What’s the story?

Changing patterns of energy consumption

Objectives

Examine the changing importance of other energy

sources.

Still surprises me!

Global Distribution of Energy

Study the map and tables on page 158-160 of planet Geog (an map from page 12)

Note down the top five countries for in terms of their reserves of oil, natural gas, coal and uranium.

What issues do you think may arise due to this distribution?

We have a choice..

• Carry on as we are• Change to alternatives• Conservation of energy

Positives, Minuses and Interesting questions for each option…

Renewable energy distribution

• The distribution of renewable energy sources also varies globally.

• • However, while some places might not be able to

take advantage of wind power, they might be able to harness other sources of renewable energy instead, e.g. Solar power or hydro-power.

• What problems do you think some countries/communities might face if/when they want to harness a renewable energy resource that is available to them locally?

Wind Speed

Insolation

What do you notice about these sources of energy?

What does the reading suggest about the changing importance of

alternatives?

• Read page 90 of Edexcel text

Problems communities/countries might face in adopting alternatives:

• Fossil fuels are cheaper alternatives, e.g. Coal in India• Lack of finance or external financial investment to set

up renewable energy systems e.g. wind farms• Corruption in government• Lack of space• Renewable energy sources would be insufficient to

match the population’s needs• Civil/political unrest• Other issues are seen to be more pressing and the

importance of renewable energy sources is not acknowledged by the population and/or the government.

Why is there a changing importance in renewable energy resources?

• Read p.44 of the IB Geography guide to try to answer this question.

Hint.. Perhaps the word ‘need’ should be inserted into the question…..

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/climatechange/9717280/Doha-Latest-figures-show-global-CO2-emissions-are-rising.html

Solar Energy

Solar Energy is the energy that is produced by the sun in the form of heat and light. It is one of the most renewable and readily available source of energy. The fact that it is available in plenty and free and does not belong to anybody makes it one of the most important of the non-conventional sources of energy.

Wind Energy

Harnessing winds, often at sea due to trade winds and visual impact

Tidal

A low efficiency type but potentially great as low impact. Harnesses the movement of tides to turn turbines.

Wave energy

Uses wave movement. Efficiency is the problem again

Hydro Electric Power.

Big energy producer but needs morphology and huge start up costs.

Geothermal

Brilliant if you have it!!

Biomass

Means "natural material." When biomass energy is burned, it releases heat, just like the wood logs in your campfire. Biomass energy uses natural materials like trees and plants to make electricity. Key is that the material is often grown sustainably and with the purpose in mind

Some of the material used includes:Leftover wood from sawmillsLeftover paper and wood waste from paper millsCorn stalks, corn cobs and seed corn from farmsPaper and cardboard that can't be recycled in other waysFast-growing crops and trees

Wood

Wood is considered humankind’s very first source of energy. Today it still is the most important single source of renewable energy providing over 9% of the global total primary energy supply. Wood energy is as important as all other renewable energy sources altogether (hydro, geothermal, wastes, biogas, solar and liquid biofuels).

More than two billion people depend on wood energy for cooking and/or heating, particularly in households in developing countries. It represents the only domestically available and affordable source of energy.

Nuclear

It is the result of nuclear reactions, in which matter is converted to energy. We have been able to harness that mechanism and regularly use it to generate power. Presently, nuclear energy provides for approximately 16% of the world's electricity.

ICT research task:Complete the worksheet – for each renewable energy source, explain:1. How does it work?2. Advantages3. Disadvantages4. Locations it could

be/is successful5. Locations it would

not be successful6. % of world use?7. Change in use over

time?

Reasons to be cheerful…

Changing patterns of energy consumption

Objectives

Examine the changing importance of other energy

sources.