Why are energy resources unevenly distributed?
Energy resources are distributed according to spatial combinations of geology, climate, topography and technology.
Formation process and geographic mechanism
Oil and gas form in particular sedimentary basins under suitable burial histories, while coal requires buried ancient wetlands. Hydropower needs relief and reliable flow; wind depends on circulation and roughness; solar depends on latitude, cloud and land. Geothermal potential relates to tectonics and crustal heat.
Spatial outcomes, measurement and management
Resource presence does not equal an economic reserve; price, technology, infrastructure, water, environmental limits and public acceptance determine viability. Transmission connects production to demand and creates new dependencies. Diversification, storage and interconnected grids can balance seasonal renewable variability.