Sustainable Management of Energy Resources (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)

Sustainable Management of Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources

Why is sustainable energy use important?

• The challenges of sustainable management of energy sources include:

  • Reliance on fossil fuels which: 

    • Produce greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming

    • Are finite and will run out

  • The increasing demand for energy due to growing population and industry

  • The capacity of renewable energy sources is lower than non-renewables

  • Reliance of some countries on imported energy sources

How can sustainable energy use be achieved?

• Sustainable energy use means:

  • Greater use of renewable energy

  • Less energy waste

• This can only be achieved if action is taken by:

  • Governments

  • Organisations

  • Individuals

Governments

• In 2015, 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement at the UN climate change summit

• The countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to below 2^oC

• This involved:

  • Countries setting their targets to achieve this aim

  • Funding for developing countries to support the use of renewable energy sources

• The UK committed to a 77% in carbon emissions by 2035. This is to be achieved by:

  • A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035

  • A ban on installing oil and LPG boilers, and new coal heating in 2035

  • Investment in low-carbon technologies 

  • Increasing renewable energies

  • Encourage people to reduce energy waste by providing smart meters and energy-efficient devices

Organisations

• Many organisations publicise their sustainable energy policies and initiatives

• Marks and Spencer have achieved:

  • A 28% reduction in emissions

  • A 39% increase in energy efficiency

• This has been achieved by: 

  • The installation of solar panels on the main distribution centre and stores across the UK

  • Electricity from 100% renewable sources

  • Energy-efficient freezers and refrigeration cut CO₂ emissions by 67%

  • Installation of LED lighting in all food halls

  • Replacing diesel delivery vehicles with bio LNG vehicles

Individuals

• The impact of individuals can be measured using their carbon footprint

• Individuals can use this measure to identify how they can reduce their carbon emissions

• There are many actions that individuals can take to reduce energy use or use energy more efficiently including:

  • Reduce car use by using public transport, walking or cycling

  • Insulating walls and roof spaces

  • Buy energy efficient (AAA rated) appliances such as washing machines

  • Don't leave electrical items on standby

  • Install double or triple-glazing

  • Install heat exchange

  • Turn the thermostat down and wear more layers

  • Install solar panels 

Ways to reduce carbon emissions in the home

Case Study: Sustainable Energy in Nepal

Energy use in Nepal

• Nepal is a developing country located between China and India

• The landscape is mountainous and includes much of the Himalayas

• The population is mainly rural, with only 16% of the population living in towns and cities

• Energy demand is very low but growing as the country develops

What is the energy mix in Nepal?

• The main source of energy for 82% of the rural population is fuelwood

• In urban areas, the use of fuelwood is 36%

• Nepal has no suitable coal, oil or gas reserves, so these have to be imported

• 98% of all electricity in Nepal is generated through hydropower

Energy mix in Nepal

Sustainable future

• Access to electricity has increased rapidly over the past 15 years:

  • 93% of the population now have access to electricity (2023)

• Support from the World Bank has led to more investment in hydropower

• There are now over 3000 micro-hydro plants in Nepal

Ruma Khola micro-hydro

• Completed in 2009

• Provides electricity for the town of Darbang and five neighbouring villages

• It supplies energy for 22 industries including:

  • metal workshop, furniture manufacturers, a cement block manufacturer, a noodle factory, poultry farms and dairy farms

• Built and operated by the community the micro-hydro plant was funded using grants from the government with support from the World Bank

• The loans are paid back using money that the community pay for the electricity supply

• It has improved the standard of living in the communities

• Reliance on kerosene and fuelwood has reduced and emissions have fallen

• Deforestation has decreased

Case Study: Sustainable Energy in Norway

Energy use in Norway

• Norway is a developed country in northern Europe

• The demand for energy is one of the highest in the world

• The population is mainly urban, with 83% of people living in towns and cities

Energy use in Norway per person

What is Norway's energy mix?

• Norway has significant energy resources including:

  • Over 1% of the world's gas reserves (17th in the world)

  • Approximately, 0.3% of the world's oil reserves (22nd in the world)

  • There are also some coal reserves

• Norway is one of the world's largest energy exporters

• Hydropower generates 90% of Norway's electricity and accounts for 65% of energy use

Sources of energy in Norway

Sustainable Future

• There are over 1500 hydropower plants in Norway

• Due to the issue of reliance on hydropower during the dry season and the environmental impact of large hydropower plants, Norway is expanding other renewable energy sources

• Demand continues to increase

• Norway is expanding the number of wind farms:

  • There are currently 53 wind farms

  • 36 additional onshore and offshore projects are planned and due to be started or completed by 2030

  • Includes the world's first floating wind farm

• Norway is also investing in solar energy:

  • Homeowners in Oslo get a 30% subsidy for installing solar panels

• To reduce the consumption of oil Norway is encouraging the population to move to electric cars:

  • In 2021, 66% of all new car sales in Norway were electric