Energy demand Revision Notes

Domestic energy demand refers to the energy used within households. This includes energy for heating, lighting, cooking, and powering appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, and computers.

The size of a household affects energy demand; larger households generally use more energy due to more occupants requiring heating and electrical devices.

The type and efficiency of appliances also influence consumption. For example, older or less efficient appliances consume more energy than modern, energy-saving models. Additionally, the need for heating or cooling depends on the local climate: colder regions require more heating energy, while hotter regions may increase demand for air conditioning or fans.

• Household size increases total energy use.
• Appliance type and efficiency affect consumption.
• Heating and cooling needs vary with climate.

Industrial energy demand depends on the type and scale of manufacturing and production activities. Heavy industries such as steel production, chemical manufacturing, and mining consume large amounts of energy, often from fossil fuels or electricity.

The level of industrialisation in a country influences its total energy demand; more industrialised nations tend to have higher industrial energy consumption.

Technological advances can reduce energy demand by improving efficiency, but expanding industrial output can increase total energy use despite efficiency gains.

• Energy use varies by industry type and scale.
• Industrialisation level correlates with energy demand.
• Efficiency improvements can reduce but not always offset increased demand.

Transport energy demand arises from the movement of people and goods. It includes energy used by cars, buses, trains, ships, and airplanes.

Factors affecting transport energy demand include the number of vehicles, average travel distances, and the mode of transport used.

For example, countries with widespread urban sprawl and limited public transport often have higher per capita transport energy demand due to reliance on private cars and longer journeys.

• Number and type of vehicles affect energy use.
• Travel distance and frequency influence demand.
• Transport mode choice impacts energy efficiency.

Wealthier individuals tend to consume more energy because they can afford more appliances, vehicles, and larger homes requiring more heating or cooling.

At the national level, richer countries generally have higher per capita energy consumption due to industrialisation, higher living standards, and greater access to energy services.

However, wealth does not always mean higher energy use if energy efficiency and sustainable practices are prioritised. For example, some wealthy countries invest heavily in renewable energy and efficient technologies, reducing per capita demand growth.

• Higher personal wealth increases energy consumption.
• National wealth correlates with industrial and domestic energy use.
• Energy efficiency can moderate the effect of wealth on demand.

Climate significantly affects energy demand, especially for heating and cooling.

In colder climates, energy demand for heating buildings during winter months is high, often making heating the largest component of domestic energy use.

Conversely, in hot climates, energy demand for cooling (air conditioning, fans) can be substantial, especially during summer months or in tropical regions, increasing electricity consumption significantly.

• Cold climates increase heating energy demand.
• Hot climates increase cooling energy demand.
• Seasonal variations cause fluctuations in energy use.