Question 1: Define 'Energy Security'.

Answer: Energy Security refers to the reliable, affordable, and sustainable supply of energy resources to meet a country's needs.

Question 2: What is 'energy diversification'?

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

Question 3: Explain 'geopolitical tensions' in the context of energy resources.

Answer: Geopolitical tensions refer to conflicts or disagreements between nations over control, access, or influence over energy resources, affecting global energy stability.

Question 4: Name two renewable energy sources commonly used to enhance Energy Security.

Answer: Solar power and wind power.

Question 5: What is 'fossil fuel dependency'?

Answer: Fossil fuel dependency is when a country relies heavily on fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas for its energy needs.

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

Answer: United States

Question 2: Name the primary energy source that accounts for the largest share of global energy consumption.

Answer: Oil

Question 3: What term describes a country's efforts to reduce reliance on imported energy by developing domestic sources?

Answer: Energy independence

Question 4: Identify two countries that are major exporters of natural gas.

Answer: Russia and Qatar

Question 5: Describe one geopolitical issue related to energy resources in the Middle East.

Answer: Conflicts over control of oil fields and pipelines, such as in Iraq and Syria, which threaten regional stability and global energy supplies.

Question 1: Based on the case study, evaluate how Russia's control over natural gas supplies impacts European Energy Security.

Answer: Russia's dominant position as a major natural gas supplier to Europe through pipelines like Nord Stream enhances Europe's reliance on Russian energy, creating vulnerabilities to political disputes and supply disruptions. This dependence influences European energy policies and prompts efforts to diversify sources, but Russia's strategic leverage remains significant, affecting regional stability and negotiations.

Question 2: Identify two strategies Russia uses to maintain its influence over global energy markets.

Answer: Holding reserves of natural gas and oil to manipulate supply, and forming strategic alliances with energy-importing countries.

Question 3: Explain the potential effects of Europe's efforts to diversify energy sources on Russia's energy economy.

Answer: Diversification efforts, such as investments in renewable energy and alternative suppliers, could reduce Europe's dependence on Russian energy, potentially decreasing Russia's economic influence, decreasing revenue from energy exports, and prompting Russia to seek new markets or political strategies.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of geopolitical tensions in the Caspian Sea region and their impact on energy security.

Answer: The Caspian Sea region is rich in oil and natural gas, with multiple countries claiming territorial rights, leading to conflicts over resource control. Political disputes, border disagreements, and competition among Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan hinder pipeline development and supply stability. These tensions can cause supply disruptions, price volatility, and increased geopolitical risks affecting global energy markets.

Question 2: Explain the reasons behind the shift towards renewable energy sources in the context of energy security.

Answer: The shift towards renewables is driven by concerns over fossil fuel depletion, climate change mitigation, energy independence, and the desire to diversify energy sources to reduce geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Question 1: To what extent are renewable energy sources effective in enhancing a country's energy security?

Answer: Renewable energy sources can significantly enhance energy security by providing domestic, sustainable, and less geopolitically sensitive supplies. However, challenges such as high initial costs, intermittency issues, and technological requirements limit their immediate effectiveness. A balanced approach combining renewables with traditional energy sources and energy efficiency measures offers the best prospects for sustainable energy security, though reliance on fossil fuels remains prominent in many regions.