8.2.3

Energy Players

Test yourself

Energy Players

The energy players are different groups of people, users and suppliers who are involved in the consumption and production of energy resources.

Illustrative background for ConsumersIllustrative background for Consumers ?? "content

Consumers

  • Consumers create a demand for electrical energy and for primary energy of a particular resource e.g. oil.
  • There is some consumer control over the energy they consume (e.g. installing solar panels to reduce home energy costs and purchasing electric cars to be less dependent on oil).
  • Protests against nuclear energy and fracking in the UK impact whether and where these fuels can be sourced.
Illustrative background for GovernmentsIllustrative background for Governments ?? "content

Governments

  • Governments are required to meet international obligations in terms of reducing CO2 emissions, whilst securing current and future energy supplies.
  • Governments can regulate private companies and set environmental priorities.
Illustrative background for TNCsIllustrative background for TNCs ?? "content

TNCs

  • TNCs (transnational corporations) locate, extract and distribute energy resources
    • E.g. BP (UK), Shell (UK and the Netherlands), Petrobras (Brazil) and Reliance (India).
  • TNCs invest in and develop their own supply lines and distribution network. This can include processing of the raw resource and the production of electricity that is required.
  • TNCs will respond to the market to ensure profits and their stakeholders remain secure.
Illustrative background for OPECIllustrative background for OPEC ?? "content

OPEC

  • The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent inter-governmental organisation whose member nations produce and export oil.
  • It is a crucial part of economic and social development for countries where oil is the largest export (e.g. Saudi Arabia).
  • 81% of oil reserves are found in OPEC nations.
  • OPEC aims to ensure a steady income for producers, fair returns for investors and a regular sufficient supply for consumers.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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