Topic 9.3 - Access To Energy Flashcards
How foes technology affect a country’s access to enegry?
Some countries are not able to exploit their energy resources as the technology required is unavailable or too expensive. Developed can support renewables but developing often mist rely on fossil fuels
How does geology affect a country’s access to energy?
Fossil fuels are found in sedimentary rocks. Where impermeable rocks have trapped oil and gas in permeable rock below. Countries on plate boundaries can access geothermal energy
How does accessibility affect energy access?
An area might have large energy resources but be unable to access them , e.g. permafrost makes it hard to access fossil fuels
How does climate affect access to energy?
Solar power requires large amounts of sunlight to generate electricity. Same for wind power
How does landscape affect access to energy?
Wind turbines are most efficient in areas with steady and reliable wind sources e.g. coast or high ground. HEP requires lots of water + steep-sided valleys for reservoirs
Why is there a strong relationship between development and energy consumption?
- Developed countries tend to consume more energy/person as they can afford it. Most people have access to electricity and use electricity intensive devices such as heaters
- Developed countries are less able to afford it. Lifestyles are less dependant on energy and less is available
- Economic development increases wealth in emerging counties so can afford
Why do some countries rely on traditional fuel resources?
Energy networks may be poorly connected so people must rely on biomass energy. There is little development, so countries can’t afford to exploit their own energy reserves or improve existing infrastructure
Developing countries have more ___ industry which uses __ energy. ___ industries in developed and emerging countries use ___ amounts of energy e.g. to power machinery or for transport.
Primary, little, manufacturing, huge
