Pre release booklet Flashcards
(23 cards)
Accessibility definition
The ease at which people and businesses can obtain energy resources based on location, infrastructure and availability
Acceptability definition
The degree to which an energy source is considered environmentally and socially sustainable
Affordability definition
The economic feasibility of energy supply for consumers and industries
Availability definition
Supply of resources to meet demand
(argument against fossil fuels or weather)
Energy consumption definition
The amount of energy used by individuals, businesses and industries in a country
Reliable energy supply definition
The ability of a power system to consistently deliver power to homes buildings and devices
Main source of electricity in the UK in 2020 (figure 1)
Transport
Role of energy in the UK in the UK economy and life (figure 1)
Energy is important in daily life both directly and indirectly
It provides heating and lighting to homes, as well as allowing communication systems to function, e.g. the use of internet enables communication between industries
Energy mix definition
The combination of different energy sources used to meet a country’s energy needs
Points to make on energy consumption graph (figure 1)
- overall energy consumption in the UK is decreasing (particularly in industry)
- there’s a dramatic fall in 2020 due to COVID
- this is due to many businesses and schools being forced to close
- evidence from graph shows most sig. change was 2020 where energy fell 13% compared to 2019 due to lockdowns and reduced travel
Energy security definition
Having an uninterrupted and affordable energy supply which is able to sustain peoples’ lives and daily activities
Link between increasing energy prices and poor living standards (figure 1)
As prices increase, affordability decreases as less people have the money to spend on food, water and general disposable income as they have to spend money on energy
(may have to compromise on luxuries)
4 A’s link to factors affecting energy security (figure 1)
Accessibility - physical environment - some areas have the geographical and physical conditions needed for the development of energy resources
Affordability - costs - less affluent areas cannot afford reliable energy supplies
Availability - technology - technological developments can create new energy sources, allowing energy in more remote locations or existing energy sources can be more efficient
Acceptability - political factors - energy sources are globally traded, consequently conflicts and environmental concerns can affect energy supply
Import and export graph key points (figure 1)
stage 1: trade deficit
stage 2: net positive - better energy security, however production in the north sea was very expensive (energy surplus)
stage 3: became reliant on importing energy elsewhere again as it was cheaper, but they are less energy secure (trade deficit)
points on map of wind and solar electricity generation (figure 1)
per country, who uses wind/solar energy to meet their demand
particularly in countries with longer daylight hours as they have access to more solar energy
Renewable energy definition
Energy from sources that do not deplete
e.g. wind, solar, hydroelectric
social advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy (figure 2)
+ health benefits from reduced air pollution
+ increased public support for clean energy and sustainability
+ more energy independence reduces reliance on politically unstable countries
- some renewable projects cause noise and visual pollution, leading to opposition from local communities
- large projects may displace people
- energy access can still be unequal, particularly in remote areas
economic advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy (figure 2)
+ job creation in renewable energy sector
+ lower long-term costs as renewable energy does not depend on expensive fuel imports
+ energy security as UK can generate more of its own energy
- high initial costs to build
- some industries (like coal or oil) may lose jobs
- renewable can be less reliable, requiring back-up sources
environmental advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy (figure 2)
+ no GG emissions, reducing impact of CC
+ sustainable, as energy sources won’t run out
+ less environmental damage than FF extraction (no oil spills/coal mining)
- some projects harm wildlife
- still has an environmental footprint
- land use conflicts
9 marker - should the scheme go ahead introduction paragraph
The tidal barrage development scheme will generate renewable energy by harnessing tidal movement. The energy system will ‘deliver affordable energy’ and ‘ensures supply security’. In terms of whether it should go ahead, it is important to recognise the positives and negatives. However, overall I believe that the proposed project should go ahead, as it offers numerous social, environmental and economic benefits to a wide range of people.
9 marker - should the scheme go ahead - FOR points
- The tidal barrage project would generally benefit the availability of energy. It is said that the project will ‘generate clean, renewable energy for the next 100 years’. This means that there are less fossil fuels being used reducing carbon emissions, improved public health, and improved economic stability. Therefore, increasing renewable energy provides a number of benefits.
- Furthermore, it offers economic opportunities, by creating ’13,000 jobs’ and by providing ‘cost savings of over £200 million for local people and businesses. This can improve quality of life, reduce financial stress, and boost local consumer spending - supporting local shops and services.
- Additionally, it can further boost the economy by reducing traffic congestion on the M6, as traffic can go over the barrage instead. This reduces journey times to work, improving overall efficiency of businesses, further boosting the economy. This also has many social benefits; less congestion means fewer vehicle emissions, which improves air quality. Shorter commute times gives people more free time. This enhances quality of life by giving individuals more time for family, hobbies, and rest.
9 marker - should the scheme go ahead - AGAINST points
- However, whilst there are numerous benefits, it is important to recognise that there are still many problems with the project.
- Arguably, the main one is the cost. It is a £10 billion project, and many people believe that the ‘£10 billion cost would be better spent on existing road and rail networks’. Whilst this is true, I believe that the project opens up the potential for huge economic development, which will boost the local people and businesses.
- It is also argued that it is an area of natural outstanding beauty; this is very important to both locals and tourists. This could reduce the tourism opportunities in the area, as people will be put off from coming.
- Additionally, the fact that it will take an estimated 25 years to build and go ahead means that existing infrastructure could come under pressure.
- Additionally, there are huge environmental problems which need to be considered. For example, marine and bird life can be affected. They would need to invest in new habitats, which would further increase the large cost of the project as the area is important for its wintering wildfowl and waders.
9 marker - should the scheme go ahead conclusion paragraph
However, in conclusion, I believe that the positives ultimately outweigh the negatives; the project has the opportunity for economic growth, as well as offering many social and environmental benefits by reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
