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Table 1: 12.1: Factors affecting the supply of Energy

PHYSICAL ECONOMIC
 Deposits of fossil  The most accessible
fuels are only found and lowest-cost
in a limited number deposits of fossil
of locations. fuels are invariably
developed first.
POLITICAL
 Countries waiting to
develop nuclear
electricity require
permission from the
international energy
agency.

 Large- scale HEP  In poor countries,  Potential HEP

development FDI is often essential schemes on
requires high ppt, for the international rivers
major steep sided development of a may require the
valleys and energy resources. agreement of other
impermeable rock. countries that share
the river.

 Large power  Onshore deposits of  Governments may

stations require flat oil and gas are insist on energy
land and usually cheaper to companies
geologically stable develop than producing a certain
foundations. offshore deposits. proportion of their
energy from
renewable sources.

 Solar power needs a  When energy prices  International

large number of rise significantly,
days a year with companies increase
strong sunlight. spending on
exploration and
development.
agreements such as
the Kyoto protocol
can have a
considerable
influence on the
energy decisions of
individual countries.

Table 2: 12.2: The advantages and disadvantages of Oil
ADVANTAGES
 A compact, portable source of
energy; relatively easy to transport
and store.
 Use for most forms of mechanical
transportation
 Flexible use – can be distilled into
fuel products.
 Cleaner and easier to burn than
coal.
 Compared to most other fuel
sources, it remains one of the most
economical sources of energy.
 The oil industry has been the
source of much advanced
technology.
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DISADVANTAGES
 Non – renewable – takes million of
years to form.
 Burning oil generates CO2, a
greenhouse gas.
 Oil contains Sulphur, which when
burnt forms Sulphur dioxide and
Sulphur trioxide; these combine
with atmospheric moisture to form
sulphuric acid, leading to ‘acid
rain’.
 Not as clean or efficient in use as
natural gas.
 Serious oil spills from supertankers
and pipelines.
 Locating additional reserves
requires a very high level of
investment.

Table 3: 12.3: The advantages and disadvantages of
wind power.
ADVANTAGES
 A renewable source of energy that
can produce reasonable levels of
electricity with current technology.
 Advances in wind turbine
technology over the last decade
have reduced the cost per unit of
energy considerably.
 Suitable locations with sufficient
wind conditions can be found in
most countries.
 Flexibility of location with offshore
wind farms gaining in popularity.
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DISADVANTAGES
 Growing concerns about the
impact on landscapes as the
number of turbines and wind
farms increases.
 The hum of turbines can be
disturbing for both people and
wildlife.
 Debate about the number of birds
killed by turbine blades.
 Tv reception can be affected by
wind farms.