Management of Energy Sources (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

Sustainable Energy Management

• Sustainable energy management is essential if future generations are to have the energy resources they need

• Non-renewable sources will at some point run out so need to be used carefully

• As supplies start to run out prices will increase this will mean:

  • Economic development is harder as profits will decrease

  • Countries with an energy surplus become more powerful

  • Countries with an energy gap pay more to import energy

• Fossil fuels create pollution and emit greenhouse gases so the amount used needs to be reduced

• Energy management can be Individual and national

• Energy efficiency is key to making the most of energy sources as it cuts down on waste and reduces consumption

  • Less energy is used and fuel is used more economically

Individual

• 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 

National

• Governments have several strategies to make energy use sustainable including:

  • Invest in renewable technologies such as wind and solar

  • Encourage the switch to electric cars

  • Invest in public transport

  • Provide grants and loans for homeowners to install solar panels or insulation

  • Building regulations to ensure that new homes are energy efficient

Energy Management in Nepal

Energy Use

• Nepal is a developing country located between China and India

• The landscape is mountainous and includes much of the Himalayas

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

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

Energy Mix

• 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

Sustainable Future

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

  • 88% of the population now have access to electricity

• 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

Energy Mangement in Norway

Energy Use

• 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 Mix

• Norway has significant energy resources including:

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

  • 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

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 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