Oil and gas
Non-renewable = resources that are finite on human timescales.
“It makes no sense to talk about the sustainable use of a non-renewable resource (even with
substantial effort + use rates). Any positive rate of exploitation will eventually lead to
exhaustion of the finite stock”
Global fossil fuel dependency = 75-80% global energy
Significant production in Persian Gulf, Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea.
North Sea = 53% UK’s gas requirements and only 30-40yrs production remaining. Drilling
rigs now possible in deeper + stormier environments.
Impacts of exploration:
Multiplier effect = the process by which the expanding economic activity creates additional
employment as employees have money to spend on goods + services. As wealth increases
more economic activity is stimulated.
240,000 jobs linked directly with US Gulf energy industries.
Volatile due to sensitivity to changing demand in global economy, cost of production and
market prices.
Wave + tidal energy
Flow resources = renewable natural resources that can be used + are replenished at the
same time (in this case sun’s energy and gravitational pulls of sun + moon).
Wave energy:
Converting rise + fall of water associated with waves into energy. Potential energy much
greater than with tides.
Technology includes submerged wave rollers and a Finnish design with large vertical flaps.
Many high-energy locations destroy devices so substantial increase in size + weight required
which decreases efficiency of energy conversion.
Tidal energy:
Utilises flow of water with rise + fall of tides. Dependent on local physical geography –
shape of coastline + tidal range.
Tides are reliable, regular and predictable but few locations are close enough to where
electricity demand is high enough to justify cost.
Obtained via a barrage (dam-like structure) across coast/estuary. Gates open as tide rises
and close at high tide, forming tidal lagoon. Stored water released through turbines.
Swansea Bay Tidal lagoon =
World’s first tidal lagoon power plant.
‘U’ shaped breakwater containing hydro turbines. Water fills up + empties the man-made
lagoon as tides rise + fall.
Minerals
Ferrous = Minerals with significant iron content
Non-ferrous =Don’t contain iron
Sea-floor mining is a relatively new mineral retrieval process on ocean-floor to access
submerged material with very high metal concentration by dredging sand or lifting material.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) = group of chemically similar metallic elements.
Crucial to modern electronics + technology.
Geopolitical significance in telecommunications + military hardware (missiles).
Production dominated by China; reliance is on one main source.
Disadvantages:
• Focused around mid-ocean ridges + hypothermal vents. Absence of knowledge
makes accessing potential damage difficult.
• Unique ecosystems sensitive to damage
• Mining waste disposal. Tailings = released into ocean causing cloudy / turbid water
which settle, smothering sea-bed ecosystems.
Nautilus Minerals:
In Papa New Guinea leading exploration into Seafloor Massive Sulphides (SMS) deposits.
Form on sea floor with high metal conc.
Benefits to local community via jobs, skills, maritime safety, technology via extensive multistakeholder approach.
Damage reduction:
• Away from coral reefs + commercial fish stocks
• No toxic chemicals
• No blasting
• No waste / tailings