Issue evaluation -Section A (P3) Flashcards
Why is world energy consumption increasing?
Countries are developing leading to increased demand in industry, homes etc.
Which group of countries are seeing the fastest increase in the demand for energy?
Newly Emerging Economies (NEEs)
Why has demand for energy in the UK declined in recent years?
- Decline of heavy industry
- More energy being conserved e.g. low energy appliances, efficient cars and building insulation
What is meant by the term ‘energy mix’?
The amount and type of different energy sources used by a country
How has the UK’s energy mix changed?
- In the past - more reliance on coal
- Now - less coal used. Gas and renewables form a large proportion of energy mix.
What is ‘energy security’?
When a country generates enough of its own energy internally without relying on imports
Coal use has declined over time but why will fossil fuels remain important to the UK?
- Still plenty of coal reserves left
- It is cheap to import
- Shale gas will be exploited in future
What is ‘fracking’?
The process of extracting shale gas from under the ground
Explain how fracking works
High pressure liquids are pumped underground to release gas trapped within sedimentary rock.
Why is fracking controversial?
- Drilling can trigger earthquakes
- Can pollute underground water sources
- Expensive process
