Fig. 1 shows a cap figure prepared for a geographical enquiry into the energy mix of the fictional country of Norland. The student used data from the nation...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a cap figure prepared for a geographical enquiry into the energy mix of the fictional country of Norland. The student used data from the national energy agency in the resource booklet. Norland imports most of its natural gas, but it has a large windy coastline. The government is considering whether its present mix gives enough energy security. The figure shows the percentage of electricity generated by each source in one year.
(a) Identify the energy source that provides 18% of Norland's electricity. [2]
(b) Describe two features of Norland's energy mix shown in Fig. 1. [3]
(c) Which energy source in Fig. 1 is most likely to be affected directly by a disruption to imported fuel supplies? [3]
(d) Explain two ways in which increasing wind generation could improve Norland's energy security. [4]
Answer Details
(a) The source producing 18% is nuclear power. [2]
(b) Natural gas is the largest source, supplying 42%. Solar is the smallest, supplying 6%. Wind generates more electricity than hydroelectric power. Wind, hydroelectricity and solar are renewable sources. Any three features. [3]
(c) Natural gas would be most directly affected because Norland imports most of this fuel. Its supply therefore depends on overseas producers and transport routes. [3]
(d) Wind is a domestic resource, so increasing wind generation reduces the amount of gas that must be imported and reduces exposure to price rises or interrupted imports. It also diversifies the energy mix, so a shortage of one fuel has less effect on total supply. Once installed, wind has no fuel cost, helping make long-term electricity costs more predictable. Any two developed points. [4]
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