Energy Availability and Consumption
Introduction
This page uses a number of different graphs, maps and infographics to help students to explore the trends in energy production and consumption. It begins with a starter activity on peak oil and then looks at the complexity of energy supplies in relation to optimistic and pessimistic views. A resource pack is provided for a group written activity and students apply the energy sector to aspects of Ellen MacArthur's circular economy. Students go on to make detailed notes on the efficiency and opportunities and challenges of different energies including low carbon solutions and technologies, developing the UK as an example.
Enquiry Question
Where is the energy coming from and who consumes it?
Lesson Time: 1-2 Hours
Lesson Objectives:
- To describe the global pattern of energy availability and consumption
- To discuss the relative changing importance of including the relative and changing importance of hydrocarbons, nuclear power, renewables, new sources of modern energy
Teacher Notes:
Starter_Peak Oil Production_Synthesis and Possibilities_Students can comment on the complexity of such a graph projection.
1. Graph Analysis_Optimism and Pessimism_Synthesis_Students can then study the projected graphs showing different energy outlooks. The students should answer the questions based on the differences
2. Graph Analysis_Projected Consumption and Production_Possibilities_You can either give students the resource pack in pairs and ask them to write a paragraph on the present and projected production and consumption of energy or alternatively show the slideshow and students make notes on each graph using the worksheet as a hand out.
3. Data Analysis _Top 10 Consumers and Producers_Synthesis_Show the data set and students should discuss the reasons for the differences in the two lists
4. Synthesis_Energy Types and the Circular Economy_Synthesis and Processes_Project the diagram of the circular economy and for each of the energy types listed, students should suggest how it fits to the circular economy.
5. Video Comprehension_Energy Efficiency and New Technologies_Possibilities_Give the students the worksheet and they should make notes based on the two video on energy efficiency and new energy technologies.
6. Video Comprehension_Possibilities_Opportunities and Challenges of Nuclear Power video can also be shown with students structuring their own notes
7. Graph Analysis_New Technologies_Possibilities_Project the diagram based on Lloyd's research and students can discuss its interpretation and suggest the new technologies considered most important.
8. Infographic Analysis_The UK Low Carbon Economy_Places and Possibilities_Student should study the projected infographic on the UK Low Carbon Economy and answer the questions related to its interpretation
9. Video Comprehension_The UK Low Carbon Economy_Places and Possibilties_Show the The UKTI video and students should identify the ways the UK is working toward a low carbon economy
10. Video Comprehension_OECD Animation on Low carbon Legislation_Power and Possibilities_Then show the final video from the OECD and students can make notes on the government policy needed to move toward a low carbon economy
Study the graph below and comment on the complexity of such a projection.
Consider:
- New technology
- Economics
- Government policy and geopolitics
Source: Adapted from the Guardian
Study the two graphs below, which show both an optimistic outlook and a pessimistic outlook on future energy production.
- Identify the key differences in the graphs
- Discuss why you think these contrasting views exist?
- Discuss the relative importance of hydrocarbon, nuclear and renewables.
Source: Graph1_ASPO 2007, Graph2_Edwards 2001
Source: http://www.geo.cornell.edu/eas/energy/the_challenges/peak_oil.html
Current estimates for the world wide peak production, not only for oil, but also for natural gas, and less traditional hydrocarbon sources range from the pessimistic (ASPO, 2007) to the less pessimistic (Edwards, 2001). The bottom line is that conventional oil and natural gas will probably peak sometime between 2010 and 2040 (Figures at left). Except for some extremely optimistic projections, most people inside and outside of industry predict that oil and natural gas production will be in decline before the middle of the 21st Century. It is important to understand that “peak oil” is an economic concept: production will decline when there are other less expensive energy sources available. Thus peak oil will occur because we have exhausted easily accessible oil (something that is happening rapidly). After peak oil, in the latter half of the century, there will still be considerable oil (and natural gas) in the ground, but it will be so expensive to extract that other energy sources will be utilised.
Study the slideshow and make notes on each graph to describe present and projected energy production and consumption of energy
Alternatively use the resource in pairs or small groups to write a collective paragraph on the present and projected production and consumption of energy
Energy Resource Pack
Study the data in the table below and suggest reasons for the differences between the top 10 producers and top 10 consumers
| Producers | Mtoe | Consumers | Mtoe |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 2,614 | China | 3,022 |
| USA | 1,881 | USA | 2,188 |
| Russia | 1,340 | India | 755 |
| Saudi Arabia | 615 | Russia | 731 |
| India | 523 | Japan | 455 |
| Indonesia | 460 | Germany | 318 |
| Canada | 435 | Brazil | 294 |
| Australia | 344 | South Korea | 264 |
| Iran | 299 | Canada | 253 |
| Nigeria | 256 | France | 253 |
Source: The Economist, 2017, Pocket World in Figures
Study the following image of the Circular Economy and suggest how different types of energy production demonstrate characteristics of the circular economy.
Focus on:
- Coal Power Stations
- Biofuel carbon capture storage
- Solar Thermal
- Geo thermal
Source: Adapted from The Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation
Watch the following D News clip on energy efficiency and make notes on the efficiency of different energies
Energy WorksheetWatch the following clip by Lloyds Register.
Make notes on the different technologies that players in the energy sector consider to be important for a low carbon future
Watch the following video on the opportunity Blockchains can bring to the energy market
Watch the following D News clip and make notes on the opportunities and challenges of Nuclear Power
Study the diagram below based on research from Lloyd's Register and comment on what technologies, players in the energy sector, thought would have most impact
Source: Lloyd's Register
Study the Infographic and answer the following questions
- Identify the main purpose of the infographic
- Discuss who consider to be the main target audience for the infographics
- Identify the main ways the Uk will reach a low carbon economy
Watch the following UKTI animation and identify how the UK is working towards a low carbon economy.
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