Energy Resources: Renewable and Nonrenewable

Renewable vs. Non-renewable Non-renewable resource Exists in finite supply Is used faster than it can replenish Ex: oil, coal, nuclear fuels Renewable or perpetual Replenishes very rapidly Inexhaustible supply Ex: solar, wind, hydropower Take a closer look at our conventional fuel resources (i.e., oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear)

Non-Renewable Energy Sources Conventional Petroleum Natural Gas Coal Nuclear Unconventional (examples) Oil Shale Natural gas hydrates in marine sediment Non-renewable energy sources include fossil fuels and nuclear sources that are essentially finite in the earth’s crust. These represent the energy resource endowment for current and future generations. These resources can be classified further as conventional and unconventional. Unconventional resources are not currently exploited at significant levels generally because they can not be economically extracted and/or refined. Oil shale is source rock that has not yet released its oil. In the 1970’s it was thought to be the answer to US energy self-sufficiency. Oil shale is pulverized and heated to 500 -1000 C (pyrolyzed, but the oil requires further upgrading before a refinery can use it as a feedstock. Natural gas hydrates in marine sediment are a mixture of methane and H2O frozen into solid crystalline state at water depths of approximately 500m. It is derived from the decay of organic matter trapped in the sediment. It has been estimated that this resource is as large as 2x all known fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy Sources Solar photovoltaic Passive solar air and water heating Wind Hydropower Biomass Ocean energy Geothermal Waste to Energy

Evaluating Energy Resources US Energy Resources: Renewable energy: 8% Non-renewable energy: 92% Considerations for Resources Future availability On the left are criteria that we can use to compare various energy resources. On the right is a diagram that shows commercial energy use by source in the U.S. We get 92% of our energy from non-renewable resources, mostly oil (which we import), coal, and natural gas. Net energy yield: total amount of energy available minus the energy needed to find, extract, process, and get that energy to consumers. Similar to NPP for ecosystems. When the ratio is greater than one, there is a net energy gain; when it is less than 1, there is a net energy loss. Some analysts call the amount of energy needed to support a resource’s use embodied energy. Net energy yields for various energy systems: Solar (photovoltaic): 2-10 Solar (passive): 5.4 Natural gas: 4.9 Oil: 4.5-4.7 Coal: 28.2-1.4 Net energy yield Cost Environmental effects

Petroleum (Oil): 39% of US Energy Fig. 17-8 p. 356 US uses 26% of oil extracted worldwide; we have 2.9% of world’s oil reserves Depletion of our reserves means more oil imported World oil reserves 80% depleted in 42-93 years Oil is a finite resource! Crude oil: oil as it comes out of the ground This diagram is a simplified version of the oil refining process. Crude oil is made of of many different compounds, each with its specific boiling point. Using distillation, we are able to separate out these compounds and turn them into commercial products, ranging from gas to asphalt. Currently the U.S. has only 3% of the world’s oil reserves, but we use 26% of the crude oil extracted annually (68% for transportation). In 2001, the U.S. imported 55% of its oil, and about 23% of this came from Persian Gulf countries. Some opponents of the military conflict between the U.S. and Iraq believe that the war was waged largely to maintain a more secure hold on foreign oil reserves. OPEC consists of 11 countries that possess 67% of the world’s crude oil reserves. Oligopoly. Saudi Arabia has 26%, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and the UAE each have 9-10%.

Oil: 39% of US Energy Pros of Oil: High net energy Easily transported Fig. 17-8 p. 356 Pros of Oil: High net energy Easily transported Strong infrastructure Cons of Oil: Requires subsidies Air pollution Global warming Limited supplies Crude oil: oil as it comes out of the ground This diagram is a simplified version of the oil refining process. Crude oil is made of of many different compounds, each with its specific boiling point. Using distillation, we are able to separate out these compounds and turn them into commercial products, ranging from gas to asphalt. Currently the U.S. has only 3% of the world’s oil reserves, but we use 26% of the crude oil extracted annually (68% for transportation). In 2001, the U.S. imported 55% of its oil, and about 23% of this came from Persian Gulf countries. Some opponents of the military conflict between the U.S. and Iraq believe that the war was waged largely to maintain a more secure hold on foreign oil reserves. OPEC consists of 11 countries that possess 67% of the world’s crude oil reserves. Oligopoly. Saudi Arabia has 26%, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and the UAE each have 9-10%.

Peak Production of Petroleum in US Source: EIA, Long Term World Oil Supply (A Resource Base/Production Path Analysis) 07/28/2000, Authors: John Wood, Gary Long 1. The graph shows proved reserves and production of conventional oil for the lower-48 States and the continental shelf. 2. M. King Hubbert, in his famous 1956 paper “Nuclear Energy and the Fossil Fuels” (Drilling and Production Practices, American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC, 1956), predicted that Lower-48 States oil production would peak in 1965 if the assumed ultimate cumulative production were 150 billion barrels or in 1970 if the assumed ultimate cumulative production were 200 billion barrels. 3 For the United States, actual production peaked in 1970. 4. Hubbert also predicted that proved reserves of oil would peak before production peaked, and U.S. proved reserves did so in 1959. These U.S. reserves and production peaks still look like they will be the all-time peaks. 5. The United States experience conforms to the expected nature of the production cycle of a finite resource - and conventional oil is a finite resource. 6. Although market mechanisms such as higher prices and/or the application of new discovery, production, or end-use technologies might delay the peak and/or slow the decline, eventually production will peak and then fall for any finite resource. 7. If one can estimate the ultimate cumulative production (ultimate recovery) and the rates of production increase up to the peak and decline after the peak, then it is straightforward to predict when the production peak will occur. We’ll demonstrate this later in the presentation.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Is this the answer? Page 360 in Miller highlights a current issue regarding natural resource development: drilling in the ANWR. Pro: increase US oil and natural gas supplies; reduce US dependence of foreign oil, and lower energy prices; argue that they have developed Prudoe Bay resources without significant harm to wildlife and that this development would be carried out in a similar manner. Con: only a 19% chance of finding enough oil to last the US 7-24 months; it would take 10 years for any oil or natural gas generated to become available commercially available. Improving energy efficiency would be a much more prudent way to spend the money; risks of oil spills on environmentally significant area not worth the risk, terrorism risks. In-class writing assignment: Do you believe oil companies should be allowed to explore and remove oil and natural gas from ANWAR? Why or why not? Would meet US needs for 7-24 months 1 mpg increase for new cars = ANWR

Natural Gas: 23% of US Energy Mostly methane + other gases LNG-versatile and high net energy Cleaner burning than oil or coal But, US has only 3% of world supply Mostly CH4 Russia and Kazakshstan have 42% of the world’s known supply and geologists expect to find more in unexplored developing countries. Applications: home heating (53% of homes in US) and electricity (16% of US electricity use) Since the combustion of methane is so much cleaner than other options (such as coal), some analysts view it as the transition fuel that we will use while we move to solar and hydrogen-based energy systems. However, using natural gas as a primary fuel in the U.S. will require a huge federal investment because the pipeline infrastructure does not presently exist. Picture: combined-cycle natural gas systems involve burning gas in combustion turbines to produce electricity

Coal: 23% of US Energy Fig. 17-20 p. 364 Coal provides about 21% of the world’s commercial energy (22% of the US), and it generates most of the world’s electricity (62% globally, 52% in the US). It is our most abundant fossil fuel, but also our dirtiest. Coal combustion accounts for 36% of global CO2 emissions and burning coal with a high sulfur content contributes to acid rain. Trace amounts of mercury (highly toxic) and radioactive compounds are also released when coal is burned. Techniques and technologies for making coal cleaner burning (e.g., coal washing, fluidized beds, gasification) have been transferred on a project level (demonstrating technical feasibility), from Japan to China, but not in a way that makes them commercially viable because the enforcement of air pollution laws is weak. Since China has 11% of the world’s reserves, and since it is planning on using them to fuel its rapid economic development, environmentalists are concerned. The leading cause of death in China is lung disease, caused primarily by the burning of coal in the home for heat and cooking.

Coal: 23% of US Energy Produces 62% of world’s electricity and 52% of US electricity Most abundant fossil fuel and could easily last at least 200 years US has 25% of world’s reserves, Russia = 16%, China = 12% High net energy yield, but… Coal provides about 21% of the world’s commercial energy (22% of the US), and it generates most of the world’s electricity (62% globally, 52% in the US). It is our most abundant fossil fuel, but also our dirtiest. Coal combustion accounts for 36% of global CO2 emissions and burning coal with a high sulfur content contributes to acid rain. Trace amounts of mercury (highly toxic) and radioactive compounds are also released when coal is burned. Techniques and technologies for making coal cleaner burning (e.g., coal washing, fluidized beds, gasification) have been transferred on a project level (demonstrating technical feasibility), from Japan to China, but not in a way that makes them commercially viable because the enforcement of air pollution laws is weak. Since China has 11% of the world’s reserves, and since it is planning on using them to fuel its rapid economic development, environmentalists are concerned. The leading cause of death in China is lung disease, caused primarily by the burning of coal in the home for heat and cooking.

Coal: 23% of US Energy Accounts for 36% CO2 released Severely degrades land causing land, air and water pollution Severe human health threat Air pollution and acid rain Coal provides about 21% of the world’s commercial energy (22% of the US), and it generates most of the world’s electricity (62% globally, 52% in the US). It is our most abundant fossil fuel, but also our dirtiest. Coal combustion accounts for 36% of global CO2 emissions and burning coal with a high sulfur content contributes to acid rain. Trace amounts of mercury (highly toxic) and radioactive compounds are also released when coal is burned. Techniques and technologies for making coal cleaner burning (e.g., coal washing, fluidized beds, gasification) have been transferred on a project level (demonstrating technical feasibility), from Japan to China, but not in a way that makes them commercially viable because the enforcement of air pollution laws is weak. Since China has 11% of the world’s reserves, and since it is planning on using them to fuel its rapid economic development, environmentalists are concerned. The leading cause of death in China is lung disease, caused primarily by the burning of coal in the home for heat and cooking.

Mining Waste Impacts on Surface and Groundwater Miller, 13th edition, Fig. 15-7 p. 344 This figure shows what happens when mining operations get caught up in the hydrologic cycle. Because there is no away (law of conservation of matter), mining waste has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is often a receiving body of water.

Nuclear: 8% of US Energy Significant fuel supply Low CO2 output Moderate land disruption and pollution but… Expensive--subsidies needed Catastrophic accidents possible No solution to nuclear waste disposal Subject to terrorist attack What is nuclear energy? In a nuclear fission reaction, neutrons split the nuclei of atoms such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. In the process, energy (primarily in the form of high temperature heat) is released. In a nuclear reactor, the production of heat generated by this reaction is controlled and used to produce high pressure steam, which is in turn used to spin turbines that generate electricity. Nuclear fission is basically the splitting of nuclei of certain isotopes with large mass numbers. Neutrons are fired at them, which causes them to split into lighter nuclei and to release single neutrons and energy. These single neutrons can in turn cause additional fission, but there has be enough single neutrons (critical mass) in order for the reaction to sustain itself. If controllable, nuclear power can be an efficient source of power, but large government subsidies distort the true price of nuclear and the disposal of nuclear waste has proven to be an environmentalists nightmare. Disasters on the global scale, such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, also highlight the risk of this type of energy source.

U n Kr n U n U n Ba Kr n Kr n n n n U n Ba Kr n Ba U n U n Ba U 235 92 U n 92 36 Kr 235 92 n U n 235 92 U n 141 56 Ba 92 36 Kr n 92 36 Kr n n n n 235 92 U n 141 56 Ba Nuclear fission is basically the splitting of nuclei of certain isotopes with large mass numbers. Neutrons are fired at them, which causes them to split into lighter nuclei and to release single neutrons and energy. These single neutrons can in turn cause additional fission, but there has be enough single neutrons (critical mass) in order for the reaction to sustain itself. 92 36 Kr 141 56 n Ba 235 92 U n 235 92 U n 141 56 Ba 235 92 U

Nuclear: 8% of US Energy Miller, 13th edition Fig. 15-36 p. 367 What is nuclear energy? In a nuclear fission reaction, neutrons split the nuclei of atoms such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. In the process, energy (primarily in the form of high temperature heat) is released. In a nuclear reactor, the production of heat generated by this reaction is controlled and used to produce high pressure steam, which is in turn used to spin turbines that generate electricity. Nuclear fission is basically the splitting of nuclei of certain isotopes with large mass numbers. Neutrons are fired at them, which causes them to split into lighter nuclei and to release single neutrons and energy. These single neutrons can in turn cause additional fission, but there has be enough single neutrons (critical mass) in order for the reaction to sustain itself. If controllable, nuclear power can be an efficient source of power, but large government subsidies distort the true price of nuclear and the disposal of nuclear waste has proven to be an environmentalists nightmare. Disasters on the global scale, such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, also highlight the risk of this type of energy source. Miller, 13th edition Fig. 15-36 p. 367

Nuclear Fusion

Fusion-Disadvantages Need around 100 millon degrees for duterium and tritium to fuse With our current technology, we use more energy than we can produce.

Oil Shale Fine grained rock containing a solid , waxy mixture of hydrocarbons called kerogen Extracted from rock by crushing and heating. Global supplies are potentially 200 times larger than conventional oil.

Oil Shale-Disadvantages: Lower net energy yield Requires large amounts of water Contaminates water supplies with toxic metals Too expensive

Tar Sands Mixture of clay, sand, water, and bitumen (gooey black high-sulfur oil) Removed by surface mining using pressurized steam World’s largest supply in northern Alberta, Canada

Tar Sands-Disadvantages Low net energy yield Requires large quanties of water Creates huge waste dispposal ponds

Natural Gas Hydrates Methane Hydrates found in a solid form under great pressure in deep ocean sediments Cannot be retreived efficiently with current technology

Renewable Energy sources

Solar Energy Solar energy consists of harnessing radiant energy from the sun. Active solar heats water or air inside a home-requires electricity to circulate Passive solar-the structure is built to maximize solar capture Photovoltaic cells generate electricity

Solar Energy Pros Cons Limitless supply Little environmental impact Good for remote locations Inefficient where sunlight is limited Maintenance costs high Systems must be periodically replaced Current efficiency only 10%-25%

Wind Energy Wind turns giant turbine blades that produce electricity

Wind Energy Pros Cons Can be built quickly Maintenance is low Moderate to high energy yeild No air pollution Land underneath can be used for agriculture Steady wind is required Needs backup systems Visual and noise pollution May interfere with flight patterns of birds

Hydropower: 10 % of US Energy Dams built to trap water, which in turn is then released and channeled through turbines to generate electricity

Hydropower Pros Cons Control flooding Low operating cost No pollution Long life span Moderate to high energy yield Areas for water recreation Displace many people Destroy wildlife habitats Sedimentation requires dredging Expensive to build Destroys wild rivers

Biomass Any carbon-based, biologically derived fuel source. Plants suitabelefor biofuel include switch grass, corn, and sugarcane Supplies about 15% of world’s energy

Biomass Pros Cons Renewable energy source Can be sustainable Does not distupt atmospheric CO2 Requires adequate water and fertilizer Could cause massive deforestation Expensive to transport Not efficient

Geothermal < 1% US Energy Heat from underground rock or magma used to produce steam that drive turbines.

Geothermal Pros Cons Moderate energy yield Limitless and reliable source if managed properly Little air pollution Competitive cost Reservoir sites are scarce Can be depleted if not managed properly Noise, odor, land subsidence Can degrade ecosystem

Solutions: Energy Efficiency! 43% of energy in the US is wasted unnecessarily Incandescent bulb=5% efficient Fluorescent bulb=20% efficient Auto fleet standards = CAFE Standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) 12.9 mpg in 1974 27.9 mpg today 40 mpg CAFE standard would cut gas use by 50% What is nuclear energy? In a nuclear fission reaction, neutrons split the nuclei of atoms such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. In the process, energy (primarily in the form of high temperature heat) is released. In a nuclear reactor, the production of heat generated by this reaction is controlled and used to produce high pressure steam, which is in turn used to spin turbines that generate electricity. Nuclear fission is basically the splitting of nuclei of certain isotopes with large mass numbers. Neutrons are fired at them, which causes them to split into lighter nuclei and to release single neutrons and energy. These single neutrons can in turn cause additional fission, but there has be enough single neutrons (critical mass) in order for the reaction to sustain itself. If controllable, nuclear power can be an efficient source of power, but large government subsidies distort the true price of nuclear and the disposal of nuclear waste has proven to be an environmentalists nightmare. Disasters on the global scale, such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, also highlight the risk of this type of energy source.

Efficiencies

Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency Insulation Eliminate air leaks Air to air heat exchangers Efficient appliances Efficient electric motors High-efficiency lighting Increasing fuel economy

Toward a Sustainable Energy Future Increase fuel efficiency standards for vehicle, appliances, buildings Tax and other financial incentives for energy efficiency Subsidize renewable energy use, research and development By 2050: renewable energy=50% cut coal use by 50% phase out nuclear altogether What is nuclear energy? In a nuclear fission reaction, neutrons split the nuclei of atoms such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. In the process, energy (primarily in the form of high temperature heat) is released. In a nuclear reactor, the production of heat generated by this reaction is controlled and used to produce high pressure steam, which is in turn used to spin turbines that generate electricity. Nuclear fission is basically the splitting of nuclei of certain isotopes with large mass numbers. Neutrons are fired at them, which causes them to split into lighter nuclei and to release single neutrons and energy. These single neutrons can in turn cause additional fission, but there has be enough single neutrons (critical mass) in order for the reaction to sustain itself. If controllable, nuclear power can be an efficient source of power, but large government subsidies distort the true price of nuclear and the disposal of nuclear waste has proven to be an environmentalists nightmare. Disasters on the global scale, such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, also highlight the risk of this type of energy source.