Change in Demand & Supply for Energy (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)

Changes in Global Energy Demand

• Global energy demand has rapidly increased

• There are three main reasons for the increase:

  • Population growth

  • Development/increased wealth 

  • Advances in technology

Why does population growth increase energy demand? 

• More people means there is a higher demand for food, which leads to more intensive farming which requires more energy for machines, light and heat

• Urbanisation increases as countries develop, and this increases the number of domestic appliances, heating, and lighting

Why does development increase energy demand? 

• There are more industries that require energy for heating, lighting and machinery

• People buy more appliances and technology, which require energy

•  More people own cars and fly, all of which require energy in the form of petrol, diesel or electricity

  • Technological advances mean that there are more appliances which rely on energy 

    • Advances in technology also improve energy sources available, such as fracking 

Why do advances in technology lead to an increase in demand? 

• Advances in technology mean there are more appliances which use energy

• It also creates new energy sources and reduces the cost of those being used currently

What is the variation in energy consumption?

• Countries with the highest energy consumption per person tend to be developed countries, including Canada and Norway

  • The USA has 4.25% of the world's population but uses 16% of the world's energy

• Countries with the lowest energy consumption per person are developing countries, which are all in Africa and include Niger, Chad and Tanzania

Global energy use per person