The increasing global demand for energy

Global demand for energy has risen significantly over the past century due to various social and economic factors. This surge puts pressure on existing resources and drives the need for innovative solutions to meet energy requirements.

Factors driving the rise in energy demand

• Population growth - The world population reached approximately 7.5 billion in 2017 and is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2040. A larger population means a greater need for energy to support daily life.
• Economic development - As wealth increases in poorer countries, more people purchase energy-consuming products such as cars, refrigerators and televisions.
• Technological advances - The invention and widespread use of new devices, like laptops and smartphones, contribute to higher energy consumption as these technologies become integral to modern lifestyles.

With rising demand, advancements in energy generation have improved supply efficiency, ensuring more energy is produced with reduced losses during the process.

Non-renewable energy resources and their impacts

Non-renewable energy resources are finite sources that cannot be replenished on a human timescale. These include fossil fuels and uranium, which have been central to meeting global energy needs but come with significant environmental and social consequences.

Types of non-renewable energy resources

• Fossil fuels - Comprising coal, oil, and natural gas, these fuels originated from the decomposed remains of ancient organisms millions of years ago. Coal is obtained through mining, while oil and gas are extracted by drilling into subterranean reserves.
• Uranium - Utilised in nuclear energy production, uranium releases substantial heat when its atoms are split. This heat boils water, creating steam that drives turbines to produce electricity. Uranium is extracted from both open-pit and underground mines.

Positive impacts of non-renewable resources

• Economic benefits - Nations with abundant reserves reduce expenditure on energy imports and generate revenue through exports, bolstering their economies.
• Employment opportunities - The extraction and energy production industries provide jobs for millions worldwide.
• Reliability - Fossil fuels have a long history of effective use in energy generation, proving their dependability.
• Efficiency of uranium - Compared to fossil fuels, smaller quantities of uranium are required to produce equivalent energy, minimising the extent of mining needed.
• Lower emissions from gas - Natural gas emits roughly half the carbon dioxide (CO₂) compared to coal, making it a less polluting fossil fuel option.

Negative impacts of non-renewable resources

• Finite supply - These resources will eventually be depleted, risking future energy shortages if over-relied upon.
• Safety hazards - Mining operations pose significant dangers to workers, including risks of flooding and structural collapses.
• Environmental destruction - Extraction processes strip away soil and vegetation, leading to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity.
• Climate change contribution - Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, driving global warming.
• Nuclear waste risks - Radioactive waste from nuclear energy production can severely harm the environment if not securely managed.

Specific considerations for nuclear power

• Advantages - Nuclear power plants operate continuously, ensuring a steady energy supply. They do not emit CO₂ during operation, avoiding contributions to global warming.
• Disadvantages - Radioactive waste remains highly toxic and poses contamination risks if not properly contained. Additionally, nuclear facilities are often considered visually unappealing and are perceived as unsafe due to potential accidents.

Renewable energy resources and their impacts

Renewable energy resources harness natural processes that are replenished on a human timescale, offering sustainable alternatives to non-renewable sources. These include wind, solar, and hydro-electric power, each with distinct benefits and challenges.

Methods of generating renewable energy

• Wind turbines - These devices convert wind energy into electricity by rotating blades, either on land or offshore. Often grouped into wind farms, they capitalise on windy locations to maximise output.
• Solar power - Solar energy is captured to heat water or power cookers. Photovoltaic cells, installed on building roofs or in extensive solar farms, also generate electricity directly from sunlight.
• Hydro-electric power (HEP) - This method uses the force of falling water, trapped by dams, to turn turbines as water flows through tunnels, producing electricity.

Positive impacts of renewable resources

• Infinite availability - Unlike fossil fuels, resources like wind and sunlight are inexhaustible, ensuring long-term energy security.
• Job creation - The renewable energy sector fosters employment in technology development and infrastructure installation.
• Export potential - Countries can profit by exporting surplus renewable energy to others.
• Environmental friendliness - These sources produce no CO₂ or greenhouse gases during operation, mitigating climate change.
• Water conservation - Renewable energy systems use significantly less water compared to non-renewable plants, reducing strain on water resources.

Negative impacts of renewable resources

• High costs - The technology for renewable energy is still evolving, making generation and consumption expensive in the short term.
• Inconsistent supply - Dependence on weather conditions means energy production can be unreliable; wind turbines need wind, and solar panels require sunlight.
• Toxic materials - Certain solar panels contain harmful substances like cadmium, which can leak into the environment during production or disposal.
• Habitat disruption - Large-scale projects, such as solar farms or dam construction for HEP, can destroy natural habitats or flood ecosystems.

Technological advancements to address energy shortages

As energy demand continues to grow, the strain on conventional fossil fuel reserves has necessitated the development of new technologies to access previously unreachable resources. These innovations aim to bridge the gap between supply and demand.

Fracking is a technique that extracts natural gas trapped in shale rock by injecting high-pressure liquid into the rock to fracture it, releasing gas for collection. Fracking offers a potential solution to meet energy needs as traditional reserves dwindle.

Environmental concerns with fracking

• Greenhouse gas emissions - Burning shale gas releases CO₂, contributing to global warming and climate change.
• Pollution risks - Chemicals in fracking fluids can contaminate groundwater, drinking water, and air, posing health and environmental hazards.
• Water usage - The process demands substantial amounts of water, a scarce resource in many regions, exacerbating water shortage issues.