Balance of fuel and energy: structure, calculation

The fuel and energy balance characterizes the system of indicators that reflects the equality of the volumes of arrival and waste of energy, its creation and consumption within a separate territorial (country, region) or production (industry, enterprise) complex. It is drawn up for a period or a date. Different countries consume fuel resources in different ways. For example, the US evenly uses all types. And Russia, by contrast, focuses on the extraction of natural gas.

general characteristics

The balance of fuel and energy can be divided into two parts. Profitable is formed due to the extraction of various types of fuel. This oil, natural gas, coal, shale, peat, firewood. It also includes the production of primary electricity at heat, hydro and nuclear power plants. In the revenue part is imported and fuel resources. The second half of the balance sheet reflects the distribution of energy by industry, as well as its exports. Usually both parts are calculated at the end of the year. Therefore, the balance of fuel and energy accounts for the balance of resources at the end of the year. It consists of several large groups.

Structure of the fuel and energy balance

Separately calculate the indicators for these groups. For example, a fuel or a balance of collateral energy resources is allocated. When calculating all the indicators are reduced to a single quantitative measure. Sometimes the coefficients for individual fuels are also determined. This is done on the basis of the forecast indicators of their production and the expected calorific value. Then the volumes are multiplied by this coefficient. Using the latter allows you to bring the indicators of the availability of resources to a single quantitative measure. The estimated coefficients for the main types of fuel are as follows: for oil - 1.4, for natural gas - 1.18, for coal - 0.7, for oil shales - 0.34, for firewood - 0.27. Hydraulic and atomic energy are also taken into account. This is done by fuel, which is used in its production with a change in unit costs.

Varieties

The balance of fuel and energy can be compiled for individual territorial units or production complexes. It can be calculated:

• By the stages of the energy flow. Among them, production, processing (transformation), transportation, storage and end use.
• On objects and equipment. For example, one can consider the arrival and expenditure of energy at stations, boiler houses, oil refineries.
• On use. The entire volume of consumed resources can be conditionally divided into two groups: useful energy and costs.
• On the economy as a whole.
• In certain branches of the world or national economy.
• In the territorial aspect. Using this method, fuel resources of a particular region, state, union of countries are taken into account.

Importance for the global economy

The fuel and energy balance of the United States is characterized by a relatively even use of coal, gas and oil. Small farms also use peat and wood. Recently, the shale industry has been developing in the United States. The United States provides itself with the necessary resources.

The UK is more focused on using natural gas. On its territory, it is mined in large quantities. Canada is the world leader in the production of hydraulic energy. France uses nuclear power plants. It is not provided with primary fuel resources, so it becomes necessary to compensate for this shortcoming.

The situation with the balance of Japan looks similar. China provides its energy needs mainly through coal. Oil and gas account for only 30% of the total balance. As for Poland, coal is also the first to use coal. This is due to the cheapness of its production in the country.

Fuel and energy balance of Russia

The Russian Federation provides its own needs mainly through natural gas. Solid fuel and oil are used quite moderately. This is due to the potential for the extraction of these minerals in Russia. Russia has all the necessary resources for full participation in the Eurasian energy space.

A significant further increase in oil production is unlikely, since well-known deposits are well used. If we consider solid fuels, in particular coal and gas, everything here is due not to the size of the reserves, but to the cost of their extraction. Everything depends on the world situation. Prospective production levels are determined precisely on its basis, taking into account domestic prices for this resource.

The main markets for Russia are Western, Central and Eastern Europe. However, the Russian Federation can not significantly affect the world market independently. Therefore, the dependence of the Russian economy on the sale of oil and gas abroad is a risk factor. This was clearly demonstrated by the recent drop in prices for energy resources. The decline in oil prices led to the devaluation of the ruble and the worsening of the well-being of the population.

Prospects

The population of the globe is increasing every day. The situation is saved only by the fact that developing countries are expanding at a tremendous rate, and not the rich. After all, fuel resources are used to a greater extent just the last. And the tendency is that the need for them increases. And while energy-saving technologies, along with environmentalists, have little impact on it. Therefore, one can say with almost absolute certainty that the fuel and energy balance of the world will remain the same at the nearest moment. The main resources in the next 20 years will be all the same oil and natural gas. Therefore, the prices for them will grow. And this is vitally important for the Russian economy.

Russia can not only meet the needs of its own industries in fuel and energy resources, but also become a leading exporter. The geopolitical position allows Russia to be an important transit state that transports oil and natural gas to Europe from the Caspian basin countries.

Non-traditional energy sources

More and more important are alternatives to fossil fuels. Unlike the latter, they are renewable, so they can be used for an infinitely long period of time. Unconventional sources include the energy of the sun, wind, seas, rivers, biomass, the warmth of the Earth, and others. They can be used continuously or at regular intervals. Their ability to generate energy depends not only on equipment made by people, but also on weather conditions.