and investing in renewable technologies

Strategies for Managing Energy Security

  • Increasing energy efficiency:

    • Focuses on reducing energy waste and optimising energy consumption in various sectors through technological advancements and large-scale changes in the behaviours of human populations regarding their energy use

    • Strength: reduces energy costs, enhances energy security and helps to reduce environmental impacts by minimising resource depletion and greenhouse-gas emissions

    • Limitation: initial investments in energy-efficient technologies and infrastructure (i.e. setting up renewable energy sources such as wind farms, solar parks or hydroelectric dams) may be costly, requiring long-term commitment and financial resources

  • Increasing energy production:

    • Involves expanding energy production capacity through the development of new energy infrastructure and technologies, such as new power plants and renewable energy projects

    • Strength: boosts energy supply, enhances energy independence and supports economic growth and development

    • Limitation: faces regulatory challenges, environmental concerns (e.g. about increasing negative impacts on biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions), and opposition from local communities, requiring careful planning and stakeholder engagement

  • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels:

    • Aims to decrease dependence on finite fossil fuels by transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable energy and nuclear power

    • Strength: reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigates climate-change impacts and promotes environmental sustainability

    • Limitation: requires significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and technological innovations, as well as overcoming political and economic barriers to fossil fuel phase-out

  • Investing in renewable resources and carbon-neutral fuels:

    • Focuses on harnessing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower, and developing carbon-neutral fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen fuel technologies

    • Strength: expands the use of sustainable energy sources and reduces carbon emissions

    • Limitation: faces challenges related to energy storage and infrastructure development, as well as competition with existing fossil-fuel industries

  • Development of alternative energy technologies:

    • Involves research, innovation and use of emerging energy technologies, such as advanced batteries, fuel cells and smart grids

    • Strength: drives technological advancements, fosters innovation, and diversifies the energy mix, improving energy security and sustainability

    • Limitation: high upfront costs, technological uncertainties and regulatory barriers may slow and hold back widespread adoption of alternative energy technologies.

  • Investment in local energy projects:

    • Encourages the development of decentralised (i.e. local, small-scale) energy systems and community-based renewable energy projects to enhance energy autonomy

    • Strength: empowers local communities, promotes energy autonomy and reduces vulnerabilities that can arise when over-relying on centralised energy supply systems

    • Limitation: may not contribute meaningfully to the broader energy security objectives of a region or country

  • Rationing:

    • Involves regulating the distribution of energy resources during times of energy scarcity or crisis, ensuring fair access and encouraging energy conservation

    • Strength: can be vital for maintaining essential services during emergencies

    • Limitation: may lead to social inequalities and economic disruptions, and can be challenging to enforce and implement (requires careful planning and governance)

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.