Energy Supply and Consumption

This section explores energy supply and consumption. Energy is essential for economic development, industrial growth, and daily life. However, the global supply and consumption of energy are unevenly distributed, leading to energy insecurity in some regions. Understanding the factors affecting energy availability and the strategies to increase supply is crucial for achieving energy sustainability.

Global Patterns of Energy Supply and Consumption

Energy Supply

Different regions of the world have varying levels of energy resources, depending on natural availability, technology, and infrastructure.

• Countries rich in fossil fuels (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Russia, USA) have large supplies of coal, oil, and natural gas, making them major exporters.
• Countries with access to renewable energy sources (e.g. Iceland – geothermal, Brazil – hydropower, Denmark – wind energy) rely heavily on alternative energy.
• Regions with limited energy resources (e.g. many African nations) depend on imports or traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal.

Energy Consumption

• High-Income Countries (HICs) (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Germany) have high energy consumption due to:
  • High standards of living.
  • Industrialisation and extensive transport networks.
  • Use of energy-intensive appliances and technology.
• Low-Income Countries (LICs) (e.g. Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Chad) consume less energy because:
  • Many people lack access to electricity.
  • Agriculture dominates the economy instead of industry.
  • Infrastructure for energy supply is often underdeveloped.

Emerging Economies (e.g. China, India, Brazil)

• Energy consumption is rapidly increasing due to economic growth, industrialisation, and rising living standards.
• China is now the largest energy consumer in the world, using vast amounts of coal, oil, and renewables.

Factors Affecting Energy Availability

Several factors influence the availability and accessibility of energy resources:

Physical Factors

• Fossil fuel reserves are unevenly distributed. For example, the Middle East has over 50% of global oil reserves, whereas the UK has declining reserves.
• Geology determines the presence of coal, oil, and natural gas.
• Climate affects the potential for renewable energy – sunny areas (e.g. Spain) can use solar power, and windy regions (e.g. Scotland) are suitable for wind farms.

Economic Factors

• Extraction and production costs: Some energy sources (e.g. deep-sea oil drilling, nuclear power) require high investment. LICs may struggle to develop energy infrastructure.
• Affordability: The cost of importing energy (e.g. natural gas from Russia to Europe) can limit access for poorer nations.

Political Factors

• Governments control energy policies and investments in energy projects.
• Political instability in key energy-producing regions (e.g. conflict in the Middle East) can disrupt global supplies.
• Countries may use energy as a political weapon, such as Russia limiting gas exports to Europe.

Technology

• Advanced extraction techniques (e.g. fracking, deep-water drilling) enable access to previously inaccessible reserves.
• Improvements in renewable energy technology make it easier for countries to shift towards sustainable power.

Environmental Concerns

• Fossil fuel extraction can cause serious environmental damage (e.g. oil spills, deforestation, and pollution).
• Governments and organisations may impose restrictions on energy development to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity.

Strategies to Increase Energy Supply

To meet the growing global energy demand, countries are developing different strategies to increase energy production.

Fossil Fuel Extraction

• Coal, oil, and gas remain the dominant energy sources, despite their environmental impact.
• Countries invest in new reserves and extraction techniques (e.g. Arctic drilling, deep-sea oil extraction).
• Example: The USA has increased oil and gas production through fracking (hydraulic fracturing).

Renewable Energy Development

• Countries are shifting towards solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and bioenergy.
• Example: In 2022, Denmark generated more than 50% of its electricity from wind power.

Nuclear Power

• Nuclear energy provides large amounts of power with low carbon emissions, but high costs and safety concerns limit its expansion.
• Example: France generates over 70% of its electricity from nuclear power.

Energy Transfers

• Countries with energy surpluses export to those with shortages via pipelines and electricity grids.
• Example: The Nord Stream pipeline transported natural gas from Russia to Germany.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency

• Smart technology, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances reduce energy use.
• Governments encourage people to use less energy through subsidies and policies.

Energy Sustainability – Solutions to Energy Insecurity

Diversifying Energy Sources

• Countries aim to reduce dependence on a single energy source by developing a mix of fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear power.
• Example: The UK is increasing its use of wind, solar, and nuclear to reduce reliance on imported gas.

Investing in Renewable Energy

• Renewable energy is sustainable and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Example: Costa Rica generates over 99% of its electricity from renewable sources, including hydropower, wind, and geothermal energy.

Improving Energy Efficiency

• Insulating homes, using LED lighting, and developing energy-efficient transport all help reduce demand.
• Example: The EU has introduced strict energy efficiency targets for new buildings and appliances.

Reducing Energy Waste

• Smart grids and storage technology improve energy use efficiency.
• Example: Germany’s Energiewende policy promotes renewables, energy efficiency, and grid modernisation.

International Cooperation

• Countries work together to secure energy supplies and reduce environmental impacts.
• Example: The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to reduce global reliance on fossil fuels and increase sustainability.

The world faces major energy challenges, including rising demand, supply shortages, and environmental concerns. A sustainable approach is needed to ensure energy security while protecting the planet. This includes:

• Investing in renewable energy.
• Improving energy efficiency.
• Reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Enhancing international cooperation.

Achieving energy sustainability is essential for future generations and for mitigating climate change.