What is the world pattern of consumption and trade in gas?

Learning Objectives:

To examine the world pattern of consumption and trade in gas.

30th January 2014

Learning Outcomes:

Essential – you will investigate natural gas as a global commodity.

Stretch – you will explore the similarities and differences between the trade in oil and natural gas

Challenge – you will discuss the concept of ‘geopolitics’ with reference to the Ukrainian Gas Crisis.

1) Oil reserves will last approximately 30-40 years depending upon the rate of consumption.2) The Middle East has the largest oil reserves in the world.3) Oil is a non-critical flow resource.4) Critics think we have now passed ‘peak oil production.5) Oil developed from prehistoric organisms in the Jurassic Era.

STARTER ACTIVITY

World’s primary energy

consumption

How does the global energy consumption of natural gas as a commodity compare to oil?

UK’s energy mix

Describe the recent trends in the consumption of natural gas (3

marks)

Extension Why do you think this recent trend in the consumption of natural gas has changed? Give your reasons.

Give three reasons why natural gas occupies an increasing volume of the UK’s energy mix (use the photos to help you).

Natural gas reserves Task

Spend 2 minstaking notes detailing the overall production of natural gas and where the largest reserves are located.

Discussion Point: Is the pattern similar or different to that of oil? Try to explain your answer as fully as possible.

Major natural gas trade

movements.STUDY the map carefully

a)Draw the biggest flows (over 15 billion m3) giving source, destination and quantityb)Comment on the pattern revealed by your list.c)Are the trade flows similar or different to oil?d)Why might this be the case?