reasons for variation in energy supply

physical

deposits of fossil fuels only found in limited muber of locations
large scale HEP development needs, high percipitation, major steep sided valleys, impermable rock
large power stations need flat land and geologically stabel foundations
solar power needs large number of days with strong sunlight
wind power needs high average wind speeds
tidal power needs large tidal range
avaliability of biomass varies due to climatic conditions

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most accessible, lowest cost deposits of fossil fuels are developed first
onshore oil/gas deposits are easier to develop than offshore deposits
potential HEP sites near transport links and existing electricity corridors are more economical to develop than those in inaccessible areas
poorer countries need foreign direct investment to develop energy sources
when energy prices rise, companies spend more on exploration and development

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countries wanting to develop nuclear energy need permission from international atomic energy agency
international agreements have a consaiderable influence on energy decisions from individual countries
potential HEP schemes on international rivers may need agreement from other countries to use the river
governments can insist energy companies produce a certain amount of their energy from renewable energy sources

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technological development- nulclear energy has only been avaliable since 1954, oil/gas can be extrwzcted from much deeper waters than in the past, and renewable technology is advancing
increasing national wealth- as avergar incomes increase, living standards improve meaning more energy is needed along with a greater variety of sources
changes in demand- britains trains used to be fuelled by coal along with people homes. before gas was discovered in the North sea, britians gas came from coal
changes in price- the relative prices of different energy types can influence demand. electricity production in UK has switched from coal to gas as power stations are cheaper to run on natural gas
environmental/public opinion- public opinion influences decisions made by governement. people are better informed about environmental impacts of energy sources now

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