Natural Resources and Energy Management PDF

Natural resources and energy management Natural resources Natural resources are materials and substances found naturally in the environment (that can be used by humans). Types of Natural Resources: 1.Some natural resources exist on their own in nature, like fresh water, air, and livin...

Natural resources and energy management Natural resources Natural resources are materials and substances found naturally in the environment (that can be used by humans). Types of Natural Resources: 1.Some natural resources exist on their own in nature, like fresh water, air, and living organisms such as fish. 2.Others are found in a form that requires processing to be useful, like metal ores, oil, and different types of energy. These resources are fundamental to the creation of all man-made products, as they are either used directly or processed into something else. Natural Resources The resources that are derived from the environment are called as natural resources. Some of them are most essential for our living while most of them are used for satisfying our needs." Certain natural resources, like water, air, and food, are crucial for our survival. Others, such as minerals, fossil fuels, and timber, are not essential for life itself but are used to fulfill various human needs and wants, like building homes or powering vehicles. They are used to promote the mankind Natural resources are utilized to advance human civilization, improve living standards, and support economic development.  Every man-made item consists of natural resources Everything that humans create or manufacture is made from natural resources in some form. For example, plastic is derived from petroleum, paper from trees, and metals from ores. Sun is the major natural resource which never ends. The sun is highlighted as a renewable resource, meaning it continuously provides energy without being depleted. Solar energy is considered inexhaustible and can be harnessed for various uses, such as generating Types of classification Natural resources are classified into different types based on their origin. it is classified as Biotic: come from living or once-living organisms and include things like plants, animals, and fossil fuels Abiotic: They come from non living or non organic material. Eg: Mineral,water, sunlight, heavy metals etc Types of natural resources Forest resources Water resources Mineral resources Food resources Land resources Energy resources Forest resources Forest: Land occupied with wide range of flora and fauna which supports ecosystem. Uses:- They gives us wood for different purposes. Forests are a primary source of wood, which is used for construction, furniture, paper production, and various other purposes. They are used in medicines Many plants and trees found in forests have medicinal properties.  They give us fuels like fossil fuels, coal etc. Forests provide raw materials for fuels. Forests are also the origin of fossil fuels like coal (formed over millions of years from ancient forests They have commercial use like honey, gum, lace, paper They provide 30% of oxygen Forests play a critical role in producing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. They are responsible for approximately 30% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, which is vital for all aerobic life forms. Threats Natural Disasters: Natural disasters are extreme, sudden events caused by environmental factors that can cause significant damage to forests and their ecosystems.  Man-Induced Threats: Man-induced threats are human activities that directly or indirectly cause harm to forest resources.  Forest Fires: Forest fires are uncontrolled fires that occur in forested areas. They can be either natural or man-induced. Reason for depletion of forest resources Over consumption of resources Natural Resource Depletion: Excessive extraction of resources like water, minerals, and fossil fuels reduces their availability and can lead to scarcity. For example, overfishing depletes fish stocks, while excessive groundwater extraction can lead to aquifer depletion. Environmental Degradation: Overuse of resources often results in environmental harm, such as habitat destruction, soil erosion, and pollution. For instance, intensive agriculture can deplete soil nutrients and lead to pesticide runoff, harming ecosystems.  Climate Change: High consumption of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change. Increased energy use for transportation, industry, and heating exacerbates global warming. Waste Generation: Excessive consumption leads to higher amounts of waste, including non-biodegradable materials and pollutants. This waste contributes to landfill overflow and pollution.  Loss of Biodiversity: Overuse of resources can disrupt natural habitats and lead to loss of species. Deforestation for agricultural purposes, for example, reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecological balance. Socioeconomic Impact: Overconsumption can create inequalities as resources become scarcer, leading to conflicts and affecting vulnerable communities. Resource depletion can also impact livelihoods dependent on natural resources.  Slash and burn agricultural practices Deforestation: Slash-and-burn involves cutting down and burning trees to clear land for cultivation. This directly leads to deforestation, reducing forest cover and destroying habitats. Soil Degradation: The burning process depletes soil nutrients and increases soil erosion. Without the protective cover of trees and vegetation, the soil becomes more vulnerable to erosion, which further reduces land fertility.  Loss of Biodiversity: The removal of forest areas disrupts ecosystems and leads to habitat loss for numerous species. This can result in decreased biodiversity and the potential extinction of local flora and fauna. Urbanization: Expanding cities and infrastructure like roads and buildings often requires clearing forest land. Mining: Extracting minerals and other resources from forested areas destroys habitats and pollutes the environment.  Climate Change: Changes in climate can increase the frequency of forest fires, pests, and diseases, which harm forests. Overgrazing: Livestock grazing in forest areas can prevent vegetation from regrowing and lead to soil erosion. Infrastructure Development: Projects like dams, pipelines, and roads can require large areas of forest to be cleared. Water resources Sources of water 1. Inland water 2. Ground Water 3. Surface water Hydrological cycle Earth's water is always in movement, and the natural water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Water uses Water uses for irrigation, drinking, transportation, washing and waste disposal and as coolant for thermal power plant and other industries Types of water resources Effect of overexploitation of ground water Aquifer Depletion: Excessive withdrawal lowers the water table, leading to the drying up of wells and reduced water availability. Land Subsidence: The collapse of the ground due to the removal of water can cause surface damage and create sinkholes. Reduced Surface Water: Groundwater supports rivers and lakes; its depletion can reduce their flow and affect aquatic ecosystems. Salinization: In coastal areas, over-extraction can lead to the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, contaminating drinking water and affecting agriculture. Remedies for depletion of water resources Improvement of efficiency in water use Identification of water resource Technical training and education about water Information about water resources and flood mitigation Several programs implemented as Integrated development and use of water resources Drinking water supply and sanitation Mineral resources Types of mineral resources Fuel minerals Uses of mineral resources uses Threat to mineral resources Remedies for the depletion of mineral resources Food resources Remedies for the depletion of food resource Land resources Land slides Causes for man induced land slides Effect of land slide Energy resources Types of energy Uses Remedies to control the use of energy resources Assignment Is depletion of natural resources is a reason for natural calamities occurring in Kerala. Why? Commercial energy sources Coal:- Coal releases large amount of energy. It is burned because of the density of hydrocarbon in the material. Coalification: Coal is formed by dead plants being put under significant pressure and temperature for years There are 4 grades of coal: Lignite, Subbituminous, Bituminous and Anthracite Oil and Natural gas Sedimentary rocks containing plants and animals remains about 10 to 20 crore years old are the sources of mineral oil Mineral oil is unevenly distributed over space like any other ,mineral. There are 6 regions in the world which are rich in minerals. USA, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada and Iraq are the major oil producing countries  Kochi LNG terminal: To ensure natural gases supply for domestic and industrial use in Kerala and in South India. GAIL envisaged a pipeline to transport natural gas from Kochi to Mangalore and Bengaluru. In the first phase it aimed at linking the terminal with local industrial users, including Bharat petroleum corporation limited. The second phase was to go through 7 districts of Kerala , besides covering parts of Tamil nadu and Karnataka  The earth has four major parts, or layers: An inner core of solid iron that is about 1,500 miles in diameter An outer core of hot molten rock called magma that is about 1,500 miles thick. A mantle of magma and rock surrounding the outer core that is about 1,800 miles thick A crust of solid rock that forms the continents and ocean floors that is 15 miles to 35 miles thick under the continents and 3 miles to 5 miles thick under the oceans.  Scientists have discovered that the temperature of the earth's inner core is about 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), which is as hot as the surface of the sun. Rocks and water absorb heat from magma deep underground. The rocks and water found deeper underground have the highest temperatures The earth's crust is broken into pieces called tectonic plates. Magma comes close to the earth's surface near the edges of these plates and can move to the surface of the earth through gaps in the plates. This is where volcanoes occur. Magma that reaches the earth's surface is called lava. Energy management : Definition Energy management techniques “Energy management (EM) is considered a combination of energy efficiency activities, techniques and management of related processes which result in lower energy cost and CO2 emissions.” (Ates & Durakbasa, 2012) “Energy management is defined as the efficient and effective use of energy to maximize profits (minimize costs) and enhance competitive positions.”(Capehart et al., 2008) Energy management techniques 1. Self knowledge and awareness among the masses 2 Re engineering and evaluation Technology upgradation 1. Self-Knowledge and Awareness Among the Masses This technique emphasizes the importance of educating and raising awareness among individuals and communities about their energy consumption patterns. By understanding how their actions impact energy use, people can make more informed decisions to conserve energy and reduce waste. When the masses are aware of the benefits of energy efficiency and the potential for cost savings, they are more likely to adopt energy-saving habits. 2. Re-Engineering and Evaluation Re-engineering involves redesigning processes, systems, or infrastructure to make them more energy-efficient. This can include modifying existing equipment, optimizing operational processes, or implementing new energy-saving technologies. Evaluation involves assessing the effectiveness of these changes to ensure they achieve the desired energy efficiency goals. Through re-engineering and continuous evaluation, organizations can significantly improve their energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance the sustainability of their operations. Regular evaluation also helps identify areas for further improvement and ensures that energy management strategies remain effective over time. 3. Technology Upgradation This technique focuses on the adoption of advanced and more energy-efficient technologies. Technology upgradation can lead toUpgrading outdated equipment or systems to newer, more efficient alternatives can lead to substantial energy savings. This might include installing energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, or adopting renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. immediate and significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. Energy Management techniques Energy audits Energy monitoring and targeting Energy efficient equipment Building management systems (BMS) Behavioural change and training Renewable energy integration Peak load management  Energy performance contracting (EPC) Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) Smart grids and Smart meters Load shifting and demand response Automated control systems 1. Energy Audit As per Indian energy conservation act 2001, energy audit is defined as “ The verification, monitoring and analysis of use of energy including submission of technical report containing recommendations for improving energy efficiency with cost benefit analysis and an action plan to reduce energy consumption” Why the need for energy audits Primary objective of energy audits is to determine ways to reduce energy consumption per unit of product output or lower operating costs. Energy audit provides a “bench mark” for managing energy in the organization. Types of energy audits Preliminary energy audits Targeted audit Detailed energy audit Preliminary energy audit A basic audit that gives a quick overview of how energy is being used and identifies obvious areas where improvements can be made. Ideal for small businesses or homes looking for simple ways to save energy. Targeted energy audit focuses on specific areas, systems, or equipment within a facility that are known or suspected to have high energy consumption or inefficiencies. Instead of auditing the entire facility, it zeroes in on particular energy-intensive operations, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, or machinery. Detailed audit A thorough and in-depth examination of energy use in a facility. Best for larger organizations or facilities where energy consumption is significant and substantial savings can be achieved. 2. Energy Monitoring and Targeting Monitoring and Targeting is a management technique in which all plant and building utilities such as fuel, steam, refrigeration, compressed air, water, effluent, and electricity are managed as controllable resources in the same way that raw materials, finished product inventory, building occupancy, personnel and capital are managed. It involves a systematic, disciplined division of the facility into Energy Cost Centers. The utilities used in each centre are closely monitored, and the energy used is compared with production volume or any other suitable measure of operation. Once this information is available on a regular basis, targets can be set, variances can be spotted and interpreted, and remedial actions can be taken and implemented. 3. Energy efficient equipment Energy efficient equipment is any product that uses less energy to perform the same function as a non-energy efficient alternative. Energy efficient equipment can include appliances, lightbulbs, and power strips 4. Building management system A building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical systems and services in a facility. Such services include (Ventilation, lighting, energy, fire system and security systems). These systems collect data from around a building or facility and monitor it for any abnormalities (Temperature fluctuation or equipment malfunction). If the data falls outside the predetermined ranges, indicating possible problems, the system sends an alert to building or equipment managers. Behavioural change and training Behavioural changes are actions that energy consumers can take to reduce or eliminate unnecessary or wasteful energy consumption, For example 1. walking, cycling or taking public transportation instead of driving which lowers fuel consumption and carbon emissions 2. Adjusting the use of heating and air conditioning to avoid overuse, particularly by setting more energy-efficient temperature levels. 3. Selecting more fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce energy use and emissions in daily travels Renewable energy integration Renewable energy integration refers to the process of adding renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal, into existing power grids. These sources differ from traditional fossil fuels, offering cleaner and more sustainable energy, but they come with unique challenges. For instance, solar and wind energy are inconsistent and vary based on time of day or weather conditions, making it difficult to provide a steady flow of electricity. Wind energy varies with wind speed, which can be unpredictable.  These fluctuations can make it difficult to maintain a consistent and reliable electricity supply. Overcoming this requires advanced technologies like energy storage systems (e.g., batteries), smart grids, and demand-side management to balance the supply and demand of electricity more effectively. Peak load management Peak load refers to the highest amount of energy that a consumer draws from the electrical grid within a set period of time. Understanding peak load is essential for any commercial energy management strategy because it is used to determine a part of your building’s energy bill. Many electric utilities charge customers for the peak load in addition to their regular consumption charges. By monitoring and reducing peak load, businesses can significantly lower their energy bills, Energy performance contracting (EPC) Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is a financial mechanism that enables organizations to implement energy efficiency improvements without needing upfront capital. In this model, energy service companies (ESCOs) carry out the upgrades— such as installing efficient lighting, HVAC systems, or insulation—and the cost is repaid through the savings generated from reduced energy consumption. z Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is an approach used to assess the total cost of owning a facility or running a project. LCCA considers all the costs associated with obtaining, owning, and disposing of an investment.. It accounts for all expenses, including initial capital costs, operational and maintenance costs, and eventual disposal costs. Life cycle cost analysis is especially useful where a project comes with multiple alternatives and all of them meet performance necessities, but they differ with regards to the initial, as well as the operating, cost. In this case, the alternatives are compared to find one that can maximize savings. Smart grids and smart meters Smart grids and smart meters are closely related, but they serve different functions within modern energy management systems. A smart grid is an upgraded electrical grid that incorporates advanced digital technology to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of electricity. It enables two-way communication between utility companies and consumers, allowing for real-time adjustments to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Smart grids also facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, into the system. Smart meter  A smart meter is a specific device installed in homes or businesses to measure electricity usage. It provides real-time data to both the consumer and the utility company, allowing consumers to better manage their energy consumption. For utility companies, smart meters help in understanding demand patterns and managing the grid more effectively. Load shifting and demand response Load shifting is a type of demand response strategy, which is a program that allows consumers to adjust their energy usage to help the electricity grid: A technique that moves electricity demand from peak hours to off-peak hours to reduce electricity costs and optimize energy consumption. For example, a manufacturing facility can charge its battery storage overnight during off-peak hours and use the stored energy during peak hours. Demand response A program that allows consumers to reduce or shift their electricity usage during peak periods in response to financial incentives or time-based rates. Demand response programs can help lower the cost of electricity, reduce the need for new power plants, and help electricity providers save money.  These are appliances, such as air conditioners, water heaters, or electric vehicle chargers, that can be strategically adjusted to shift their energy consumption during peak demand events. For example, a smart thermostat might reduce heating or cooling during peak hours without affecting overall comfort. Automated control system An automated control system is a collection of hardware, software, and procedures created to automatically monitor, regulate, and manage different industrial and manufacturing processes. By eliminating human involvement and improving the performance of machinery and equipment, it seeks to increase efficiency, accuracy, productivity, and safety. These systems are frequently employed in a variety of sectors, including transportation, energy, and industry. An automation control system's main advantages include:  An example of an automated control system is the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system used in the energy industry. SCADA systems monitor and control infrastructure such as power plants, electrical grids, and oil pipelines. in a power grid, SCADA systems continuously collect data from sensors across the network, such as voltage levels, transformer conditions, and power flow. The system can automatically adjust operations, such as redistributing electricity during peak demand or shutting down parts of the grid to prevent overloads. It can also alert operators to any potential issues in real-time, allowing for quick responses to prevent outages or equipment failures. Global warming Global warming is the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature. Though this warming trend has been going on for a long time, its pace has significantly increased in the last hundred years due to the burning of fossil fuels As the human population has increased, so has the volume of fossil fuels burned  Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and burning them release greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) into the atmosphere, which trap more heat and cause the planet's temperature to rise. Green house effect The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which the Earth's atmosphere captures heat from the sun. Sunlight (solar radiation) reaches the Earth and passes through the atmosphere The Earth's surface absorbs this energy and heats up Some of this heat is then radiated back toward space in the form of infrared radiation. However, certain gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap this heat and prevent it from escaping.  This trapped heat warms the Earth, similar to how a greenhouse captures warmth inside Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would be too cold to support life. However, human activities that increase greenhouse gases are intensifying this effect, leading to global warming and climate change. Climate change Global warming has presented another issue called climate change. Climate change refers to changes in weather patterns and growing seasons around the world. In addition to changes in air temperature, climate change involves changes to precipitation patterns, winds, ocean currents, and other measures of Earth’s climate. Precipitation Patterns: Climate change can lead to shifts in rainfall, with some regions experiencing more intense storms and flooding, while others face droughts and decreased rainfall.  Winds: Changes in global wind patterns can result in altered weather systems, affecting storm intensity, wind direction, and local climates. This can contribute to extreme weather events. Ocean Currents: Climate change impacts ocean circulation, with warmer waters altering the movement of currents. This affects marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and even coastal communities due to rising sea levels and changing ocean temperatures.  Sea-Level Rise: The melting of glaciers and ice caps, along with thermal expansion of seawater, leads to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal areas and low-lying islands. Ocean Acidification: Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also lead to more CO2 being absorbed by oceans, making them more acidic. This harms marine life, especially species like corals and shellfish.  Extreme Weather: Higher temperatures can cause more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, and hurricanes, creating significant disruptions to ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements.  Many climate scientists agree that significant societal, economic, and ecological damage would result if the global average temperature rose by more than 2 °C (3.6 °F) in such a short time. Such damage would include increased extinction of many plant and animal species, shifts in patterns of agriculture, and rising sea levels  By 2015 all but a few national governments had begun the process of instituting carbon reduction plans as part of the Paris Agreement. This treaty designed to help countries keep global warming to 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) above preindustrial levels in order to avoid the worst of the predicted effects  Countries submit national climate action plans every five years, and review each other's progress It helps poorer nations adapt to climate change and switch to renewable energy Transition to low emissions should be sustainable, protect indigenous peoples, and reduce poverty Achievement Although climate change action needs to be massively increased to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the years since its entry into force have already sparked low-carbon solutions and new markets. More and more countries, regions, cities and companies are establishing carbon neutrality targets.  Zero-carbon solutions are becoming competitive advantage for economic sectors representing 25% of emissions. This trend is most noticeable in the power (renewable energy) and transport sectors (Electric vehicles) and has created many new business opportunities for early movers. By 2030, zero-carbon solutions could be competitive in sectors representing over 70% of global emissions. This includes sectors such as heavy industry, agriculture, and construction, where carbon-neutral technologies are currently more challenging to implement. Carbon Credits A carbon credit is defined as a tradable license or certification that gives the holder the freedom to emit a total of one ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of any other greenhouse gas. Carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets, are permits that allow the owner to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. One credit permits the emission of one ton of carbon dioxide or the equivalent in other greenhouse gases. The carbon credit is half of a so-called cap-and-trade program. Companies that pollute are awarded credits that allow them to continue to pollute up to a certain limit, which is reduced  Private companies are thus doubly incentivized to reduce greenhouse emissions. First, they must spend money on extra credits if their emissions exceed the cap. Second, they can make money by reducing their emissions and selling their excess allowances. Carbon credits were devised as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions  The main purpose of this principle (carbon credit) is the minimization of carbon dioxide emissions. In the pursuit of a greener and sustainable future, India has taken a momentous step by introducing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). This pioneering scheme, brought into effect through the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, empowers the central government to establish a carbon trading framework