Chapter 11 Energy Resources PDF

Chap 11. Energy Resources as Natural Resources ARAG220 - Natural Resources Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   Energy is fundamental to human development, driving economic growth, and shaping modern lifestyles.  Energy...

Chap 11. Energy Resources as Natural Resources ARAG220 - Natural Resources Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   Energy is fundamental to human development, driving economic growth, and shaping modern lifestyles.  Energy resources are categorized into Introducti renewable and non-renewable types. on  While non-renewable sources like fossil fuels and nuclear energy dominate, the increasing urgency of sustainability demands a shift to renewable energy sources. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   For many thousands of years, food and firewood were the only energy sources utilized by human.  But during the course of their evolution, people found new sources of energy and started utilizing them in broader uses than physical work. Evolution  With the increasing need of human to of Energy energy, increased the origins of this energy and the sources got diversified. in Time  These energy resources are not equally used.  We find a very low use of the renewable energy, while the non-renewable energy resources are over consumed.  The most used resources are in fact the oil, the coal and the natural gas. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   The use of energy is not the same everywhere in the world and we find large disparity of this energy use per capita.  Usually, the biggest producers of energy resources are also the biggest consumers.  The united States of America, Canada and Evolution Saudi Arabia are thus the biggest consumers of of Energy energy, followed by Australia and Russia. in Time Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   1.1 Fossil Fuels  Types: Coal, oil, and natural gas.  Formation: Oil and natural gas were formed the same way: Small sea plants and animals died then were buried in the ocean floor. Over time, they were covered by layers of 1. Non- sand and sediment, which turned to become sedimentary rocks. Over the years, the Renewable remains were buried deeper and deeper Energy where the enormous heat and pressure from inside the earth and the rock above, turned Resources into oil and gas.  Coal was formed thanks to the same processes as oil and natural gas: Before the dinosaurs, many giant plants died in swamps. Over millions of years, these plants were buried under water and dirt. Heat and pressure turned the dead plants into coal. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   1.1 Fossil Fuels  Global Usage: Fossil fuels account for approximately 79% of global primary energy consumption as of 2022 (BP, 2023).  Uses: 1. Non-  Coal: Power generation (41% of global Renewable electricity) and industrial processes, especially in Asia (World Coal Association, Energy 2022). Resources  Oil: Transportation fuels (gasoline, diesel), petrochemical industries, and heating (EIA, 2023).  Natural Gas: Electricity generation, residential heating, and as an industrial feedstock. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   1.1 Fossil Fuels  Challenges:  Depletion of reserves: Current projections indicate that coal could last ~132 years, oil ~50 years, and natural gas ~52 years at current consumption rates (IEA, 2022). 1. Non-  Environmental degradation: Mining and Renewable extraction activities disrupt ecosystems.  Environmental Impacts: Energy  Carbon dioxide emissions: Fossil fuels Resources contribute 33.5 gigatons (Gt) of CO2 annually, driving climate change (IPCC, 2021).  Air pollution: Combustion releases particulate matter, NOx, and SO2, causing respiratory illnesses and acid rain. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   1.2 Nuclear Energy 1. Non-  Global Contribution: Accounts for ~10% of Renewable global electricity generation (World Nuclear Association, 2022). Energy  Uses: Primarily for electricity generation in Resources 32 countries, with France leading (~70% of electricity from nuclear energy). Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   1.2 Nuclear Energy  Challenges:  High capital costs: Building a nuclear power plant costs $6,000–$12,000 per 1. Non- kW of capacity (OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, 2022). Renewable  Safety concerns: Risks of catastrophic Energy accidents (e.g., Fukushima, Chernobyl). Resources  Environmental Impacts:  Low operational emissions but significant radioactive waste.  Mining of uranium disrupts landscapes and produces hazardous byproducts. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   2.1 Solar Energy  Global Installed Capacity: 1,033 GW in 2022 (IRENA, 2023).  Uses:  Residential and industrial electricity generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. 2.  Solar thermal systems for heating water and air. Renewable  Challenges: Energy  Intermittency: Solar power depends on Resources sunlight availability.  High upfront costs: Average $2,500– $3,000 per kW for residential systems.  Environmental Impacts:  Minimal during operation but concerns about land use and disposal of solar panels. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   2.2 Wind Energy  Global Installed Capacity: 837 GW in 2022, supplying 7% of global electricity (IRENA, 2023).  Uses: 2.  Electricity generation through onshore Renewable and offshore wind farms. Energy  Challenges:  Intermittency and variability of wind. Resources  Land and noise concerns in onshore installations.  Environmental Impacts:  Minimal emissions, but bird and bat mortality issues require mitigation. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   2.3 Hydropower  Global Contribution: Largest renewable source, generating ~16% of global electricity (IEA, 2022).  Uses:  Electricity generation from rivers and dams. 2.  Water management for agriculture and Renewable urban areas. Energy  Challenges:  Ecosystem disruption: Dams affect river Resources flow and aquatic habitats.  High capital costs.  Environmental Impacts:  Methane emissions from reservoirs in tropical regions.  Habitat loss and displacement of communities. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   2.4 Biomass  Contribution: Accounts for 10% of global primary energy supply (IRENA, 2023).  Uses:  Electricity generation, heating, and 2. biofuel production (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel). Renewable  Challenges: Energy  Overharvesting: Can lead to Resources deforestation.  Inefficiency in traditional biomass use (e.g., wood burning).  Environmental Impacts:  Combustion releases CO2 and particulate matter. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   2.5 Geothermal Energy  Global Capacity: 16 GW in 2022 (IRENA, 2023).  Uses:  Electricity generation in geothermal plants. 2.  Direct heating applications in residential Renewable and industrial settings. Energy  Challenges:  Limited to regions with high geothermal Resources activity (e.g., Iceland, New Zealand).  High initial costs for exploration and drilling.  Environmental Impacts:  Minimal emissions, though geothermal fluids may contain pollutants. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   2.6 Ocean Energy  Types: Tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC).  Uses: 2.  Electricity generation. Renewable  Desalination and aquaculture support. Energy  Challenges:  High costs and technological immaturity. Resources  Limited deployment to specific coastal areas.  Environmental Impacts:  Potential effects on marine ecosystems. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   3.1 Current Status  Global energy consumption is dominated by fossil fuels (79%), with renewables 3. Global contributing ~29% to electricity generation Energy (IEA, 2022).  3.2 Transition Strategies Trends and  Increasing investments in renewables: $500 Transition billion in 2022 globally (IRENA, 2023).  Decarbonization of the energy sector by shifting to low-carbon energy systems. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   Background: China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, accounting for 51% of global coal consumption as of 2022 (IEA, 2022).  Details:  Production and Use: In 2022, China produced 4,496 million metric tons (MMT) of coal, primarily for electricity generation, which constitutes 56% of the Case Study country’s energy mix (BP, 2023).  Environmental Impact: 1: Coal  China emitted 12.5 Gt of CO2 in 2022, with coal- Energy in fired plants contributing 65% of the total emissions (IPCC, 2021). China  Air quality issues have escalated, with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines in major cities like Beijing.  Challenges:  Dependence on coal is hampering the transition to renewable energy.  Efforts are underway to reduce coal use; in 2022, the government pledged to peak CO2 emissions by 2030. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220 Case Study 1: Coal Energy in China Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220  France leads globally in nuclear energy reliance, deriving ~70% of its electricity from nuclear power (World Nuclear Association, 2022).  Details:  Capacity: As of 2022, France operated 56 reactors with a combined capacity of 61.4 GW.  Production: Nuclear plants produced 379 TWh in 2022, meeting the majority of domestic electricity Case Study demand (IEA, 2022). 2: Nuclear  Economic Benefits:  Nuclear energy significantly reduces France’s Energy in dependence on fossil fuels, saving €20 billion annually on energy imports. France  Challenges:  Aging infrastructure: Over half of the reactors are over 30 years old, requiring costly upgrades.  Waste Management: France generates ~2,500 metric tons of radioactive waste annually, which requires secure storage.  Environmental Impact:  Nuclear power avoids 70 Mt of CO2Dr. emissions Amira Askri – ARAG 220 Case Study 2: Nuclear Energy in France Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   Background: India has emerged as a leader in solar energy, driven by its National Solar Mission launched in 2010.  Details:  Capacity Growth: Solar capacity increased from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 70 GW in 2023, accounting for 18% of India’s renewable energy mix (IRENA, 2023). Case Study  Economic Impact: 3: Solar  Solar tariffs have decreased from $0.14/kWh in 2014 to $0.038/kWh in 2023, making solar cheaper than coal. Energy in  The sector has created ~500,000 jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing (IRENA, 2023). India  Environmental Benefits:  Solar energy avoided ~100 Mt of CO2 emissions in 2022.  Challenges:  Land use conflicts: Large solar farms require significant land, affecting agriculture.  Recycling: India is yet to establish infrastructure for recycling end-of-life solar panels. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220 Case Study 3: Solar Energy in India Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   Energy resources, both renewable and non- renewable, are crucial for societal development but pose significant environmental and sustainability challenges. Conclusion The global transition toward renewables is critical for addressing these challenges and ensuring energy security for future generations. Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220   · BP. (2023). Statistical Review of World Energy 2023. BP p.l.c. Retrieved from https://www.bp.com  · International Energy Agency (IEA). (2022). World Energy Outlook 2022. IEA. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org  · International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2023). Global Renewables Outlook 2023. IRENA. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org  · Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Cambridge University Press. References  · Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency. (2022). Uranium 2022: Resources, Production, and Demand. OECD. Retrieved from https://www.oecd-nea.org  · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2023). Annual Energy Outlook 2023. EIA. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov  · World Coal Association. (2022). Coal Facts 2022. World Coal Association. Retrieved from https://www.worldcoal.org  · World Nuclear Association. (2022). Nuclear Power in the World Today. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org Dr. Amira Askri – ARAG 220