Energy security means having a reliable, uninterrupted and affordable supply of energy for a population.
It’s important because people rely on energy for heating, transport, industry, and communication.
A lack of energy security can affect economic development and political stability
4 A’s of energy security
Availability: Is there enough energy produced to meet demand?
Accessibility: Can people access energy easily (e.g., through infrastructure)?
Affordability: Can consumers and governments afford energy prices?
Acceptability: Are the sources safe and environmentally acceptable (e.g., not too polluting)?
Name the factors affecting energy security:
Physical environment: Some areas lack natural resources like oil or gas. For example, the UK must import some of its energy because North Sea oil is declining.
Costs: Political tension (e.g., Russia-Ukraine conflict) can increase global gas prices.
Technology: Advances in renewables like offshore wind farms improve availability and acceptability.
Politics: If a country is politically unstable or dependent on imports from hostile nations, supply is at risk.
Describe the fall in energy consumption (2020) due to Covid 19
In 2020, Covid-19 lockdowns led to:
Decrease in domestic and transport energy use (less travel, schools closed)
Industry slowed down or shut temporarily
UK’s overall energy consumption dropped by 13%
Difference in UK energy imports and exports from 1970-2020
In the 1970s, UK relied heavily on imported energy.
In the 1980s–90s, North Sea oil and gas production increased, so the UK became more self-sufficient.
Since 2000s, production declined, and the UK again became dependent on imports.
This has increased vulnerability to global price rises and supply disruptions.
