Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Energy Consumption

Energy consumption varies in terms of location - both within a country and between countries.

Urban energy

Urban energy

  • There is a clear difference between rural (countryside) and urban (towns and cities) consumption of energy.
  • 75% of the world’s energy is consumed in urban areas.
  • This energy is largely secondary energy, especially in developed nations.
    • E.g. in the UK, most homes in London are powered by national and international supply lines.
Less developed countries

Less developed countries

  • Some rural areas, especially in developing nations, have been without secondary energy sources because of a lack of resources and finances to develop energy infrastructure.
  • As renewable energy becomes more affordable, some nations have installed solar panels to provide electricity.
    • E.g. Peru installed solar panels on 500,000 homes between 2006-2015.

Energy Mix

Energy consumption varies in terms of the type of fuel and the location of origin for the fuel.

Domestic and foreign

Domestic and foreign

  • The UK used less energy in 2015 than 1998 due to energy saving technologies like central home heating (with consideration of the population and economic increase).
  • The UK is also using more renewable energy.
  • A decline in domestic natural gas and oil in the North Sea means that the UK has an energy deficiency and is energy insecure - the UK now requires imported energy.
Primary and secondary

Primary and secondary

  • Primary energy sources are those used in their raw form.
    • I.e fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable energy.
  • Primary energy sources can be used to generate electricity, which is a secondary energy source.
  • Secondary energy flows through power lines to reach homes and businesses.
Renewable and non-renewable

Renewable and non-renewable

  • Non-renewable energy sources are finite (coal, oil and gas).
  • Renewable energy sources are natural continuous flows that can be constantly reused (e.g. wind and solar energy).
  • Recyclable energy includes reprocessed uranium from nuclear power plants.
  • In 2015, 25% of UK energy came from renewable sources (the first time renewable energy produced more electricity than coal in the UK).
Jump to other topics
1

Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2

Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3

Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4

Globalisation

5

Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6

Option 4B: Diverse Places

7

The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8

The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9

Superpowers (A2 only)

10

Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11

Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Practice questions on Consumption

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
Answer all questions on Consumption

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium