Global consumption of energy has been on the rise. There is a close correlation between GDP per capita and energy consumption. This means that as countries develop economically, energy consumption per person also increases. Energy consumption is measured in units of energy used in tonnes of oil equivalent per capita. Is a higher consumption of energy justified if it helps to develop a poorer nation?
Energy Consumption - Geography Definition
The use of energy, also referred to as energy consumption, varies depending on location and infrastructure. This variation can appear in terms of how much is used, what type is used, and the way it is used. Energy consumption is very relevant to geography, as it is directly related to climate change and global warming. Let's take a look at how we discuss the different types of 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.
London generates 1.7 million tonnes of carbon per year, and each resident averages 1.8 tonnes of carbon per capita. Most London homes are powered through national and international supply lines.²
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:
Energy mix refers to the variety of fuel and the location of where the fuel comes from.
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?
| Different types of energy sources |
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| Energy type | Explanation |
| Renewable energy | Renewable energy comes from a source that can be constantly reused and are a continuous flow of nature. Examples are wind and solar energy.  Fig. 2 - Three Gorges Dam in China, an example of renewable energy.
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| Non-renewable energy | Non-renewable energy comes from a finite resource that will eventually be exhausted. Examples are coal, oil, and natural gas.  Fig. 3 - Rössing uranium mine in Namibia is one of the largest and longest-running open pit uranium mines in the world.
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| Recyclable energy | Recyclable energy comes from a source that can be used more than once. Examples are reprocessed uranium and plutonium from nuclear power plants.  Fig. 4 - Bruce Nuclear Generating Station near Kincardine in Ontario, Canada. This is one of the world's largest operational nuclear power facilities. Nuclear energy is an example of Recyclable energy.
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