The national grid operator of Valedon has published Fig. 1 after two winter electricity shortages. A cable to a neighbouring country failed during a storm, ...
Question 1 Report
The national grid operator of Valedon has published Fig. 1 after two winter electricity shortages. A cable to a neighbouring country failed during a storm, while demand rose sharply on a cold evening. The diagram shows a proposed balanced energy system for 2035. It includes solar panels, offshore wind, a hydroelectric reservoir, a gas station, battery storage, an interconnector and demand reduction in homes and factories. A resource booklet states that the country wants secure supplies, lower carbon emissions and affordable energy for every sector. Geographical students are using the figure to assess whether the plan closes Valedon's energy gap.
(a) Name three electricity sources in Fig. 1 that do not need fuel to be imported while they are generating. [3]
(b) Which part of Fig. 1 could provide electricity rapidly when wind output suddenly falls, and why? [5]
(c) Describe three ways demand reduction can reduce pressure on Valedon's energy supply. [7]
(d) Explain how a balanced energy mix and sustainable energy use together could reduce Valedon's energy gap. [15]
Answer Details
(a) Sources that do not require imported fuel while generating are offshore wind, solar panels and hydroelectric power. A battery store is also acceptable when it releases electricity previously stored. Any three. [3]
(b) The battery store can respond rapidly because stored electricity can be released quickly to the national grid when wind output falls or demand is high. [5]
(c) Insulation and efficient heating reduce electricity demand, especially during cold periods. Efficient appliances and lighting use less power for the same service, lowering total demand. Factories can move non-essential processes away from peak hours, reducing peak load. Lower demand also reduces the imported fuel or electricity needed, improving security. Any three developed points. [7]
(d) A balanced mix uses several sources, so the failure of an interconnector or shortage of one fuel has less impact. Offshore wind, solar and hydroelectric power use domestic renewable resources, reducing fuel imports and carbon dioxide emissions. Their output varies with weather, so batteries can store surplus electricity and release it when wind or solar output is low. Hydroelectric and gas generation can respond more flexibly at high-demand times. An interconnector provides another source in normal conditions, but domestic sources reduce risk if it fails. Demand reduction lowers the electricity that must be generated, narrowing the supply-demand gap, reducing bills and reducing the need for costly new power stations. Together, diverse supply and lower consumption provide a secure, sustainable long-term system. [15]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
