3.5 - Energy Case Study - China (Paper 1)

Question 1

Explain the methods used to supply energy in China and its importance: (3)

Answer 1

• Coal accounts for 66% of the total energy consumption which makes it popular. The coal is supplied overseas from countries such as Russia and Indonesia and this coal is then evenly distributed within the population. (1)
• Oil makes up 20% of the total energy consumption in China. China self supplies the oil to the population mainly using the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang which holds 16 billion tons of oil. This oil is extracted then evenly distributed amongst the population. (1)
• The third most used energy source is hydroelectric power. As of 2021, China had more than 150 dams producing hydroelectricity including the Three Gorges Dam. This dam can generate a maximum capacity of 22.5 gigawatts. This energy is then supplied to the population. (1)