Quitting (The) Habit: Fossil Fuels, Governmentality and the Politics of Energy Dependency

2021 ◽  
Vol 103 (103) ◽  
pp. 63-77
Author(s):  
Imre Szeman
Keyword(s):  
Specific Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Practice Theory ◽  
State Power ◽  
System Change ◽  
Analytic Tool ◽  
Energy Dependency

This paper investigates habit in relation to fossil-fuel dependency. Habit names sets of actions and practices that are deeply codified into daily life, including practices connected to the use of large amounts of energy. Developing an understanding of energy habits appears to constitute a possible site of intervention into the ongoing use of fossil fuels. I argue that by tending to focus on individual energy practices, habit makes it difficult to raise larger, systemic questions related to energy use. Indeed, more critical explorations of habit, such as practice theory or via Bourdieu's notion of habitus, emphasise the need to attend to system more than specific energy habits. Investigating habit in relation to energy does, however, reveal some of the current limits and problems involved in changing fossil-fuel dependency on the part of many states. The paper turns to an investigation of the operations of governmentality in relation to energy to show the multiple ways in which the contemporary configuration of state power makes it unable to fully attend to fossil-fuel dependency. Making small changes to energy use via changes to energy habit never results in the system change required. While habit can thus be a useful analytic tool in understanding state power in relation to energy use, the paper argues that it is not a mechanism through which one might fundamentally change current configurations of energy dependency.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Assessment of Ethiopian Cement Manufacturing: A Potential Improvement on the Use of Fossil Fuel in Mugher Cement Factory

2021 ◽  
pp. 100-112
Author(s):  
Lemma Beressa ◽  
Battula Vijaya Saradhi
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Portland Cement ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle Impact Assessment ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Cement Production

The use of imported fuel in the Ethiopian cement industry increased the cost of production and the environmental burden, necessitating intervention. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, energy usage intensity, and resource exploitation of Ethiopian cement production were evaluated using the life cycle impact assessment (LCA) tool, aiming to recommend improvements. The LCA study used cumulative energy demand (CED) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. For the case study of Mugher cement factory (MCF), the results on energy use intensities showed 3.74, 3.67, and 2.64 GJ/ton of clinker, Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Pozzolana Portland cement (PPC), respectively. The result revealed MCF's energy use intensity was within the global range of 3.32 to 5.11 GJ/ton of cement production using similar kiln technology. The results on the GHG emissions were 0.87, 0.84, and 0.59 tons of CO2-equivalent/ton of clinker, OPC, and PPC, respectively. Process emissions accounted for 60% of overall CO2 emissions, with energy-related emissions accounting for the remaining 40%. CO2 emissions of MCF are below the global limit of 0.9 tons/ton of clinker, where all energy sources are fossil fuels. However, it is higher than the 0.65 ton/ton of clinker from a moderate rotary kiln in China. MCF used 70% of its total energy sources from imported fossil fuels, and transportation of the imported fuel added 1.2% CO2 to total emissions. A suggested fossil fuel use improvement scenario for MCF, where coffee husk replaces 50% of the imported coal improved the energy intensity, GHG emissions, and total cost of coal in clinker production by 1.2%, 14%, 36%, respectively.

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 Energy Efficiency or Conservation for Mitigating Climate Change?

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 3543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Moriarty ◽  
Damon Honnery
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Passenger Transport ◽  
Domestic Energy ◽  
To Come

Given that global energy use today is still dominated by fossil fuels, there is an urgent need to rapidly reduce its use in order to avert serious climate change. However, the alternatives to fossil fuels—renewable and nuclear energy—are more expensive, and have so far done little to displace fossil fuels. Accordingly, reducing energy use must play an important part in both averting climate change and avoiding the depletion of high energy return easily recoverable fossil fuel reserves. This paper examined both the potential and barriers to the adoption of energy reduction measures, with particular attention to domestic energy and passenger transport. The main finding was that energy efficiency approaches alone are unlikely to deliver anywhere near the energy reductions needed in the limited time available. Instead, most energy reductions will have to come from energy conservation, involving less use of energy-using devices, including private vehicles. Achieving such reductions will require changes in lifestyles, especially for residents of OECD nations.

scholarly journals Usage of Production Functions in the Comparative Analysis of Transport Related Fuel Consumption

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 292-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Torok ◽  
Arpad Torok ◽  
Florian Heinitz
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Production Function ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Fuel Price ◽  
Constant Elasticity ◽  
Constant Elasticity Of Substitution ◽  
Labour Relations

Abstract This contribution aims to examine the relationship between the transport sector and the macroeconomy, particularly in fossil energy use, capital and labour relations. The authors have investigated the transport related fossil fuel consumption 2003 -2010 in a macroeconomic context in Hungary and Germany. The Cobb-Douglas type of production function could be justified empirically, while originating from the general CES (Constant Elasticity of Substitution) production function. Furthermore, as a policy implication, the results suggest that a solution for the for the reduction of anthropogenic CO2 driven by the combustion of fossil fuels presupposes technological innovation to reach emission reduction targets. Other measures, such as increasing the fossil fuel price by levying taxes, would consequently lead to an undesirable GDP decline.

Fossil-Fueled Civilization

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaclav Smil
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Agricultural Productivity ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Modern Agriculture ◽  
Information And Communication

This chapter discusses the rise of a fossil fuel-driven civilization. Modern civilization depends on extracting immense energy stores, depleting finite fossil fuel deposits that cannot be replenished even on time scales of a magnitude longer than the existence of the human species. By turning to these rich stores we have created societies that transform unprecedented amounts of energy, resulting in enormous improvements in agricultural productivity and crop yields. This chapter considers how unprecedented power has sparked a tremendous increase in consumption of energy, particularly fossil fuels and electricity, in areas such as modern agriculture, transportation, and information and communication. It also examines the contribution of energy to industrialization and economic growth and concludes with an assessment of the negative consequences of high energy use by modern societies.

scholarly journals Economic Perspective on Discontinuing Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Moving toward a Low-Carbon Society

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1217
Author(s):  
Kyungwon Park ◽  
Yoon Lee ◽  
Joon Han
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Computable General Equilibrium ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Computable General Equilibrium Model ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Fuel Subsidies ◽  
Fossil Fuel Subsidies

In Korea, multiple efforts, including subsidies to energy industries, have been made to increase renewable energy use and strengthen the competitiveness of renewable energy industries. Ironically, a considerable number of subsidies have also been provided for fossil fuels, drawing criticism both within Korea and overseas that these subsidies increase not only fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but also energy market distortion. Thus, the Korean government announced a plan to discontinue some fossil fuel subsidies in 2020. Based on Korea’s policy orientation to expand renewable energy and strengthen its competitiveness, various scenarios to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and increase renewable energy subsidies can be examined. This study used the computable general equilibrium model to subdivide the energy sector and analyze the influence of changes in subsidies on the Korean economy and CO2 emissions based on three scenarios. The results show that phasing out fossil fuel subsidies causes a significant reduction in domestic CO2 emissions by −6.9 to −8.5%, depending on our scenarios. Implementing energy policy in Korea may have minimum impacts on its economy when fossil fuel subsidies transfer to renewable energy industries. The real gross domestic product could be only decreased by −0.04 to −0.14%.

Energy After COVID

2020 ◽  
Vol 119 (820) ◽  
pp. 317-322
Author(s):  
Michael T. Klare
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
White Collar ◽  
Peak Oil ◽  
Business Travel ◽  
Reduce Energy Consumption ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Energy Companies

By transforming patterns of travel and work around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the transition to renewable energy and the decline of fossil fuels. Lockdowns brought car commuting and plane travel to a near halt, and the mass experiment in which white-collar employees have been working from home may permanently reduce energy consumption for business travel. Renewable energy and electric vehicles were already gaining market share before the pandemic. Under pressure from investors, major energy companies have started writing off fossil fuel reserves as stranded assets that are no longer worth the cost of extracting. These shifts may indicate that “peak oil demand” has arrived earlier than expected.

Konsumsi Energi Pada Alat Pengering Surya dan Tipe Bak Untuk Pengeringan Biji Kakao

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamhot P. Manalu
Keyword(s):  
Specific Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Drying Process ◽  
Food Industries ◽  
Solar Dryer ◽  
Agricultural Applications ◽  
Drying System ◽  
Drying Efficiency

Crop drying is essential for preservation in agricultural applications. It is performed either using fossil fuels in an artificial mechanical drying process or by placing the crop under the open sun. The first method is costly and has a negative impact on the environment, while the second method is totally dependent on the weather. The drying process requires a lot of energy in relation to the amount of water that must be evaporated from the product. It is estimated that 12% of the total energy used by the food industries and agriculture absorbed in this process. Due to the limitation of energy resources, it is important to keep researching and developing of diversification and optimization of energy This study aims to assess the use of energy for cocoa drying using solar energy dryer and bin-type dryer, as well as to determine the drying efficiency of each type of dryer. The results showed that the efficiency of the solar dryer drying system ranges between 36% to 46%, while the tub-type dryers between 21.7% to 33.1%. The specific energy of solar dryer ranged from 6.17-7.87 MJ / kg, while the tub-type dryers 8.58-13.63 MJ / kg. Dryer efficiency is influenced by the level of solar irradiation and the amount of drying load, the higher the irradiation received and more cocoa beans are dried, the drying efficiency is also higher and the specific energy further down.Proses pengeringan memerlukan banyak energi sehubungan dengan banyaknya air yang harus diuapkan dari bahan yang dikeringkan. Pengeringan dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan pengering mekanis berbahan bakar fosil atau dengan menempatkan produk di bawah matahari terbuka. Metode pertama adalah mahal dan memiliki dampak negatif pada lingkungan, sedangkan metode kedua sangat tergantung pada cuaca. Diperkirakan bahwa 12% dari total energi yang dipergunakan oleh industri pangan dan pertanian diserap untuk proses ini. Mengingat semakin terbatasnya sumber energi bahan bakar minyak maka usaha diversifikasi dan optimasi energi untuk pengeringan perlu terus diteliti dan dikembangkan. Salah satunya adalah pemanfaatan energi surya sebagai sumber energi terbarukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji penggunaan energi untuk pengeringan kakao dengan memakai pengering energi surya dan pengering tipe bak, serta untuk mengetahui efisiensi pengeringan dari masing-masing tipe pengering. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa efisiensi total sistem pengeringan alat pengering surya berkisar antara 36% dan 46%, sedangkan pengering tipe bak antara 21.7% dan 33.1%. Kebutuhan energi spesifik alat pengering surya berkisar antara 6.17-7.87 MJ/kg, sedangkan alat pengering tipe bak 8.58-13.63 MJ/kg. Efisiensi alat pengering dipengaruhi oleh tingkat iradiasi surya dan jumlah beban pengeringan, semakin tinggi iradiasi yang diterima pengering serta semakin banyak biji kakao yang dikeringkan, maka efisiensi pengeringan juga semakin tinggi dan kebutuhan energi spesifik semakin turun.Keywords: energy, efficiency, cocoa, solar dryer, bin-type dryer.

Buildings

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Rez
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Heat Pump ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
The Difference ◽  
As If

Most of the energy used by buildings goes into heating and cooling. For small buildings, such as houses, heat transfer by conduction through the sides is as much as, if not greater than, the heat transfer from air exchanges with the outside. For large buildings, such as offices and factories, the greater volume-to-surface ratio means that air exchanges are more significant. Lights, people and equipment can make significant contributions. Since the energy used depends on the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside, local climate is the most important factor that determines energy use. If heating is required, it is usually more efficient to use a heat pump than to directly burn a fossil fuel. Using diffuse daylight is always more energy efficient than lighting up a room with artificial lights, although this will set a limit on the size of buildings.

FOSSIL FUEL ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION: A STRATEGY USING RADIOCARBON, N-ALKANES, AND ALGAE

Radiocarbon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Túlio César Aguiar Silva ◽  
Carla Carvalho ◽  
Bruno Libardoni ◽  
Kita Macario ◽  
Felippe Braga de Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Maximum Intensity ◽  
Effective Technique ◽  
The World ◽  
Work Samples

ABSTRACT Fossil fuels are of utmost importance to the world we live in today. However, their use can cause major impacts on the environment, especially on water resources. In this regard, algae have been intensively used as a strategy for remediation and monitoring of environmental pollution due to its efficient absorption of contaminants. In this work, samples of seaweed collected in Niterói/RJ—contaminated with kerosene and diesel—were analyzed by radiocarbon (14C) accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and by n-alkane quantification with gas chromatography to evaluate bioaccumulation in function of the dosage of contaminants. The biogenic content measured by radiocarbon analysis resulted in 95.6% for algae contaminated with 10 mL of kerosene and 67.6% for algae contaminated with 10 mL of diesel. The maximum intensity of n-C17 n-alkane in algae with 5 mL, 10 mL, and 15 mL of diesel was 768.2, 1878.1, and 5699.2 ng.g-1, respectively. While the maximum concentration of n-C27 in algae with 5 mL, 10 mL and 15 mL of kerosene was 3.3, 35.9, and 150.3 ng.g-1. We concluded that, for both contaminants, their incorporation into algae increases as the contamination dosage increases, making this methodology an effective technique for monitoring and remediation of urban aquatic ecosystems.

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