Lecture Notes: Patterns and Trends in Global Energy Consumption

Overview

• Objective: Describe trends in global energy consumption.
• Skill Practice: Calculating answers with appropriate units.

Key Trends in Energy Consumption

Developed vs. Developing Nations

• Energy Use: Developed countries use more energy per capita.
  • Example: U.S. uses 5x more energy per person than world average.
• Population Impact: Developing countries have larger populations, thus higher total energy use.
• Growth: Developing world sees increased energy use due to population growth and industrialization.

Dominance of Fossil Fuels

• Primary Energy Source: Oil, coal, and natural gas (fossil fuels) are dominant.
• Uses:
  • Oil/Petroleum: Mainly used for transportation (gasoline).
  • Coal: Main source for electricity generation (40% of global electricity).
  • Natural Gas: Growing in electricity generation; main source for heating.

Secondary Energy Sources

• Hydroelectricity: Second most common form, but significantly behind fossil fuels.
  • Process: Water spins a turbine in a dam, generating electricity.
• Nuclear Power: Third place, generates electricity through uranium fission.
  • Process: Similar to hydroelectricity but using heat to produce steam.

Impact of Development on Energy Demand

• Subsistence Fuels: Used in developing countries for household heat and cooking (e.g., wood, manure, charcoal).
• Transition: As economies develop, there's a shift from subsistence fuels to fossil fuels due to increased wealth and energy demand.

Factors Affecting Energy Source Use

Availability

• Fossil Fuel Reserves: Depends on discovered reserves and accessibility.
• Example: U.S. natural gas production increased post-2010 due to fracking.
  • Impact: Increased availability lowers prices and affects energy mix.

Government Regulation

• Energy Mix Requirements: Mandates on renewable energy use.
  • Example: 25% renewable energy requirement by 2025.
• Tax Policies: Can encourage or discourage energy production methods.
  • Tax Credits: Encourage renewable energy.
  • Tax Increases: Discourage fossil fuel use.
• Limitations: Governments cannot directly change energy prices.

Geographic and Political Influences

• Varied Renewable Energy Use: Differences in renewable energy use reflect geography and political stance.
  • Example: U.S. states like Washington and California have higher renewable energy use.

Practice

• FRQ 6.2: Perform calculations with story problems.
  • Use calculators and show work in notebooks.

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