Resource Provision » Case Study - Energy Supply Example

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

Understanding different types of energy resources (renewable and non-renewable)
Examining global patterns of energy supply and consumption
Analysing factors affecting energy supply
Detailed case study of Germany's energy transition (Energiewende)
Evaluating sustainable energy management strategies

Energy Resources and Supply

Energy is essential for economic development and improving quality of life. However, the way we produce and consume energy has significant impacts on our environment and future sustainability. This session explores different energy resources and examines a detailed case study of energy supply transformation.

Key Definitions:

Energy resources: Sources from which energy can be obtained to provide heat, light and power.
Non-renewable energy: Energy from sources that will run out or cannot be replenished in our lifetime (e.g., fossil fuels).
Renewable energy: Energy from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale (e.g., solar, wind).
Energy mix: The combination of different energy sources used in a country or region.

🔥 Non-Renewable Energy

Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil and natural gas formed from the remains of plants and animals over millions of years.

Nuclear Energy: Energy released during nuclear fission, when atoms split apart.

Issues: Limited supply, environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and safety concerns (for nuclear).

🌞 Renewable Energy

Types: Solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass and tidal.

Benefits: Unlimited supply, generally cleaner, lower carbon emissions.

Challenges: Intermittent supply, high initial costs, storage issues and geographical limitations.

Global Energy Supply Patterns

Energy consumption and production vary significantly around the world. Historically, fossil fuels have dominated the global energy mix, but this is gradually changing as countries invest in renewable alternatives.

Global Energy Facts

Fossil fuels still account for about 80% of global energy consumption
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source globally
High-income countries typically consume more energy per person than low-income countries
Energy consumption is closely linked to economic development and standard of living

Factors Affecting Energy Supply

Several factors influence the energy resources a country develops and uses:

🌎 Physical Factors

• Availability of resources

• Geographical location

• Climate conditions

• Terrain and landscape

📈 Economic Factors

• Cost of extraction

• Technology available

• Investment capacity

• Market demand

📄 Political Factors

• Government policy

• International agreements

• Energy security concerns

• Environmental regulations

Case Study: Germany's Energiewende (Energy Transition)

Case Study Focus: Germany's Energiewende

Germany's Energiewende is one of the most ambitious energy transformation projects in the world, aiming to transition from fossil fuels and nuclear power to renewable energy sources.

Background and Context

Germany, Europe's largest economy and industrial powerhouse, has historically relied heavily on imported fossil fuels and nuclear power. Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, Germany accelerated its plans to phase out nuclear energy and increase its commitment to renewable energy sources.

Key Features of the Energiewende

Ambitious targets: 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2050
Nuclear phase-out: Complete closure of all nuclear power plants by 2022
Emissions reduction: 80-95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels)
Energy efficiency: 50% reduction in primary energy consumption by 2050

👍 Achievements

• Renewable energy increased from 6% in 2000 to over 40% of electricity production in 2019

• Created approximately 300,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector

• Reduced CO₂ emissions by 27% between 1990-2014

• Developed world-leading expertise in renewable technology

• Empowered citizens through community energy projects

👎 Challenges

• High electricity prices for consumers due to renewable energy subsidies

• Grid stability issues with intermittent renewable sources

• Increased reliance on coal during the nuclear phase-out

• Regional disparities in energy production and consumption

• Balancing industrial competitiveness with environmental goals

Implementation Strategies

Germany's energy transition has been supported by several key policies:

Feed-in Tariffs (FiT): Guaranteed payments to renewable energy producers, providing investment security
Renewable Energy Act (EEG): Legal framework prioritising renewable energy in the grid
Research and development funding: Significant investment in new energy technologies
Public participation: Encouraging community ownership of renewable energy projects
Carbon pricing: Making fossil fuels less economically attractive

Geographical Distribution

Germany's renewable energy development shows clear geographical patterns:

Wind energy: Concentrated in northern Germany, particularly along the North Sea coast
Solar power: More prevalent in southern Germany where solar radiation is higher
Biomass: Widely distributed across rural areas
Hydropower: Mainly in mountainous southern regions

Social and Economic Impacts

The Energiewende has had wide-ranging effects on German society and economy:

🏠 Local Communities

• Over 1,000 energy cooperatives established

• Approximately 50% of renewable capacity is citizen-owned

• New income streams for farmers (wind turbines, biomass)

• Some opposition to visual impact of wind farms

💼 Industry

• New green technology sector development

• Concerns about international competitiveness due to energy costs

• Job losses in conventional energy sectors

• Export opportunities for German renewable technology

Lessons from Germany's Experience

Germany's energy transition offers several important lessons for other countries:

Strong policy frameworks and long-term planning are essential
Public support and participation increase the chances of success
Energy transitions create economic opportunities but also challenges
Grid infrastructure must be developed alongside renewable capacity
Energy storage solutions are crucial for managing intermittent supply
Regional cooperation helps balance supply and demand

Sustainable Energy Management

Sustainable energy management involves balancing environmental, economic and social considerations. Key strategies include:

Energy conservation: Reducing energy waste through efficiency measures
Diversification: Developing a mix of energy sources to enhance security
Decentralisation: Moving from large power plants to distributed generation
Smart grids: Using technology to better match supply and demand
International cooperation: Sharing resources and knowledge across borders

Exam Tip

For case study questions on energy supply, remember to discuss:

The specific energy resources being developed
Reasons for the chosen energy mix (physical, economic, political factors)
Challenges and opportunities in implementation
Environmental, economic and social impacts
Sustainability considerations and future outlook

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!