Energy - PPTG10GEO2223 PDF

Energy Christopher K. Djuanda Learning objectives You should be able to: Describe the importance of non-renewable fossil fuels, renewable energy supplies, nuclear power and fuelwood; globally and in different countries at different levels of development Evaluate the benefits and disadvant...

Energy Christopher K. Djuanda Learning objectives You should be able to: Describe the importance of non-renewable fossil fuels, renewable energy supplies, nuclear power and fuelwood; globally and in different countries at different levels of development Evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of nuclear power and renewable energy sources Non renewable fossil fuels Non renewable energy sources are also known as fossil fuels. They are non- sustainable because they take a long time to form (from dead fossils millennias ago) and will eventually be depleted Non renewables account for a major portion of the world’s energy use. Examples are: gas, oil, and coal Renewable energy sources Renewables, unlike non-renewables, can be replenished and are obtained from natural resources like the sun, wind, or waves. Examples of renewables include HEP (hydroelectric power), wind power, solar power, biofuel, and wave/tidal power. Using biofuels in the form of fuelwood is renewable if the trees used are reforested. If they are not, then it is not renewable. Differences in energy sources between countries Consider the following question: what do you think is the difference in energy sources between countries in 3 level of development? Developed countries will use more energy per capita but their sourcesRenewable of energy will energy also be different from developing countries sources are mostly concentrated in developed countries Why countries are trying to rely less on non-renewables Non renewables are not sustainable, meaning they will run out at some point Pressure to convert because of global warming (fossil fuels contribute greatly to atmospheric pollution) Countries do not want to rely on imports (develop self sufficiency) Why only a few countries use renewable energy There are many options when it comes to renewable energy and they are infinite. So why is it so hard for countries – especially developing countries, to adopt renewable sources of energy? There are many factors: Renewable energy is still in early stage of development Renewable energy cannot meet all demands of a developing nation It is expensive to set up or not always possible (for example, not all countries can utilize geothermal energy) Renewable energy is not always reliable (sun doesn’t always shine, wind doesn’t always blow) – Still rather inefficient/expensive compared to non- renewables  Nuclear Power Nuclear power is a bit unique since it is considered renewable, but uses uranium which is non- renewable. Nuclear power is a bit controversial since the disasters that could potentially happen (and the ones that happened) are catastrophic in nature How a nuclear reactor works Every nuclear reactor is going to have different designs, but there are similarities in most nuclear reactors. Basically, nuclear reactors use uranium and nuclear fission to generate heat, which drives the turbines and generates electricity. Benefits and disadvantages of nuclear power Nuclear power stations are expensive to build but once built, are reliable and cheap but also clean and safe Waste from nuclear power stations can be safely disposed but still a risk to the environment since it is radioactive for hundreds of years Building a nuclear power plant can provide jobs to many people Can be built in remote areas to reduce dangers to health Need to import uranium for most countries  Siting of power stations Most power stations need to be near a body of water to cool the steam that drives the turbines. They need to be somewhat close to urban areas for labor but also so that not much electricity is lost in transmission (except for nuclear plants) Nuclear plants need to be in geologically stable regions