Energy Security (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Energy Security

What is energy security?

• Energy security is the uninterrupted availability of energy at affordable prices

• Key aspects:

  • Reliable energy supply to meet current and future demands

  • Affordable energy to ensure economic stability

  • Sustainable energy sources to minimise long-term environmental harm

• Energy-secure countries are those that will be able to meet all or most of their energy demands from within their country

Importance of energy security

• Economic stability:

  • Ensures industries and businesses function without interruptions

  • Reduces vulnerability to energy price shocks

• National security:

  • Dependence on energy imports (i.e. relying on other countries for energy) can make countries vulnerable to supply disruptions

• Social well-being:

  • Affordable and reliable energy supports essential services such as heating, healthcare, and transportation

• Energy independence is another important aspect of energy security

  • This refers to a country's ability to produce or procure its own energy resources without relying heavily on imports from other nations

Improving energy security

Diversification of energy sources

• Using a mix of energy sources to reduce reliance on a single supply

• Examples:

  • Renewable energy adoption, such as wind and solar power

  • Nuclear energy for reliable, low-carbon power

Reducing energy imports

• Over-reliance on foreign energy increases vulnerability to supply interruptions

  • E.g. the 1973 oil crisis caused global economic disruption due to supply cuts by OPEC

• Methods:

  • Increasing domestic energy production (e.g. UK investments in North Sea oil and gas)

  • Developing renewable energy infrastructure

Energy efficiency measures

• Energy efficiency strategies reduce energy consumption through better technology and practices

• Benefits:

  • Lower energy bills

  • Reduced pressure on energy supplies

    • E.g. LED lighting and improved building insulation reduce energy demand in homes and offices