Management of Energy Sources (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

Revision Note

Bridgette Barrett

Written by: Bridgette Barrett

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

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 and conserve resources 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 

Individual methods of reducing energy use - energy efficient home
Individual methods of reducing energy use - energy-efficient home

National

  • Governments have several strategies to make energy use sustainable

  • These include ways to conserve energy and use it more efficiently:

    • 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

    • Educating the population about the importance of energy conservation and efficiency through campaigns on TV and social media

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

Global Energy Use per Person
Energy use per person in Nepal and UK

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

energy-mix-nepal
Energy Mix in Nepal

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 Use in Norway per Person
Energy Use per Person in Norway and UK

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

Norway's Energy Mix
Energy Mix 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 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

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Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

Jenna Quinn

Author: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Head of New Subjects

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.