Energy Case studies Flashcards
Energy Poverty in India and the UK
only small % of India have access to clean efficient energy systems. In the UK the poverty is different as rural areas arnt connected to mains gasworks
Uk energy security
previously relied on oil from north sea but production is declining and imports increased
Turning oil shale and sands into oil
Only feasible because of rising oil prices, huge reserves but big environmental cost
Europes gas pipeline war
Proposed Nabucco pipeline to bring gas from Caspian region through Europe. Reduces dependence on Russia who showed unreliability who shut off supply to Ukraine in 2006
Nuclear power
Attitudes are shifting in response to climate change. China and India are building reactors. Accounted for 15% of electricity in 2008
Wind Power
Produces 1% of supply, plentiful, renewable and clean. But only available in certain areas and are unsightful
India and China compete over energy
India experience blackouts in major cities. Imports account for 2thirds of Indias consumption but only 1third of Chinas. I and C have competed leadership in Asia.
UK and Energy
majority have constant supply, plans for 2 new coal power stations and improve nuclear stations
Kyoto Protocol
proposed emission controls at international levels. 30 developed countries have to make reductions and developing countries must monitor and report emissions
OPEC
organisation of petroleum exporting companies. 12 members and aim to protect their interest. Stabilise oil prices
Top 20 Oil companies
Companies ranked on oil and gas reserves, refinery capacity and product sales volume. 8 are state owned.
East Siberia-Pacific pipeline (ESPO)
2600 mile line from Siberia to pacific coast set to be completed in 2016. Will give Russia a new energy pathway band can export to Asia as well as N.America
However fears of oil spills and cost ruse due to rising steel prices
Fracking
gas trapped in rocks, fractured and gas collected. Brings jobs and plentiful supply but there’s uncertainty over safety and stops movement to renewables
Gazprom
rapidly becoming one of most powerful companies. Controls a third of gas reserves, 92% of Russia gas production, 25% of EU’s natural gas. Sole supplier to Finland. Employs 400,000 people.
Exxon-Valdeez oil spill 1989
super tanker hit reef, ruined 808 miles of beaches. 50 million gallons of crude oil. 302 seals died. Clean up was poor. Fisheries closed due to lack of supply and tourism decline.
