Energy: Introduction

Power-line to transmit electrical energy

• Energy is power.
• It may exist in the form of potential or kinetic energy or in the form of fossil fuels and hydrocarbons.
• It is also found in the form of light or heat energy.
• Its sources cover all three states of matter, that is, solids, liquids and gases.
• It is converted into usable forms in power plants.
• These range from sophisticated nuclear fission, fusion power stations or hydro-electric and thermal power plants through to simpler home-based biogas plants.
• Energy is required daily in households for cooking, lighting, heating and in the functioning of all domestic electrical appliances.
• It is needed in driving machinery in our processing and manufacturing industries.
• The transport industry also heavily relies on the availability and efficient supply of certain types of energy.
• Per capita energy production and consumption is used to distinguish the quality of life between and among nations.
• Per capita energy production and consumption is the annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt-hours.
• The difference between the amount of electricity generated or imported and the amount consumed or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.
• Each energy source has its own advantages and disadvantages.
• These are in terms of accessibility, availability, efficiency, production costs and environmental impact.
• Some issues have national and global effects which have forced nations singly or jointly to draw up energy policies.
• Modern life depends on energy.

To access more topics go to the O Level Geography Notes page