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The energy gap and energy security
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Many countries use more energy than they produce. How can they keep the lights on?
The energy gap
The energy gap is the difference between a country's energy demand and the energy it produces itself.
It grows when population, wealth and technology increase demand, or when domestic supplies run down, as with North Sea oil and gas in the UK.
Countries fill the gap by importing energy.
It grows when population, wealth and technology increase demand, or when domestic supplies run down, as with North Sea oil and gas in the UK.
Countries fill the gap by importing energy.
Energy security
Energy security means having a reliable, affordable supply of energy.
Relying on imports can be risky: prices can rise sharply and supplies can be cut off by conflict or political disputes.
Countries improve security by using a mix of sources, developing their own renewables, and storing fuel.
Relying on imports can be risky: prices can rise sharply and supplies can be cut off by conflict or political disputes.
Countries improve security by using a mix of sources, developing their own renewables, and storing fuel.
Managing energy sustainably
Education: campaigns encourage people to switch off lights and turn down heating.
Efficiency: LED bulbs, insulation, double glazing, efficient boilers and fuel-efficient or electric vehicles do the same job with less energy.
Conservation: using less energy overall, for example by walking, cycling or using public transport.
Efficiency: LED bulbs, insulation, double glazing, efficient boilers and fuel-efficient or electric vehicles do the same job with less energy.
Conservation: using less energy overall, for example by walking, cycling or using public transport.
Explain why relying on imported gas can threaten a country's energy security.
- The country depends on other countries for supply.
- Conflict or political disputes can cut supplies.
- World prices can rise sharply, making energy unaffordable.
Answer: Supply and price are outside the country's control.
The energy gap is demand minus domestic production, filled by imports. Energy security is a reliable, affordable supply; dependence on imports is risky. A varied mix and domestic renewables improve security. Sustainable management uses education, efficiency and conservation.
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