What are the two main causes of the increase in energy demand?
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What are the two main causes of the increase in energy demand?
The two main causes of the increase in energy demand are population growth and development.
What percentage of the world's energy comes from fossil fuels?
Over 80% of the world's energy is provided by fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas).
Define the term fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are fuels formed from the remains of living organisms (plants/animals) that cannot be replaced at a speed which keeps up with consumption.
True or False?
Gas and oil reserves are estimated to run out by 2080 based on current use and availability.
True.
Gas and oil reserves are estimated to run out by 2080 based on current use and availability.
What is an energy gap?
An energy gap is when a country cannot meet the demand for energy using its own resources.
Define energy security.
Energy security is having an uninterrupted, affordable, and accessible supply of energy.
What are three factors that can affect energy security?
Factors which affect energy security include:
Energy sources running out.
War/conflict.
Natural hazards.
Political disputes.
True or False?
MEDCs use less energy than LEDCs.
False.
MEDCs use more energy than LEDCs.
What are the main advantages of coal as an energy source?
The main advantages of coal as an energy source are:
World reserves estimated to be 120 years
Reliable and easy to produce energy from
Technology has enabled coal to be obtained more easily
What are the main disadvantages of using oil and gas as energy sources?
The main disadvantages of oil and gas as energy sources are:
World reserves are estimated to be between 50-60 years.
Non-renewable: they will run out.
The gases released when they are burned are greenhouse gases.
Oil spills damage the environment and wildlife over large areas.
Prices fluctuate rapidly.
Supplies can be affected by conflict and political disagreements, e.g. the war in Ukraine.
Define the term renewable energy.
Renewable energy is energy sources which are infinite and will not run out.
List three types of renewable energy sources.
Types of renewable energy sources include:
Hydroelectric.
Wave/tidal.
Wind.
Solar.
Geothermal.
Biomass/waste.
True or False?
Renewable energy sources always produce greenhouse gas emissions.
False.
Once in place, with the exception of biomass/waste, renewable energy sources do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions.
What are two reasons for the increase in renewable energy use?
Reasons for the increase in renewable energy use include:
Non-renewable fossil fuels will eventually run out.
The use of non-renewable fuels is damaging to the environment.
Reducing reliance on imports to increase energy security.
What are the advantages of hydroelectric power?
The main advantages of hydroelectric energy include:
No greenhouse gas emissions.
Controls flooding downstream.
Often in sparsely populated areas.
May provide water storage for irrigation and domestic use.
What are the disadvantages of wind power?
The disadvantages of wind power include:
Not reliable only works when the wind is strong enough but not too strong.
Visual pollution.
Noise pollution.
Many turbines (233) are needed to produce the same energy as an average coal-fired power station.
May affect bird migration patterns or kill birds.
True or False?
Solar power can only be used in very sunny locations.
False.
Solar power can be used in most locations, though it is more effective in sunnier areas.
True or False?
One of the advantages of geothermal energy is that it is low maintenance.
False.
The high temperatures cause maintenance issues.
What is the main disadvantage of biomass/waste energy?
The main disadvantage of biomass/waste energy is that it produces air pollution and greenhouse gases.
True or False?
Renewable energy is always cheaper than using fossil fuels.
False.
Although costs are coming down, renewable energy is often still more expensive than using fossil fuels.
What percentage of global primary energy supply came from nuclear power in 2019?
Approximately 4% of the global primary energy supply came from nuclear power in 2019.
What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
The main advantages of nuclear energy include:
It produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
Efficient.
Small amounts of uranium are needed, and large reserves are available.
It is not bulky so is easy to transport.
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Increases energy security.
Why is the use of nuclear energy controversial?
Nuclear energy is controversial due to the issues surrounding waste disposal and nuclear accidents, including Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima.
Define the term fuelwood.
Fuelwood is wood used for heating and cooking, often relied upon by people who do not have access to other forms of energy.
True or False?
Fuelwood is always a renewable energy source.
False.
Fuelwood is often not renewable because the trees felled are not usually replaced.
What percentage of the world's population does not have access to electricity?
Approximately 13% of the world's population does not have access to electricity.
What are the main advantages of fuelwood?
The main advantages of fuelwood are that it is free and does not require technology to use it.
What are the main disadvantages of fuelwood use?
The main disadvantages of fuelwood include:
It contributes to deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification.
The amount of wood cut each year is greater than the rate of replanting.
Indoor pollution leads to health issues from exposure to smoke.
What is the main source of energy for Nepal's rural population?
The main source of energy for Nepal's rural population is fuelwood.
True or False?
There are now over 3 000 micro-hydro plants in Nepal.
True.
There are now over 3 000 micro-hydro plants in Nepal. These include the Ruma Khola micro-hydro plant which supplies energy for Darbang and five other villages.