Pre-release backstory

Question 1

Energy consumption was down 13% in 2020 compared with 2019

Answer 1

24.36 million tonnes of oil equivalent renewable energy used in 2021

Question 2

What is energy security?

Answer 2

Having an uninterrupted and affordable energy supply which is able to sustain people’s lives and daily activities

IMPORTANT because it helps ensure economic and political stability and food supply

Question 3

The 4 As of energy security

Answer 3

Availability
Accessibility
Affordability
Acceptability (safety/environemntal impact)

Question 4

Factors affecting energy security

Answer 4

Physical environment
some areas have enough wind for wind turbines but others have more sun for solar energy
costs
economic and political factors can affect the PRICE of energy
Technology
create new energy sources or make existing ones more effcicient
Political factors
energy sources are globally traded so international conflict can affect energy supply.

Question 5

Advantages of renewable energy

Answer 5

-won’t run out and are sustainable
-may be less affected by international disputes
-cause very little air pollution and don’t significantly add to climate change issues
-development of technology can create jobs
-less costly maintenance than fossil fuel power stations
-can reduce the fluctuation in energy prices
-increase energy security

Question 6

Disadvantages of renewable energy

Answer 6

-some are dependent on weather conditions
-some renewable technology is less efficient than traditional methods in generating electricity
-initial start up cost can be high for large scale projects
-some require lots of space and may have environmental impacts such as hydroelectric energy and dams
-the manufacture and recycling of renewable components can create environmental issues such as the mining for metals for wind turbine blades