Energy Consumption

The balance of energy consumption

Some countries consume more energy than they produce. On the other hand, other countries produce more energy than they consume. This balance of energy is directly correlated with a nation's energy security- a nation's ability to maintain an energy infrastructure that meets the wants and needs of its citizens.

Fig. 1 - Map showing global energy use per person in 2021.

Energy Deficit Definition - Geography

When a country consumes more energy than it produces, there is an energy deficit. An energy deficit poses a great risk to the energy security of a nation, as the available supply of energy is unable to meet the energy demand. In fact, when a country is experiencing, or close to experiencing, an energy deficit, there is energy insecurity. An energy deficit may also make a country economically dependent on another country as a source of energy.

Energy surplus definition - geography

Opposite to this, when a country produces more energy than it consumes, there is an energy surplus. An energy surplus typically leads to energy security, which is good for the stability of a nation. However, energy surpluses may also lead to overconsumption of energy, which may have repercussions for the environment (such as increased emissions of greenhouse gases or air pollution).

Comparison of energy consumption by urbanisation

Population density and infrastructure are good indicators of energy consumption. On average, areas with fewer people and less urban development consume less energy than areas with more people and more urban development.

Urban consumption

There is a clear difference in the consumption of energy when it comes to cities. Seventy-five per cent of the world's energy is consumed in cities, whilst 80% of greenhouse gas emissions are emitted from cities.¹ This can be attributed to many factors, including the accessibility of energy infrastructure and high demands from industrialised economic sectors.

Rural consumption

In comparison, rural areas usually consume less energy than cities due to the lack of energy infrastructure and/or lower demand(s).

That's not to say that all residents of rural areas are always entirely without energy. For example, the installation of a national solar power programme in Peru has enabled electricity to be available to 50,000 people in rural areas. This allows for increased productivity, such as in produce production, which leads to a boost in income and living standards.

Types of Energy Consumption

Did you know that there are different types of energy consumption? Let's take a look:

Primary and secondary energy sources

Primary energy sources are sources that are consumed in their raw form. This includes fossil fuels (oil, natural gases, and coal), nuclear energy (through uranium or plutonium), and renewable sources (such as wind, solar, and wave energy). Primary sources can produce secondary sources, such as electricity which then flows through the infrastructure of power lines to reach homes.

Domestic and overseas sources

Although there has been economical and population growth since 1998, the UK used less energy in 2015 due to energy-saving technologies (such as house heating and vehicle engines). Meanwhile, domestic reserves of oil and gas in the North Sea have declined, so the UK depends more on imported energy. The UK has become more and more dependent on energy imports, which means that it has an energy deficit and is energy insecure.

Renewable and non-renewable sources

There are many sources of energy. Renewable sources of energy are better for the environment, whereas non-renewable energy sources are likely the main cause of global warming and climate change. Where can the sources be found, and how many times is it possible to use each one?

Examples of the combination of resource and energy

There are various sources creating different types of energy that are more suitable for some uses than others:

• Transport energy: energy based on oil to produce petrol, diesel, kerosene, and heavy oil to power cars, lorries, trains, aircraft, and ships.
• Domestic energy: energy used for heating sourced from gas, oil, wood, and coal; for cooking sourced from gas, electricity, charcoal, and wood for appliances electricity.
• Business and commerce energy: as industrial processes require large amounts of heat, they are powered by oil, gas, and coal for economic reasons. Agriculture requires large amounts of mechanical energy, which is powered by oil.

Comparison of Energy Consumption in the UK and Norway

By looking at a country's energy mix, you can understand the factors at play that directly and/or indirectly influence energy consumption. Let's compare the UK and Norway to look deeper into those factors.

How Do You Reduce Energy Consumption?

Being in a state of energy deficit can be detrimental economically, environmentally, and socially. To avoid reaching this point, sometimes it is necessary to reduce the energy consumption of an area to restore the balance between the supply and demand of energy. So, how is this achieved? Let's take a look at a few techniques:

1. The construction of energy-efficient buildings can prevent unnecessary energy usage. This is a common technique often employed in urban areas to reduce energy consumption. Whether this is through improving insulation, installing skylights, or improving other areas, this is a useful energy-saving mechanism.
2. As well as buildings, it is possible to make industrial and transport services more efficient, thus lowering energy consumption. As these are often two of the larger culprits of high energy consumption rates in a country, this change can make a significant difference to the energy balance (the balance between inputs and outputs of energy) within a country.
3. Removing energy subsidies has been shown to reduce energy consumption because it will cost the user more money, meaning that they will be less inclined to use it where it is not absolutely necessary. However, this can result in negative effects for people at the lower end of the economic distribution because it can mean that many people can no longer afford to consume energy where it is usually deemed necessary.
4. Energy conservation can occur on a smaller, individual scale too. This can be walking instead of using the car, putting a jumper on instead of the heating, or even using the energy-saving mode on your phone! These changes can radically reduce the energy consumption of a house and, if done by many people, can impact the energy use of an entire area.
5. While transitioning to renewable energy may not reduce energy consumption per se, it will reduce the amount of energy being used that cannot readily be replaced. A change to sustainable energy sources is often considered a key part of reducing energy consumption. This is because it takes the pressure off non-renewable resources.