Question 1: Define energy security.

Answer: Energy security is the reliable and affordable access to energy resources necessary for a country's functioning and development.

Question 2: What is meant by 'energy diversification'?

Answer: Energy diversification involves increasing the variety of energy sources to reduce dependence on a single source or supplier.

Question 3: Name two major fossil fuels involved in global energy supply.

Answer: Oil and natural gas.

Question 4: Explain the concept of 'energy dependency'.

Answer: Energy dependency occurs when a country relies heavily on imported energy resources, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Question 5: What role do renewable energy sources play in enhancing energy security?

Answer: Renewable energy sources diversify the energy mix, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and contribute to sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Question 1: Which country is the world's largest producer of oil?

Answer: United States

Question 2: Name the major energy corridor that supplies natural gas from Russia to Europe.

Answer: Nord Stream pipeline

Question 3: What is a common consequence of high energy dependency for a nation?

Answer: Vulnerability to supply disruptions and price volatility.

Question 4: Identify two renewable energy sources that could improve energy security in island nations.

Answer: Solar power and wind energy.

Question 5: Which region is most dependent on Middle Eastern oil exports?

Answer: Asia

Question 1: Based on the UK’s reliance on LNG imports from Qatar and the USA, discuss two potential risks to its energy security.

Answer: Risks include supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions or natural disasters in exporting countries, and price volatility influenced by global market fluctuations.

Question 2: Evaluate how the UK’s investment in renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms, impacts its energy security.

Answer: Investment in renewables diversifies energy sources, reduces reliance on imports, and enhances resilience against supply shocks, but may face technological and economic challenges.

Question 3: Analyze the implications of the Nord Stream pipeline disruptions for European energy security.

Answer: Disruptions could lead to reduced natural gas supplies, increasing energy prices, dependency on alternative sources, and heightened geopolitical tensions within Europe.

Question 4: Identify two strategies that countries like Japan use to ensure energy security amid limited domestic resources.

Answer: Diversifying import sources and investing in renewable energy projects.

Question 1: Explain why geopolitical tensions in the Middle East can impact global energy security.

Answer: Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East can disrupt oil and gas supplies due to conflict, sanctions, or instability, leading to global price fluctuations and supply shortages, given the region's significant share in world energy exports.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of increasing energy dependency in European countries.

Answer: European countries’ increasing dependency is driven by declining domestic fossil fuel resources, the transition to cleaner energy sources requiring imports, geopolitical factors influencing supply routes, and economic considerations favoring cheaper imported energy.

Question 3: Explain how technological advancements can influence energy security.

Answer: Technological advancements such as fracking, renewable energy technologies, and smart grids enhance energy efficiency, increase domestic production, and improve the resilience of energy systems, thereby strengthening energy security.

Question 1: To what extent do renewable energy investments improve a country’s energy security? Consider economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors.

Answer: Renewable energy investments significantly enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, and fostering sustainable development. Economically, they can reduce exposure to volatile global fuel prices, though initial costs and technological challenges may be barriers. Environmentally, renewables lower carbon emissions, aligning with climate goals. Geopolitically, they diminish reliance on politically unstable regions, but the transition requires substantial infrastructure and policy support. Overall, while not a complete solution, renewables play a crucial role in creating more resilient and sustainable energy systems, thereby improving energy security in the long term.