IGCSE Energy

• Demand for energy


  The consumption of energy by human activity e.g., population growth, industrialisation, food supply
• Energy gap


  The gap between energy demand and energy supply. If there is an energy gap, a country may have to import energy
• Energy security


  Exists when a country can meet all its energy needs reliable, preferably within its own borders e.g., Qatar has large supplies of oil and natural gas
• Energy mix


  The specific combination of different energy sources it uses to meet its energy consumption needs e.g., UK National Grid
• Energy efficiency


  The use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result e.g., LED lightbulbs
• Energy conservation


  Reducing energy consumption through using less energy and becoming more efficient in using existing energy sources e.g., Turning off the light when you leave the room, unplugging appliances
• Sustainable energy management


  The need to ensure there will be enough energy to meet long term demands. Often, through reduced energy consumption from non-renewable resources, increased energy consumption from renewable resources, and increased energy efficiency e.g., LED lightbulb, insulation
• Factors that affect energy demand

  Population growth- e.g., Between 2005 and 2030, energy usage to increase by 50%

  Transport Energy- in the form of petrol, diesel or electricity

  Increased wealth- People buy more appliances and technology which require energy
• Coal advantages + disadvantages

  Country: ChinaAdvantages:Cheap because of new techReliableEasy to produceDisadvantages:Releases CO^2Heavy and bulky to transportPollutionFinite
• Nuclear advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages: No greenhouse gas emissionsEfficientSmall amounts of uranium neededDisadvantages:Nuclear waste is radioactive and expensive to dispose ofPower stations are expensiveRisk of nuclear accidents e.g., Chernobyl, FukushimaFinite
• Natural gas advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages:EfficientEasy to transport through pipesReliableDisadvantages:Price fluctuates e.g., Russia-UkraineCO2
• Oil advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages:EfficientEasy to transport through pipesReliableDisadvantages:Oil spillsCO2Price fluctuates
• Shale gas/oil advantages and disadvantages

  UKAdvantages:Task force on shale gas = more jobsBetter than gas 50% more energyDisadvantages:Ppl don't agreeCould trigger earthquakesDistraction from renewable energy
• Wind advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages: No emissionsNo air pollutionCheap to runDisadvantages: Not reliable only works when the wind is strong enoughVisual pollutionNoise pollution
• Geothermal advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages: No CO2 gasesReliableCan produce large amounts of energyDisadvantages: ExpensiveEmits sulphuric gasesHigh temperatures cause maintenance issues
• Biomass advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages:Uses waste or biofuels which regrowAvailable in most locationsDisadvantages: Air pollutionProduces greenhouse gasesExpensive
• Solar advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages:No greenhouse gas emissionsNo air pollutionCan be used Disadvantages:ExpensiveWeather dependent, only works when it is sunnyLarge numbers needed to produce energy
• Hydroelectric power advantages + disadvantages

  Advantages: No greenhouse gas emissionsControls flooding downstreamOften in sparsely populated areasDisadvantages:Can prevent fish movement upstreamExpensive to build and maintainLarge areas of land are flooded behind the dam
• Sustainable energy management individual + national

  Individual:Reduce car use by using public transport, walking or cyclingInsulating walls and roof spacesBuy energy efficient appliancesNational:Invest in renewable technologies such as wind and solarEncourage the switch to electric carsInvest in public transport e.g., Bee Network, Manchester
• Energy use of Norway


  Energy Use:Norway is a developed country in northern EuropeThe demand for energy per person is one of the highest in the worldThe population is mainly urban, with 83% of people living in towns and cities
• Energy mix of Norway

  Hydropower generates 90% of Norway's electricity and accounts for 65% of energy useNorway has significant energy resources including:1% of the world gas reserves (17th in the world)0.3% of the world oil reserves (22nd in the world)
• Sustainable management of Norway

  There are over 1500 hydropower plants in NorwayThere are currently 53 wind farms 36 more planned by 2030In Oslo they get a 30% subsidy for installing solar panels
• Energy use of Nepal


  The landscape is mountainous and includes much of the HimalayasThe population is rural, with only 16% of the population living in towns and citiesEnergy demand is very low, but growing as the country develops
• Energy mix of Nepal

  The main source of energy is fuelwood for 82% of the rural populationIn urban areas the use of fuelwood is 36%98% of all electricity in Nepal is generated through hydropowerNo reserves; must be imported
• Sustainable management of Nepal

  Access to electricity has increased rapidly over the past 15 years - 88% of the population now have access to electricityThere are now over 3000 micro-hydro plants in NepalReliance on fuelwood has fallen so less emissions + deforestation