Energy gap By Mark Attwood age 39 and a half

The energy gap, objective -the concept of ‘precious energy’ and the need for energy efficiency

Recap -World Energy Demand

The energy gap You have been given an article about the energy gap… Working in pairs– read the article 1.What is the energy gap? Decide on a definition 2.Summarise the points made in the article in no more than 5 bullet points (total)

The energy gap Definition: the difference between a country’s rising demand for energy and its ability to produce that energy from its own sources. In some places, the energy gap is being widened by the deliberate phasing out of fossil fuels. The resulting loss of energy is greater than the amount of energy being developed by alternative renewable resources.

Energy gap – where in the world? Look at the maps (fig 4.16 and 4.18) on p of Edexcel IGCSE Geography student book (textbook) Identify some countries that have an energy gap – classify them as follows:

The changing energy situation in the UK The UK’s _____ gap is being widened by the gradual _______ of North Sea oil and ____ deposits. The UK still has plenty of coal, but it is cheaper to ______foreign coal. Use of coal is however being reduced in order to cut _______ of carbon dioxide. Missing words: emissions energy import gas exhaustion import

‘Precious energy’ and energy efficiency Read p in Edexcel IGCSE Geography student book (textbook) 1.Why is energy considered ‘precious’? 2.What does ‘energy efficiency’ mean? Give at least 3 examples of this. 3.Why are some people in favour of using energy more efficiently ? Negatives of rising demand?

Two main types of energy Fossil fuels Alternative energy But both have their advantages and disadvantages

Consumption of fossil fuels is increasing...so are CO2 levels and global average temperatures

Who uses the fossil fuels? Some countries use more energy than others. The map shows the countries that contribute the biggest percentage of the world’s carbon emissions – carbon dioxide is released when we burn fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels can only be found and therefore produced in certain parts of the world. However some countries consume fossil fuels much more than others, e.g and Soon, fossil fuels are going to run out, (e.g in about years) and therefore they will need to be phased out with appropriate alternative energy sources to replace them. If the alternative sources are not found, there will be an ‘energy gap’.  So what are the alternative options? Fossil fuels are going to run out… Oil in about 40 years Gas in about 60 years Coal in about 250 years

What is an alternative source of energy? Alternative energy is a source that can be used instead of fossil fuels It is usually a renewable source of energy that could be used should fossil fuels run out

What are the alternative forms of energy? These are renewable energy forms: Wind Hydro (water) Solar (sun) Wave Tidal Biofuel

Alternative energy

Solar Energy

Why is there a need for alternative sources of energy? Here are some ideas % of the worlds energy supply’s come from fossil fuels Fossil fuels are convenient and relatively cheap – a litre of petrol in 1998 would have been 20p if there was no tax added! Because fossil fuels are likely to run out “Oil has 40 – 50 years left” Burning fossil fuels has increased atmospheric pollution, e.g. from vehicle exhausts The carbon stored in fossil fuels is released as carbon dioxide when they are burnt – this leads to the green house effect and global warming

What energy will we use in the future? Once upon a time – nuclear power was seen as the answer. Huge amounts of power could be produced from a small amount of uranium However, it produces radioactive waste, which is dangerous to health and life. There is also no secure place for storage. Public confidence has also been shattered by the explosion at Chernobyl in 1986 – which is still affecting people to this day. Now that nuclear power is considered too risky hopes lie with things like sun, water, wind, waves and tides.

Is nuclear the answer? Pro’s Con’s see cost of clean up’

Advantages of using natural (renewable) sources of energy What might be some of the problems?

Advantages of using natural sources of energy They are inexhaustible – they will always be available – they are renewable They are clean and will not damage the Earth (environmentally friendly) There are several types – so one or more of them is present in each country Most natural sources can be used on a small scale and serve local needs therefore cutting costs of transmitting the energy

Research task: You are going to be working in small groups and researching the different types of renewable energy. I want to know how they work, where they can be useful and some numbers of present use. Problems with them as well! advs and disadvs You can start finding some information using the text books today. These are renewable energy forms: Wind Hydro (water) Solar (sun) Tidal Biofuel Geothermal

Type of renewable energy What is it?How does it work?AdvantagesDisadvantages Wind Hydro Solar Tidal Biofuel Geothermal