IGCSE Geography 0460 - Topic 3: Economic Development

3.5 Energy: Sources and Supply/Demand Factors

This section explores the different sources of energy available to the world and the factors that influence both the supply and demand for energy. Understanding these aspects is crucial for analyzing economic development and sustainability.

Energy Sources

Energy can be broadly classified into two main categories: renewable and non-renewable.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

• Fossil Fuels: These are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
• Coal: A solid fossil fuel, typically black or brown in colour. It is relatively inexpensive but has significant environmental impacts.
• Petroleum (Oil): A liquid fossil fuel, used for transport, heating, and manufacturing. Its price is highly volatile.
• Natural Gas: A gaseous fossil fuel, often found alongside petroleum. It is used for heating, electricity generation, and as a feedstock for chemicals.
• Nuclear Energy: Energy is released from the splitting of uranium atoms (nuclear fission). It is a low-carbon source but raises concerns about nuclear waste disposal and safety.

Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar Energy: Energy from the sun, harnessed using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal collectors.
• Wind Energy: Energy from the wind, captured by wind turbines.
• Hydroelectric Energy: Energy from the movement of water, typically using dams.
• Geothermal Energy: Energy from the Earth's internal heat, used for heating and electricity generation.
• Biomass Energy: Energy from organic matter, such as wood, crops, and waste.

Factors Affecting Energy Supply

The availability of energy resources is not uniform across the globe. Several factors influence energy supply:

• Geographical Factors: The location of fossil fuel deposits, wind patterns, solar radiation, and water sources.
• Technological Advancements: Improvements in extraction, processing, and generation technologies.
• Political Stability: Political stability in countries with energy resources can ensure reliable supply.
• Economic Development: Economic growth often increases energy demand, leading to investment in supply.
• Environmental Regulations: Regulations aimed at reducing pollution can affect the development and use of certain energy sources.
• Resource Depletion: The finite nature of non-renewable resources means their eventual depletion is a major concern.

Factors Affecting Energy Demand

Energy demand is influenced by a variety of factors:

• Population Growth: A larger population requires more energy for living, heating, lighting, and transportation.
• Economic Growth: Industrialization and economic development typically lead to a significant increase in energy demand.
• Standard of Living: Higher standards of living often involve increased energy consumption (e.g., more appliances, air conditioning).
• Climate: Colder climates require more energy for heating, while hotter climates may require more energy for cooling.
• Energy Prices: Higher energy prices can lead to reduced demand as consumers and businesses seek to conserve energy.
• Government Policies: Policies promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy can influence demand.

Table Summarizing Energy Sources and Factors

Energy Source	Type (Renewable/Non-Renewable)	Key Factors Affecting Supply	Key Factors Affecting Demand
Coal	Non-Renewable	Location of deposits, mining technology, political stability	Economic growth, industrialization, heating demand
Petroleum (Oil)	Non-Renewable	Location of deposits, extraction technology, political stability	Transport demand, industrial processes, economic growth
Natural Gas	Non-Renewable	Location of deposits, extraction technology, pipeline infrastructure	Heating demand, electricity generation, industrial processes
Solar Energy	Renewable	Solar radiation levels, technological advancements, government subsidies	Climate, cost of solar panels, government incentives
Wind Energy	Renewable	Wind patterns, turbine technology, location of suitable sites	Wind availability, cost of turbines, public acceptance
Hydroelectric Energy	Renewable	Availability of water resources, dam construction, environmental regulations	Water availability, population density, economic development
Geothermal Energy	Renewable	Location of geothermal resources, drilling technology	Heating demand, electricity generation, cost of drilling
Biomass Energy	Renewable	Availability of biomass resources, agricultural practices, waste management	Heating demand, industrial processes, waste disposal
Nuclear Energy	Non-Renewable	Uranium deposits, reactor technology, safety regulations	Electricity demand, energy security concerns

Understanding the interplay between energy sources, supply factors, and demand factors is essential for addressing the challenges of energy security, climate change, and sustainable economic development.