Industrial Processes and Energy Sources
Agribusiness
Industrial processing of agricultural raw materials to produce consumer goods for food, feed, or other industrial processes (e.g., flour mills, canning, sugar).
Economies of Scale
Large-scale, low-cost production.
External Economies
Benefits obtained by companies from external factors, such as proximity to ancillary and complementary businesses, infrastructure, and common facilities, which reduce costs and increase profits.
Final Energy
Usable energy forms derived from the transformation of primary energy sources (e.g., electricity, refined oil, gas).
Hydropower
Energy produced by the movement of water. Generally low-cost and high-yield. Important in regions with significant hydrological cycles.
Nuclear Energy
Energy from the controlled disintegration of uranium and plutonium nuclei in a reactor. Heat boils water, which moves a turbine connected to a dynamo.
Primary Energy
Energy sources found in nature, without transformation.
Thermal Energy
Energy produced by steam turbines that convert heat into electricity. Raw materials include coal, oil, lignite, and gas.
Alternative Energy
Recently researched energy sources that may replace traditional sources. Examples include solar, wind, nuclear, and biomass.
Energy Sources
Natural resources used for power. Diversification is important due to rising consumption. Hydrocarbons are currently most important.
Basic Industries
Industries that process raw materials into semi-manufactured products for other industries.
Equipment Industry
Transforms semi-manufactured products into goods (machinery) used by other industries.
Light Industry
Processes materials into consumer goods. Includes textiles, metallurgy processing, light chemicals, electronics, and computers.
Manufacturing Industry
Broadly, making something by hand or machine. Generally refers to light industry.
Petrochemical Industry
Basic industry dealing with petroleum products.
Steel Industry
Basic industry that converts iron into steel. Often publicly owned due to high investment requirements and strategic economic importance.
Industrialization
Industrial development process of the past two centuries, triggered by the Industrial Revolution. Characterized by machinery, new energy sources, and division of labor. Twentieth-century changes include electricity, assembly lines, and automation.
Raw Materials
Commodities used in industrial transformation. A factor in industrial location, especially for industries consuming large volumes or perishable goods.
Technology Park
Industrial land for high-technology companies. Fosters industrial and technological development. Includes technology transfer, business creation, and an industrial park.
Industrial Zone
Planned area for industrial use. May be private or public. Encourages development or decongests existing areas.
Industrial Conversion
Restructuring and adapting mature industries to market needs through policy and economic measures.
Mineral Resources
All known or undiscovered mineral deposits, exploitable or not.
Mineral Reserves
Known resources exploitable with current techniques.