Management of Energy Sources (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

• Sustainable energy management is essential if future generations are to have the energy resources they need
• Non-renewable sources will at some point run out so need to be used carefully
• As supplies start to run out prices will increase this will mean:
  • Economic development is harder as profits will decrease
  • Countries with an energy surplus become more powerful
  • Countries with an energy gap pay more to import energy
• Fossil fuels create pollution and emit greenhouse gases so the amount used needs to be reduced
• Energy management can be Individual and national
• Energy efficiency is key to making the most of energy sources as it cuts down on waste and reduces consumption
  • Less energy is used and fuel is used more economically

Individual

• There are many actions that individuals can take to reduce energy use or use energy more efficiently including:
  • Reduce car use by using public transport, walking or cycling
  • Insulating walls and roof spaces
  • Buy energy efficient (AAA rated) appliances such as washing machines
  • Don't leave electrical items on standby
  • Install double or triple glazing
  • Install heat exchange
  • Turn the thermostat down and wear more layers
  • Install solar panels 

Individual methods of reducing energy use - energy-efficient home

National

• Governments have several strategies to make energy use sustainable including:
  • Invest in renewable technologies such as wind and solar
  • Encourage the switch to electric cars
  • Invest in public transport
  • Provide grants and loans for homeowners to install solar panels or insulation
  • Building regulations to ensure that new homes are energy efficient

Energy Use

• Nepal is a developing country located between China and India
• The landscape is mountainous and includes much of the Himalayas
• The population is rural with only 16% of the population living in towns and cities
• Energy demand is very low but growing as the country develops

Energy use per person in Nepal and UK

Energy Mix

• The main source of energy for 82% of the rural population is fuelwood
• In urban areas the use of fuelwood is 36%
• Nepal has no suitable coal, oil or gas reserves so these have to be imported
• 98% of all electricity in Nepal is generated through hydropower

Energy Mix in Nepal

Sustainable Future

• Access to electricity has increased rapidly over the past 15 years:
  • 88% of the population now have access to electricity
• Support from the World Bank has led to more investment in hydropower
• There are now over 3000 micro-hydro plants in Nepal

Ruma Khola Micro-Hydro

• Completed in 2009
• Provides electricity for the town of Darbang and five neighbouring villages
• It supplies energy for 22 industries including:
  • metal workshop, furniture manufacturers, a cement block manufacturer, a noodle factory, poultry farms and dairy farms
• Built and operated by the community the micro-hydro plant was funded using grants from the government with support from the World Bank
• The loans are paid back using money that the community pay for the electricity supply
• It has improved the standard of living in the communities
• Reliance on kerosene and fuelwood has reduced and emissions have fallen
• Deforestation has decreased

Energy Use

• Norway is a developed country in northern Europe
• The demand for energy is one of the highest in the world
• The population is mainly urban with 83% of people living in towns and cities

Energy Use per Person in Norway and UK

Energy Mix

• Norway has significant energy resources including:
  • 1% of the world's gas reserves (17th in the world)
  • 0.3% of the world's oil reserves (22nd in the world)
  • There are also some coal reserves
• Norway is one of the world's largest energy exporters
• Hydropower generates 90% of Norway's electricity and accounts for 65% of energy use

Energy Mix Norway

Sustainable Future

• There are over 1500 hydropower plants in Norway
• Due to the issue of reliance on hydropower during the dry season and the environmental impact of large hydropower plants Norway is expanding other renewable energy sources
• Demand continues to increase
• Norway is expanding the number of wind farms:
  • There are currently 53 wind farms
  • 36 additional onshore and offshore are planned and due to be started or completed by 2030
  • Includes the world's first floating wind farm
• Norway is also investing in solar energy:
  • Homeowners in Oslo get a 30% subsidy for installing solar panels
• To reduce the consumption of oil Norway is encouraging the population to move to electric cars:
  • In 2021 66% of all new car sales in Norway were electric