Energy Resources as Natural Resources

Energy Resources as Natural Resources

• Energy is fundamental to human development, shaping economic growth and modern lifestyles.
• Energy resources are categorized into renewable and non-renewable types.
• Non-renewable sources, like fossil fuels and nuclear energy, dominate but the need for sustainability demands a transition to renewable sources.

Evolution of Energy in Time

• For millennia, food and firewood were the primary energy sources.
• As humans evolved, they discovered new energy sources and used them for purposes beyond simple physical labor.
• The need for energy increased, leading to a diversification of energy sources.
• Not all energy sources are used equally, with non-renewable resources being overused in comparison to renewable sources.
• The most used resources are oil, coal, and natural gas.

Evolution of Energy in Time (cont.)

• Energy use varies significantly around the world.
• The largest producers of energy resources are often the largest consumers.
• The United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Russia are among the largest consumers.

1. Non-Renewable Energy Resources

1.1 Fossil Fuels

• Types: Coal, oil, and natural gas
• Formation: Dead sea plants and animals buried and compressed over time under layers of sediment, transformed by heat and pressure into oil and gas; similarly, dead plants in swamps were buried, compressed and transformed into coal.
• Global Usage (2022): Approximately 79% of global primary energy consumption.

Uses:

• Coal: Power generation (41% globally), industrial processes (particularly in Asia).
• Oil: Transportation fuels (gasoline, diesel), petrochemical industries, and heating.
• Natural Gas: Electricity generation, residential heating, industrial feedstock.

1.1 Challenges

• Depletion of Reserves: Current projections indicate finite lifespans for coal (~132 years), oil (~50 years), and natural gas (~52 years) at current rates.
• Environmental Degradation: Mining and extraction activities disrupt ecosystems.

1.1 Environmental Impacts

• Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Fossil fuels contribute significantly to annual CO2 emissions, driving climate change.
• Air Pollution: Combustion releases particulate matter, NOx, and SO2, causing respiratory illnesses and acid rain.

1.2 Nuclear Energy

• Global Contribution: Accounts for ~10% of global electricity generation.
• Primarily used for electricity generation in 32 countries, with France leading, generating ~70% from nuclear power.

1.2 Challenges

• High Capital Costs: Building nuclear power plants is extremely expensive ($6,000-$12,000 per kW of capacity).
• Safety Concerns: Risks of catastrophic accidents (e.g., Fukushima, Chernobyl).
• Environmental Impacts: Low operational emissions but significant radioactive waste requiring secure storage.

2. Renewable Energy Resources

2.1 Solar Energy

• Global Installed Capacity (2022): 1,033 GW
• Uses: Residential and industrial electricity generation, heating water and air.
• Challenges: Intermittency (depends on sunlight), high upfront costs.
• Environmental Impacts: Minimal during operation, but concerns about land use and disposal of solar panels.

2.2 Wind Energy

• Global Installed Capacity (2022): 837 GW
• Uses: Electricity generation through onshore and offshore wind farms.
• Challenges: Intermittency and variability of wind, land and noise concerns from onshore installations.
• Environmental Impacts: Minimal emissions, but bird and bat mortality issues.

2.3 Hydropower

• Global Contribution: Largest renewable source, generating ~16% of global electricity.
• Uses: Electricity generation from rivers and dams, water management for agriculture and urban areas.
• Challenges: Ecosystem disruption (dams), high capital costs.
• Environmental Impacts: Methane emissions from reservoirs in tropical regions, habitat loss and displacement of communities.

2.4 Biomass

• Contribution: Accounts for 10% of global primary energy supply.
• Uses: Electricity generation, heating, and biofuel production (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel).
• Challenges: Overharvesting leading to deforestation, inefficiency of traditional methods (e.g., wood burning).
• Environmental Impacts: Combustion releases CO2 and particulate matter.

2.5 Geothermal Energy

• Global Capacity (2022): 16 GW
• Uses: Electricity generation and direct heating.
• Challenges: Limited to regions with high geothermal activity, high initial costs.
• Environmental Impacts: Minimal emissions, but geothermal fluids may contain pollutants.

2.6 Ocean Energy

• Types: Tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).
• Uses: Electricity generation, desalination, aquaculture support.
• Challenges: High costs, limited deployment areas.
• Environmental Impacts: Potential effects on marine ecosystems.

3. Global Energy Trends and Transition

3.1 Current Status

• Global energy consumption is largely driven by fossil fuels (79%), with renewables contributing ~29% to electricity generation.

3.2 Transition Strategies

• Investments in renewables are substantial (~$500 billion globally in 2022), aiming towards decarbonization. This transition will involve shifting to low-carbon energy systems.

Case Study 1: Coal Energy in China

• Background: China is the world's largest coal producer and consumer.
• Details: Significant coal production in 2022; powering primarily electricity (~56% of energy mix); large CO2 emissions.
• Environmental Impact: Large CO2 emissions (65% of total in 2022); severe air quality issues.
• Challenges: Dependence on coal hindered transition to renewables; government pledged to peak CO2 emissions.

Case Study 2: Nuclear Energy in France

• Background: France relies heavily on nuclear energy (~70% of electricity).
• Details: Large nuclear capacity (61.4 GW in 2022); production exceeds domestic demand.
• Economic Benefits: Reduces dependence on fossil fuels; immense savings on energy imports.
• Challenges: Aging infrastructure requiring costly upgrades; nuclear waste management.
• Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Case Study 3: Solar Energy in India

• Background: India has risen as a solar energy leader with its National Solar Mission.
• Details: Increased solar capacity (from 2.6 GW to 70 GW between 2014–2023), accounting for 18% of renewable energy.
• Economic Impact: Decreased solar tariffs, resulting in cost competitiveness vs. coal; numerous jobs created in the sector.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduced CO2 emissions in 2022.
• Challenges: Land use conflicts with agriculture; still needs recycling infrastructure for end-of-life solar panels.

Conclusion

• Energy choices are crucial for societal progress but are associated with significant environmental challenges.
• A global transition to renewables is critical for addressing these challenges and ensuring future energy security.

This quiz explores the evolution of energy resources, focusing on the distinction between renewable and non-renewable sources. It addresses the historical context of energy use and the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. Test your knowledge on the changes in energy consumption over time and its impact on human development.