Question 1: Define 'renewable energy' and provide two examples.

Answer: Renewable energy is energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and wind power.

Question 2: What is 'fossil fuel' and why is its use a concern for environmental sustainability?

Answer: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas; their use releases greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

Question 3: Explain the term 'energy security'.

Answer: Energy security refers to the reliable and affordable supply of energy resources to a country.

Question 4: Name two countries that are major producers of oil.

Answer: Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Question 5: What is 'grid infrastructure' in the context of energy supply?

Answer: Grid infrastructure refers to the network of transmission lines and distribution systems that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers.

Question 1: Which country is the largest producer of oil in the Middle East?

Answer: Saudi Arabia

Question 2: Name three renewable energy sources commonly used in the UK.

Answer: Wind, solar, and biomass.

Question 3: What are the main environmental concerns associated with coal-fired power stations?

Answer: They emit high levels of greenhouse gases, cause air pollution, and produce ash waste.

Question 4: Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of nuclear energy.

Answer: Advantage: Low greenhouse gas emissions; Disadvantage: Risk of nuclear accidents and radioactive waste.

Question 1: The UK has been increasing its investment in offshore wind farms to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Based on this case, discuss two benefits and two challenges of expanding renewable energy sources in the UK.

Answer: Benefits include reduced carbon emissions and increased energy security. Challenges include high initial costs, limited suitable sites, and intermittency issues with wind energy.

Question 2: Analyze how government policies in the UK have influenced the shift towards renewable energy.

Answer: Government incentives such as subsidies and feed-in tariffs have encouraged investment in renewables, while regulations aiming to reduce carbon emissions have phased out coal plants and promoted cleaner energy sources.

Question 1: Explain why countries in the Middle East are major oil producers and exporters.

Answer: They have abundant reserves of oil due to geological formations, and their political stability and infrastructure support large-scale extraction and export, making them key players in global energy markets.

Question 2: Analyse the reasons behind the UK's transition towards renewable energy sources in recent decades.

Answer: The transition is driven by concerns over climate change, EU environmental targets, declining costs of renewables, and the desire for energy independence.

Question 1: To what extent are renewable energy sources a viable solution to global energy demand? Consider environmental, economic, and social factors.

Answer: Renewables are increasingly viable due to falling costs and environmental benefits, but limitations such as intermittency, high initial investment, and geographical constraints pose challenges. A balanced approach integrating renewables with other energy sources is essential for a sustainable future.

Question 2: Evaluate the success of current strategies used by countries like the UK and Saudi Arabia to manage their energy resources sustainably.

Answer: UK strategies focus on renewable investments and reducing fossil fuel dependency, which are effective but face challenges like intermittency and costs. Saudi Arabia's diversification efforts aim to reduce oil dependence, yet their economy remains heavily reliant on oil exports, highlighting mixed success.