By: Veera Mehta
During the 20th century, there was a major increase in the usage of energy resources as the population boomed immensely and a majority of lives globally started to become dependent on electrical energy. Since then, improvements have been made to reduce the amount of wasted energy. Today, we use more efficient appliances that use less energy.
Non renewable Energy Resources:
Most of our energy resources for oil (used in diesel and petrol), gas (to heat our homes) and electricity are produced from fossil fuels and nuclear power - uranium and plutonium.
Fossil fuels are natural resources - typically ancient remains of plants and animals from millions of years ago - which are typically burnt under extreme conditions to provide energy. Three main fossil fuels are: coal, oil and natural gas.
Nuclear powers, on the other hand, are huge power stations where a chain reaction of nuclear fission (where a large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei and neutrons). The neutrons released by fission reactions in a nuclear reactor have a lot of energy which is then transferred to the thermal energy of a moderator (a graphite core which slows down the speed of neutrons) in the reactor. This will then transfer to the thermal energy store of a coolant, and then to the cold water passing through a boiler. This causes the water to boil and energy to be transferred to the kinetic energy store of the steam which will transfer to the kinetic energy of a turbine and then generator. The generator will eventually transfer the energy into a useful resource, electrically.
Both fossil fuels and nuclear powers are non-renewable energy resources. This means that there is a finite amount of them and they cause a lot of harm to the environment. Below is a list of the pros and cons of using non-renewable energy resources.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Reliability: There’s a plentiful stock of fuel for current demand and which can also cater to a great amount of energy demand if needed. | Fossil fuels are starting to run out. |
| Cost effective: The power plants are relatively easy and cheap to set up. | Although, nuclear power plants can be pretty costly to build and decommission. |
| A lot of energy is produced for less resources. | Environmental problems: Fossil fuels release Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. This contributes to the greenhouse effect and in increasing global warming. |
| Acid rain can be prevented by removing sulfur dioxide before fuel is burnt or by cleaning up emissions. | When coal and other fossil fuels are burned, they release sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which can combine with water vapour to form acid rain. Acid rain damages ecosystems, harms wildlife, and can affect human health. |
| Diversifying energy reduces dependence on imported fuels. | Oil spillages can affect habitats for both animals and humans. |
| Nuclear power is clean. | Nuclear waste is very dangerous and difficult to dispose of. Accidents can lead to major catastrophes, such as the Fukushima disaster in Japan. |
Renewable Energy Resources:
Due to the clear complications with the usage of fossil fuels and nuclear powers, there has been an increase in using renewable energy resources. These will never run out as the energy can be renewed and won’t gravely affect the environment.
There are 5 main renewable energy resources:
- Bio-fuels: These are energy resources created from burning either plant products or animal manure.
- Wind Power: Each wind power has a turbine with a generator inside. Wind rotates this generator which produces electricity.
- Solar Cells: These are made from materials that use light energy to produce electricity on a relatively small scale.
- Hydro-Electricity: Flooding a valley by building a dam. Rainwater is collected and released through turbines (which rotates the generator producing electricity).
- Tidal Barrages: Big dams built across river estuaries with turbines and generators in them. As the tide comes in, it fills up the estuary, goes through the turbine and rotates the generator.
Advantages and Disadvantages of these resources:
| Energy Source | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-fuels | Carbon-neutral (no net release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere); Fairly reliable as crops can be grown at a fast rate | Burning vegetation releases methane and carbon dioxide; Can not respond to high demands; Large forests have to be cleared to grow plants specifically for biofuels -> this destroys habitats; Extremely costly |
| Wind Power | Running costs are minimal; No pollution; Wind is available everywhere | Initial setup costs are really high; Visual pollution; Noise disturbs nearby people; Wind isn’t available all the time so it can’t respond to a high demand. |
| Solar Cells | No pollution; No running costs; Sun is available everywhere | Initial costs are high; Can not be used at night, when there’s potentially higher demand for energy (heating); Can only produce energy to a small scale -> not efficient |
| Hydro-electricity | Reliable; Can immediately respond to high demands; Minimal running costs; No pollution | Initial costs are too high; Destroys habitats. |
| Tidal Barrages | No pollution; Reliable; Tides come twice a day; No fuel cost; Minimal running cost | Affect boat access; Visual pollution; Alter habitat for wildlife; Doesn’t work if tidal level is same on either side; High initial costs |
Challenges in Transitioning to Renewable Energy
Although we have started to make some switches due to public awareness of the environment, which is represented through the increase of electric cars, this change is extremely difficult. Despite the grave environmental impacts of using non-renewable resources, using it is economical and practical for day to day usages.
Many governments are reluctant to make the switch due to the greater amount of profits achieved from the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of non-renewable resources. Also for countries like the UAE, a large portion of their economy is built on the production of oil. Many businesses that are huge energy providers would prefer something reliable and profitable.
Energy security is also important when the entire world is practically dependent on energy resources. This is easier with non-renewable energy resources which currently have a plentiful supply prepared.
Therefore, despite the clear environmental disadvantages, making the switch to renewable resources is extremely difficult.
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