Energy Sources

Renewable Energy Sources

• Definition: Sources that regenerate naturally and have minimal environmental impact.
• Examples: Solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass.

Non-renewable Energy Sources

• Definition: Finite sources that deplete over time and are associated with higher environmental costs.
• Examples: Coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium (nuclear).

Global Energy Consumption

• Trends:
  • Global energy demand is increasing due to population growth, industrialization, and urbanization.
  • Fossil fuels account for ~80% of global energy consumption.
  • Renewable energy is growing but still represents a smaller share.
• Regional Variations:
  • Developed Nations: Higher per capita energy consumption due to industrial activity and lifestyle.
  • Developing Nations: Rapidly increasing energy demand, driven by industrialization and economic growth.

Factors Affecting Energy Choices Made by a Country

• Resource Availability:
  • Countries rich in coal, oil, or gas (e.g., Saudi Arabia, and Russia) rely heavily on these resources.
• Economic Considerations:
  • The cost of production and infrastructure development influences energy choice.
  • Developing nations often choose cheaper fossil fuels over renewables.
• Technological Development:
  • Availability of technology for renewable energy generation (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines) or advanced fossil fuel extraction.
• Environmental Policies:
  • Stricter regulations encourage investment in cleaner energy.
• Geopolitical Concerns:
  • Energy imports expose countries to international market fluctuations and conflicts.
• Public Opinion and Political Will:
  • Social acceptance and government priorities shape energy policies.

Factors Influencing the Use of Fossil Fuels

• Advanced Extraction Technologies:
  • Techniques like fracking, horizontal drilling, and deep-sea extraction make previously inaccessible reserves usable.
• Economic Considerations:
  • Fossil fuels are often cheaper to extract and transport than renewables, especially in resource-rich nations.
• Energy Density:
  • Fossil fuels provide high energy output compared to some renewable sources, making them attractive for heavy industries and transportation.
• Infrastructure:
  • Existing global infrastructure (e.g., refineries, pipelines) favours continued fossil fuel use.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is a non-renewable, low-carbon means of electricity production. Most nuclear power stations obtain energy by fission reactions of uranium or plutonium. Although construction costs are high, once constructed, nuclear power stations produce low-cost, constant, low-carbon energy.

• Advantages:
  • Low greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
  • High energy density, capable of producing large amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
• Challenges:
  • High costs of plant construction and decommissioning.
  • Long-lived radioactive waste management.
  • Safety concerns due to accidents (e.g., Chornobyl, Fukushima).

Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is the practice of reducing energy consumption through efficient use, behavioural changes, and technological advancements.

Purpose: To minimize energy waste, lower costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure the sustainability of energy resources for future generations.

Methods of Energy Conservation

1. Behavioral Changes

• Turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Using public transport, cycling, or carpooling instead of personal vehicles.
• Adjusting thermostats to reduce heating and cooling needs.

2. Energy-Efficient Technologies

• Lighting: Switching to LED or CFL bulbs.
• Appliances: Using energy-efficient appliances certified by standards like Energy Star.
• Vehicles: Adopting electric or hybrid vehicles

3. Sustainable Building Design

• Insulation: Properly insulating buildings to reduce heating and cooling energy use.
• Solar Panels: Installing rooftop solar systems to generate renewable energy.
• Smart Systems: Using automated controls to optimize energy use in heating, cooling, and lighting.

4. Industrial Energy Efficiency

• Retrofitting machinery with energy-saving technologies.
• Recycling heat in industrial processes.
• Reducing the idle time of machines and equipment.

Energy Security

Energy security is the availability of a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply. It reduces dependency on foreign energy sources and increases national resilience. Energy conservation ensures energy security.

• Key Concerns:
  • Dependence on energy imports.
  • Vulnerability to geopolitical tensions.
  • Risks of supply disruptions (e.g., natural disasters, conflicts).
• Strategies to Enhance Energy Security:
  • Diversification of energy sources.
  • Investment in renewable energy and local production.
  • Strategic energy reserves.