Global Demand for Energy (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Notes

6.4.1 Global Demand for Energy

• Energy is produced (supplied) and used (consumed) at different rates and in different amounts worldwide.

Key Terms

• Energy Security: Reliable, uninterrupted, affordable energy supply.
• Energy Insecurity: Unreliable or irregular energy supply.
• Energy Gap: Difference between energy produced and energy required.
• Energy Surplus: More than enough energy; some can be sold.
• Energy Deficit: Not enough energy; relies on imported energy.

The map above shows the total amount of energy used per country. As the world's population is rising and as people are getting wealthier more energy is being consumed.

Global Energy Use

• Relationship Between Wealth and Energy Consumption:
  • Wealthy, developed countries (dark red) tend to consume a lot of energy as they can afford to. Most people in these countries have access to electricity and heating and use energy intensive devices (computers/TVs)
  • Less developed countries (light orange) tend to consumer less energy and poorer people's lifestyles tend to reply on electricity less and they are less able to afford it.

Why is Energy Demand Increasing?

1. Population Growth:

• 2020: World population just over 7.5 billion.
• Predicted to increase to over 9 billion by 2040.

2. Economic Development:

• Increased wealth in some poorer countries.
• More energy-consuming devices (TVs, cars, fridges).

3. Technological Advances:

• Creation of new devices needing energy (iPads, laptops).
• Growing popularity increases energy demand.

Global Energy Production is Unevenly Distributed

• Some countries produce lots of energy because they have large energy reserves and the money to exploit them.

• Some countries produce little energy because they have few reserves and/or are too poor to exploit them.