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Assess the extent to which energy security depends upon economic development 12marker

Human factors like a country's economic development can influence energy security. Countries with high economic development focus on boosting income, job opportunities, and increase overall living standards,. For instance, the UK, who has the sixth-largest national economy in the world, is able to have a greater investment in renewable and recycled energy. This can be seen by the UK's energy mix changing and diversifying over the year as in 2019 14.4% was renewable and 6.5% was nuclear energy and in 2022 renewable energy increased to 33% and nuclear energy increased to 15.5%. Through these investments the uks able to secure long-term energy security to supply energy in line with economic development and environmental sustainability. However it is worth noting that investments in renewable resources does not guarantee energy security as renewable energy like wind power and solar energy rely on weather which is not always reliable leading to non-renewable resources staying as uk's main sources of energy. Furthermore, economic development can increase energy access and affordability for citizens. Countries with higher GDP per capita generally have greater access to advanced technology that help access energy resources that are not readily accessible for instance theUK and Norway have deep water drilling technology which has enabled them to develop North Sea oil and gas extraction. This source of energy is extremely important to the UK who depends on oil and gas for over 70% of its demand leading to greater energy security as more of the energy mix in the uks becomes domestically sourced through the energy being extracted and processed in the same country Additionally advanced technology is crucial to maintain an efficient energy pathway for the routes taken by any form of energy from its source to its point of consumption through pipeline and electricity transmission grids. With efficient technology and transport it influences the affordability of energy by reducing extraction and transport costs. Overall its clear that economic development plays a huge factor im energy security in terms of contributing to diverse energy mix and decreases the reliance in one energy source

Human factors like Political considerations can influence energy security, for example the uk's reliance on imported energy sources affect uk's energy security as political concerns rise due to the tied geopolitical relationships. As nations negotiate to secure access to energy resources such as oil and natural gas, disagreements between countries can lead to tension and conflicts resulting in countries cutting off their primary and secondary energy sources , for example, political disputes between Russia and Ukraine have resulted in gas supply disruptions for European countries due to sanctions placed , causing countries that rely on foreign energy being imported from overseas to experience energy insecurity. A country to defend itself against energy insecurity will produce energy security strategies. For instance, the uks implementation of a diverse energy mix is by proposing fracking and nuclear sites. However, Economic development allows countries to invest in diversifying their energy sources. Without economic development, nations lack the funds and technology capabilities to implement energy solutions and reduce reliance on politically unstable energy sources. overall political relations does play a role in shaping energy security strategies but economic development is more significant as it allows countries to building reliant and effective energy systems as Without economic development, countries may struggle to address energy insecurity

In contrast some may argue economic development isn't the main factor and that technological advances are more significant as it produces renewable energy sources in which energy security can be achieved, as Renewables energy increases access to energy and closes the electrification gap as in developing Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The increasing adoption of renewable energy technologies used in off-grid capacity from industrial applications, solar home systems (SHSs), and minigrids which will allow basic electricity services to be delivered in rural communities and therefore reduce the use of traditional cooking and lighting fuels providing energy security However an obstacle that developing countries face is access to funding to acquire the resources needed to implements renewable energy projects at a national level providing energy in underserved areas Overall its clear that renewable sources isnt as impactful as energy security is clearly dependent in economic development as funding barriers is significant in ensure sustainable energy access for all

On the other hand Physical factors like a country's physical availability is more important as it provides less reliance on foreign energy that is being imported from overseas. For instance, until the 1970s the uk mostly relied on domestic energy like coal being extracted and processed from yorkshire derbyshire nottinghamshire to be used in the uk. It was also a global leader in nuclear technology,
until the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas in the north sea which altered the uk's energy mix becoming mostly domestic. In contrast, norway's topography being characterised as mountainous with steep valley and high rates of precipitation resulting in norway relying on hydroelectric power generating energy from river water being trapped behind dams and most of its oil, gas and coal being exported to other countries generating over 73% of the total value of norway's exports of goods, in return this overall decreases the reliance on foreign energy sources and increases a country's energy security highlighting the importance on a countries physical availability. However physical factors aren't always reliable as countries who don't have economic development but have the physical resources are not able to take advantage of it and secure energy security. Highlighting how economic development takes a greater stance on a country's energy security. Economic development provides nations with funding and the technological resources needed to invest in diversifying energy sources and infrastructure, to enhance their domestic source and decrease the reliance on foreign energy. While physical availability of resources is an advantage, economic development provides long-term energy security. In conclusion, while physical factors influence energy security outcomes, economic development plays a more substantial role in reliant energy systems.

Environmental priorities play a crucial role in shaping energy security strategies, as evidenced by the experiences of the United Kingdom and Norway.Both the UK and Norway have recognized the importance of environmental sustainability in their energy policies. In 2015 both the UK and Norway committed to a 40% reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emission by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Their implementation of this is seen through their significant investment in renewable energy. Despite Norway being the 3rd largest exporter of oil and gas it has also prioritised environmental sustainability in its energy policies. The environmental priorities of the UK and Norway have led to the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing energy security through their use of sources like wind power, hydrostatic electricity and solar energy. However, despite the environmental benefits of prioritising renewable energy and energy efficiency, economic development remains the primary factor of energy security. As without economic development, countries may struggle to implement sustainable energy solutions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby leading to their energy insecurity. In conclusion, while environmental priorities are crucial considerations in energy policy, economic development has a more important role in a nation's ability to achieve energy security.

In conclusion, economic development shapes energy security as investment in diverse energy sources, technological advancements, and infrastructure, thereby reduces reliance on politically unstable imports and enhancing long-term energy. While political considerations, technological advances, physical availability, and environmental priorities contribute to energy security strategies, economic development provides the necessary foundation for sustainable energy solutions. Showing how evident economic development remains in ensuring a nation's energy security.
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