Energy Consumption & Choices (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Energy Consumption
Energy consumption refers to the total amount of energy used by individuals, industries and countries
As populations grow and individual demand increases, global energy consumption continues to rise
Meeting energy needs whilst also managing environmental and economic impacts is a significant challenge
Global trends in energy consumption
Rising demand
Population growth:
As the global population increases, so does energy demand
More people need energy for electricity, transport, heating and cooling
Per capita energy demand:
People are using more energy per person
Particularly in developing countries where industrialisation and living standards are improving
Energy production and consumption changes
Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas continue to supply the majority of the world's energy
Renewable energy (e.g. wind, solar and hydro) is growing but still provides a smaller portion of global energy
E.g. in 2022, 80% of the world's energy came from fossil fuels, with renewable energy making up 12.7%
Reasons for changes in energy use
Economic development:
As countries become wealthier, they tend to use more energy for:
Industrial processes
Transportation
Technology
For example, India’s energy consumption is rapidly increasing as it develops its manufacturing sector and infrastructure
Environmental concerns:
Global concerns about climate change are driving a shift towards cleaner energy sources like solar and wind
Governments are setting targets to:
Reduce carbon emissions
Invest in renewable energy
For example, the European Union aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, which requires a massive reduction in fossil fuel use
The role of fossil fuels
Despite environmental concerns, fossil fuels still play a crucial role in supporting industries that are hard to power with renewable energy:
Steel and concrete industries:
The production of steel and concrete relies heavily on coal and natural gas
Renewable energy is not yet suitable for these high-energy processes
For example, China is the world’s largest producer of steel, and its steel industry is responsible for a significant portion of global coal consumption
Synthetic fertilisers:
Natural gas is essential for producing ammonia
Ammonia is a key ingredient in synthetic fertilisers that support global agriculture
As global food demand increases, the need for synthetic fertilisers (and therefore natural gas) is likely to continue
Meeting the growing demand for energy
Changing energy production resources
Increased renewable energy:
Investing in renewable energy sources can help meet rising demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels
Energy storage:
Storing energy efficiently is key to managing renewable sources that are not able to provide a constant supply, like solar and wind
For example, Tesla’s battery storage systems in Australia help store surplus solar energy for use at night or during low-wind periods
Reducing energy consumption
Energy efficiency:
Improving the energy efficiency of appliances, vehicles and buildings can significantly reduce overall consumption
For example, the UK government has introduced stricter building regulations
These require homes to be more energy efficient, helping to lower overall energy demand
Behavioural changes:
Encouraging individuals and industries to use less energy can make a big difference
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In an exam, don’t assume that renewable energy can easily replace fossil fuels in all industries, especially those like steel and concrete production.
Be clear on energy efficiency vs. reducing consumption: these are different concepts; efficiency involves using less energy for the same task, while reducing consumption means using energy less often or at lower levels.
Energy Choices
Energy choices refer to the decisions a country makes about how it generates and consumes energy
There are many factors that affect decisions, such as:
Economic cost
Pollution
Energy efficiency
Availability
Energy security
Factors influencing energy choices
Economic cost
The cost of building and maintaining energy infrastructure plays a big role in energy choices
Fossil fuels: often cheaper to develop initially but come with high environmental and long-term costs
Renewables: may have higher upfront costs but offer long-term savings and environmental benefits
For example, solar energy is becoming more cost-competitive in many countries due to advances in technology and falling costs
Pollution
Some energy sources cause more pollution than others
Many countries are trying to balance energy needs with environmental health
Fossil fuels: emit large amounts of greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution
Renewables: produce little to no pollution during operation
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to how well energy is used and conserved.
Fossil fuels: often less efficient and result in energy waste during burning
Renewables: can be efficient but some rely on weather conditions
Availability
The natural resources available to a country influence its energy choices
Fossil fuels: countries with large reserves of coal, oil, or natural gas are likely to use them as major energy sources
Renewables: depend on geographic features like sunlight, wind, or water availability
Energy security
Energy security refers to a country’s ability to meet its energy needs reliably and without being overly dependent on foreign sources
Fossil fuels: many countries that rely on imported oil or gas face risks from fluctuating prices or geopolitical issues
Renewables: provide more energy security, as they are often produced locally and are not subject to international market fluctuations
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Don’t confuse energy security (ability to meet demand reliably) with availability (what resources are present in the country). A country might have abundant resources (availability) but still struggle to meet its energy needs reliably (energy security) if it lacks the proper systems, funding, or stable supply chains.
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