The Conundrum of Sustainable Energy: Clean Coal as One Possible Answer

2005 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus S. Lackner
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Standard Of Living ◽  
World Population ◽  
Clean Coal ◽  
Fuel Technology

Access to clean, cheap, and copious energy would allow the entire world to enjoy a standard of living taken for granted in developed countries. This paper identifies technologies for sustainable energy infrastructures, emphasizing that fossil fuels are amply sufficient for the next 100–200 years. However, today's fossil fuel technology will be inadequate to sustain a future world population of 10 billion. Pollution and greenhouse gases from unfettered fossil fuel use far exceed the environment's capacity to cope. Alternative forms of energy are presently either expensive or unsuitable for largescale energy production. Reliance on coal, in combination with carbon capture, carbon storage, and zero-emission technology, could break the world's dependence on petroleum and natural gas while providing environmentally acceptable energy for centuries. By also developing nuclear energy and renewable energy sources, it is possible to pursue a path characterized by plentiful and sustainable energy.

scholarly journals Catalysts for Biodiesel Production: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1985-1999
Author(s):  
K.A.V. Miyuranga ◽  
D. Thilakarathne ◽  
Udara S.P.R. Arachchige ◽  
R.A. Jayasinghe ◽  
N.A. Weerasekara
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Reaction Rate ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
World Population ◽  
Economic Issues ◽  
The World

As the world population and modernization increase, energy demand increases. One of the non-sustainable energy sources is fossil fuels. However, fossil fuel consumption raises various environmental and economic issues. Most of the studies focus on sustainable energy sources, which can replace fossil fuel dependence. Biodiesel is an alternative sustainable fuel for diesel power. Biodiesel can produce through the transesterification process. Since the catalyst plays a significant role in the biodiesel yield during a defined reaction time, the addition of a catalyst can increases the reaction rate. This article is outlined the several catalysts used by multiple researchers over the years to increase biodiesel yields.

What is an Ecodisaster?

1977 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Cloudsley-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Developed Countries ◽  
Standard Of Living ◽  
World Population ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
The Past ◽  
Environmental Deterioration ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Catastrophe ◽  
Near Future

The term ‘ecodisaster’ may be defined as ‘a global catastrophe of the human species’. Any ecodisasters occurring in the near future will, almost certainly, be caused, directly or indirectly, by the present overpopulation of the world, accompanied by unwise and irresponsible disregard of environmental deterioration.The suggestion is made here that Man's first and, it is to be hoped, last, ecodisaster may already have begun. Although not dramatic, it is taking the form of a steady decline in the standard of living nearly everywhere, coupled with massive pollution, and widespread malnutrition in the under-developed countries of the world. It will persist until world population eventually becomes adjusted to environmental resources.It is ironical that control of the pests and diseases which have inflicted so much misery on mankind in the past, should have helped to engender the present population explosion with all the hunger and privation that accompany it in the under-developed regions of the world.

scholarly journals Energy Transition and Climate Change in Decision-Making Processes

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13404
Author(s):  
Georgios Tsantopoulos ◽  
Evangelia Karasmanaki
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Fuel Technology

Humans have been using fossil fuels for centuries, and the development of fossil fuel technology reshaped society in lasting ways [...]

scholarly journals The 21st Century Coal Question: China, India, Development, and Climate Change

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Warner ◽  
Glenn A. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Community Based ◽  
China And India ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Fossil Fuel Emissions

China and India are not only the two most populous nations on Earth, they are also two of the most rapidly growing economies. Historically, economic and social development have been subsidized by cheap and abundant fossil-fuels. Climate change from fossil-fuel emissions has resulted in the need to reduce fossil-fuel emissions in order to avoid catastrophic warming. If climate goals are achieved, China and India will have been the first major economies to develop via renewable energy sources. In this article, we examine the factors of projected population growth, available fossil-fuel reserves, and renewable energy installations required to develop scenarios in which both China and India may increase per capita energy consumption while remaining on trach to meet ambitious climate goals. Here, we show that China and India will have to expand their renewable energy infrastructure at unprecedented rates in order to support both population growth and development goals. In the larger scope of the literature, we recommend community-based approaches to microgrid and cookstove development in both China and India.

scholarly journals Renewable Green hydrogen energy impact on sustainability performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asem Alzoubi
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
First Century ◽  
Hydrogen Energy ◽  
Energy Infrastructure ◽  
Energy Impact ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
The Many

In today's world, the major source of energy is fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable and cannot be used once exhausted. At the start of the twenty-first century, main challenges with current energy infrastructure throughout the world were a finite supply of fossil fuels, ever-increasing energy use, and the growing environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel energy is economical due to existing infrastructure, but it has significant downsides and has a severe impact on the environment. As a result, renewable energy sources are being investigated as potential contenders to supply the bulk of energy demands. Hydrogen is the least harmful to the environment of these fuels. Hydrogen is a clean, long-lasting fuel with the potential that is the source of future global energy. It may potentially be used to replace current fossil-fuel-based energy infrastructure. This is seen as a solution to the above-mentioned challenges, such as global warming and environmental degradation. It is impossible to overestimate the relevance of environmental and economic factors in the development of hydrogen infrastructure. This article discusses the many aspects of hydrogen, including as manufacturing, storage, and applications, with a focus on the environment and the economy.

scholarly journals Trends in the integration of photovoltaic facilities into the built environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 195-207
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Krstić – Furundžić ◽  
Alessandra Scognamiglio ◽  
Mirjana Devetakovic ◽  
Francesco Frontini ◽  
Budimir Sudimac
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pv Systems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of the key trends in the integration of photovoltaic (PV) facilities into the built environment in cities. This is regarded as part of a series of measures towards wider use of renewable energy sources. Design/methodology/approach The problem has been approached from the point that cities are consumers of large amounts of energy. They require uninterrupted energy supply but with dynamic power profile. Mainly consumption of energy generated from fossil fuels is present nowadays with significant pollution of the environment as a consequence. The sustainable energy transition in cities means increasing the supply of energy from renewable sources. Findings The paper points to the integration of PV renewable systems in the built environment, opportunities and constraints, design conditions and tools. The consideration of the constraints which creates urban environment is carried out to understand the complexity of selecting locations in the cities. The paper gives an overview of the possibilities of PV systems integration in the built environment and discusses physical limitations in the urban environment and simulation tools as well as challenges and research and development issues. Research limitations/implications The paper offers a critical review of the PV applications which have been illustrated with examples from developed countries. However, examples from developing markets have not been considered. Future work would address this limitation and enable the discussion from a comparative perspective. Social implications The study gives a comprehensive overview of PV integrations in contemporary cities, stimulating architects’ practitioners to acquire the PV technology and aesthetics, and to apply it in future developments. Originality/value Observing the use of PV applications from the perspective of architects and designers the discussion and examples covered in this paper offers an original review, which provides the base future in-depth studies on PV applications in various contexts.

scholarly journals The The Potential of Sustainable Energy Resources in Eritrea: Solar Energy - An Overview

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-254
Author(s):  
Mohammad Afsar Alam Afsar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Standard Of Living ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
World Population ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Per Capita

Energy is the prerequisite and most universal measure of all kinds of work by human beings. Everything in this world is the expression of flow of energy in one of its forms. Sustainable resources of energies are those that do not deplete the Earth’s natural resources and are as environmentally benign as possible. These sources are sustainable in that they can be managed to ensure they can be used indefinitely without degrading the environment (Renewable Energy Association, 2009). The energy resources available can be divided into three types. These are primary energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas, uranium) which provide a net supply of energy, secondary energy sources (solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy etc.) which provide no net energy, and supplementary energy sources (geothermal and  tidal) whose net energy yield is zero. Energy is an important input in all sectors of any country’s economy.  The standard of living of any given country can be directly related to per capita energy consumption. Energy crisis is due to the rapid growth of world population and the improved standard of living of human beings. The per capita energy consumption is a measure of the per capita income or it is a measure of the prosperity of the nation.  As the world population is growing at a faster rate, so the conventional sources of energy are depleting on the one hand and its uses are adversely affecting the environment on the other hand. If it will be continued with the same pace, it may be exhausted by the beginning of the next century.  Nuclear energy requires skilled technicians and poses the safety as regards to radioactive waste disposal. Therefore, solar energy and other non-conventional energy sources are the sources; those which are to be utilized in the future. In this paper an attempt has been made to investigate the Potentials of sustainable energy resources in Eritrea with special reference to solar energy. The present study will also explore the intensity of global solar radiation reaching on a horizontal surface over Eritrea. This will be purely done by assessing the degree of solar energy penetration on Eritrea. The paper aims at discussing the cheaper and cleaner use of which is vital to the Eritrean economy and the environment as well.

A Systematic Review on the Renewable Energy Development, Policies and Challenges in Nigeria with an International Perspective and Public Opinions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 287-308
Author(s):  
Justin Ugwu ◽  
Kenneth Chinonso Odo ◽  
Leonard Onyedikachi Oluka ◽  
Kehinde Oseni Salami
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Energy Policies ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Renewable Energy Policies

Due to the threat posed by fossil fuels to human existence; many countries around the world have turned attention to renewable sources for power generation to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and stop ozone layer depletion. This has increased the exploitation of various renewable energy sources which include: hydro, biomass, solar, geothermal and wind in many developed countries. However, most African countries seem not to have awakened to this new reality. This work presents a comprehensive review of available renewable energy capacity in Nigeria, the level of utilization of renewables in Nigeria in comparison to other countries, comparison of renewable energy scenarios among African countries, factors hindering the development of renewables in Nigeria, the country’s renewable energy policy and ways of improving its status in the country. A lot of peer-reviewed journal articles, and grey literatures were gathered from which the most suitable ones were selected for reviews. In addition, opinions of people across the country and beyond, regarding renewable energy status in Nigeria were sought through a questionnaire. It is found that Nigeria is greatly endowed with different renewable energy sources but the level of utilization has been very low due to a myriad of factors such as non-implementation of renewable energy policies, financial issues, unfavorable government policies and lack of adequate research. It is expected that the findings in this work will awaken policies makers in Nigeria to reshape her renewable energy policies and speed up its implementation as well as guide individuals wishing to invest in the nation’s vast renewable resources.

Transitioning to Renewable Sources of Electricity: Motivations, Policy, and Potential

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Schelly
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Good News ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Sources ◽  
Transmission Grid ◽  
Electricity Infrastructure

The electricity grid in the United States may be the largest, most pervasive technological system ever constructed to meet the needs and comforts of human beings (Nye 1997). Although it is less than 150 years old, the electricity infrastructure of this nation is ubiquitous; power lines stretch across deserts, forests, states, highways, and the entire nation in order to provide electricity to residences, businesses, and communities. The electricity carried by these transmission lines is generally produced using fossil fuels (mostly coal; see US Energy Information Administration 2012) and is most commonly generated at a monstrously large facility (a coal plant, a nuclear facility, or a hydropower dam). Our electricity infrastructure was constructed to carry enormous amounts of electricity across vast geographical expanses, based on the massive generation facilities and concentrated fossil fuel based energy sources that defined the system and its use. However, there are increasing concerns regarding the sources of our energy supply. Many of these concerns are related to climate change and how carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels contribute to rising global temperatures and the climate instability of the planet (Brown 2003). Additional concerns include the host of other environmental damages caused by the use of coal (Epstein et al. 2011), nuclear energy (Slovic et al. 1991), and hydro-electricity (Dincer 1998); other debates involve worries about nearing or reaching peak energy supplies (Brown 2003), energy security (Yergin 2006), and the aging transmission grid (Amin 2003). For a multitude of reasons, many would agree that it’s time to rethink our dependence on fossil fuel based forms of energy and move toward alternative, renewable energy sources (Brown 2003, pp. 116–135). The good news is, the renewable energy industry gets bigger every year, with more energy from renewable sources being produced, sold, and used (Sherwood 2011). Some US states have enacted renewable energy standards requiring that a certain percentage of their electricity supply come from renewable sources. Tax incentives, subsidies, and various forms of rebates, in financially incentivizing renewable energy adoption, also provide evidence that we are indeed moving in the direction of clean, renewable sources of energy.

Communicating about Carbon Capture and Storage

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Carbon Capture And Storage ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
And Storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as a potential strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It involves the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large point source emitters, such as coal-fired power plants. The CO2 is transported to a storage location, where it is isolated from the atmosphere in stable underground reservoirs. CCS technology has been particularly intriguing to countries that utilize fossil fuels for energy production and are seeking ways to reduce their GHG emissions. While there has been an increase in technological development and research in CCS, some members of the public, industry, and policymakers regard the technology as controversial. Some proponents see CCS as a climate change mitigation technology that will be essential to reducing CO2 emissions. Others view CCS as an environmentally risky, complex, and expensive technology that is resource-intensive, promotes the continued extraction of fossil fuels, and competes with renewable energy investments. Effective communication about CCS begins with understanding the perceptions of the general public and individuals living in the communities where CCS projects are sited or proposed. Most people may never live near a CCS site, but may be concerned about risks, such as the cost of development, environmental impacts, and competition with renewable energy sources. Those who live near proposed or operational projects are likely to have a strong impact on the development and deployment of CCS. Individuals in locally affected communities may be more concerned about disruptions to sense of place, impact on jobs or economy, or effect on local health and environment. Effective communication about the risks and benefits of CCS has been recognized as a critical factor in the deployment of this technology.

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