Consumption
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 8.2.1
Energy Consumption
Energy consumption varies in terms of location - both within a country and between countries.
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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
- 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
- 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 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
- 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).
Test yourself on Consumption
How much of the world's energy is consumed in urban areas?
Which of the following statements about energy consumption are correct?
In 2015, how much of UK energy came from renewable sources?
Which of the following statements about UK energy consumption are correct?