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    examBoard: Cambridge
    examType: IGCSE
    lessonTitle: Global Energy Production and Consumption
Geography - Human Geography - Resource Provision - Global Energy Production and Consumption - BrainyLemons
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Resource Provision » Global Energy Production and Consumption

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

  • The different types of energy resources (renewable and non-renewable)
  • Global patterns of energy production and consumption
  • Factors affecting energy supply and demand
  • Energy security challenges and solutions
  • Case studies of energy management in different countries
  • Sustainable energy development strategies

Introduction to Global Energy Resources

Energy is essential for modern life - from powering our homes and schools to fuelling transport and industry. How we produce and consume energy has major impacts on our environment, economy and society. In this session, we'll explore the different types of energy resources available globally and how they're distributed and used.

Key Definitions:

  • Energy resource: A natural resource that can be used to generate power.
  • Non-renewable energy: Energy sources that cannot be easily replaced once used up (e.g., fossil fuels).
  • Renewable energy: Energy sources that can be naturally replenished (e.g., solar, wind).
  • Energy security: Having reliable access to affordable energy supplies.

🔥 Non-Renewable Energy

These are finite resources that will eventually run out:

  • Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil and natural gas formed from prehistoric plants and animals over millions of years
  • Nuclear Energy: Generated through nuclear fission of uranium

Currently account for about 80% of global energy production

☀ Renewable Energy

These are sustainable resources that won't run out:

  • Solar: Energy from the sun
  • Wind: Energy from air movement
  • Hydroelectric: Energy from flowing water
  • Geothermal: Heat energy from within the Earth
  • Biomass: Energy from organic materials

Global Energy Production Patterns

Energy production varies significantly around the world, with some countries being major producers while others rely heavily on imports. The distribution of energy resources is uneven, which creates challenges for energy security.

Did You Know? 💡

The top five energy-producing countries (USA, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Canada) account for about 50% of the world's total energy production.

🌍 Major Oil Producers

Countries with large oil reserves:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Russia
  • United States
  • Iraq
  • Canada
⛏ Major Coal Producers

Countries with significant coal mining:

  • China
  • India
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
🌞 Leading Renewable Energy

Countries investing in renewables:

  • China
  • United States
  • Brazil
  • Germany
  • India

Global Energy Consumption Patterns

Energy consumption patterns reflect a country's level of development, population size, climate and economic activities. There are significant disparities in energy use between different regions of the world.

Factors Affecting Energy Consumption

  • Economic development: Higher GDP generally means higher energy use
  • Population size: More people require more energy
  • Climate: Extreme temperatures increase heating/cooling needs
  • Industrial base: Manufacturing-heavy economies use more energy
  • Urbanisation: Urban lifestyles typically use more energy
  • Transport systems: Car-dependent societies consume more fuel

Energy Inequality 📊

The average person in a high-income country uses about 5 times more energy than someone in a low-income country. North Americans use about 10 times more energy per person than people in Africa.

Energy Security Challenges

Energy security is a major concern for most countries. It involves ensuring reliable access to affordable energy supplies while managing environmental impacts and geopolitical risks.

⚠ Energy Security Threats

  • Depletion of non-renewable resources
  • Political instability in energy-producing regions
  • Price volatility in global energy markets
  • Infrastructure vulnerabilities (e.g., ageing power grids)
  • Climate change impacts on energy systems
  • Growing global demand putting pressure on supplies

🛡 Energy Security Solutions

  • Diversifying energy sources and suppliers
  • Developing domestic energy resources
  • Investing in energy storage technologies
  • Improving energy efficiency
  • Building international energy partnerships
  • Creating strategic reserves for emergencies

Case Studies in Energy Management

Case Study: Germany's Energiewende 🇩🇪

Germany's "energy transition" (Energiewende) is one of the world's most ambitious clean energy policies. Launched in 2010, it aims to transition Germany to a low-carbon, nuclear-free economy by 2050.

Key features:

  • Phase-out of nuclear power by 2022
  • Target of 80% renewable electricity by 2050
  • Feed-in tariffs to guarantee prices for renewable energy producers
  • Strong public support and community ownership of renewable projects

Challenges: High electricity prices, grid integration issues and continued reliance on coal during the transition period.

Case Study: China's Energy Transformation 🇨🇳

China is both the world's largest energy consumer and the largest investor in renewable energy. It faces the challenge of meeting growing energy demands while reducing pollution and carbon emissions.

Key developments:

  • World leader in solar panel manufacturing and installation
  • Massive expansion of wind power capacity
  • Building numerous ultra-high voltage transmission lines
  • Ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption

Challenges: Continued heavy reliance on coal, air pollution in major cities and balancing economic growth with environmental goals.

Sustainable Energy Development

Transitioning to sustainable energy systems is essential for addressing climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. This involves both shifting to renewable energy sources and using energy more efficiently.

Strategies for Sustainable Energy Development

  • Expanding renewable energy: Investing in solar, wind, hydro and other clean energy technologies
  • Improving energy efficiency: Reducing waste in buildings, industry and transport
  • Smart grids: Modernising electricity networks to better integrate renewable energy
  • Energy storage: Developing better batteries and other storage solutions
  • Sustainable transport: Promoting electric vehicles and public transport
  • Policy incentives: Carbon pricing, subsidies for clean energy and regulations

The Energy Trilemma 🔬

Countries face three competing challenges in energy policy, often called the "energy trilemma":

  1. Energy security: Ensuring reliable supply
  2. Energy equity: Providing affordable access
  3. Environmental sustainability: Minimising environmental impacts

Balancing these three goals is difficult but essential for sustainable development.

The Future of Global Energy

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly due to technological innovation, climate policies and shifting economic patterns. Understanding these trends is crucial for making informed decisions about energy systems.

🚀 Emerging Energy Technologies

  • Floating solar farms: Solar panels on water bodies
  • Offshore wind: Wind turbines in coastal waters
  • Green hydrogen: Using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen fuel
  • Advanced nuclear: Smaller, safer nuclear reactor designs
  • Carbon capture: Technologies to remove CO₂ from emissions or the atmosphere

📝 Your Role in Energy Transition

Everyone can contribute to sustainable energy use:

  • Being energy-efficient at home and school
  • Supporting renewable energy projects
  • Considering energy impacts of purchases
  • Learning about energy issues
  • Engaging with local and national energy policies
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