In a global effort to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a new wide range of energy options for climate change mitigations are available. They are the clean or renewable energies, only some of which are cost effective compared to conventional fossil fuel energy production. The usual problem faced is the enormous cost, the initial up-front investments necessary to jump-start the energy efficient technology. But it will save money and environment over the long haul. There is no other option except to take this necessary first move.
US President Barack Obama in May 2010, announced the new focus on his new policy on energies. He said, “Around the globe, countries are seeking an advantage in the global marketplace by investing in new ways of producing and saving energy. From China to Germany, these countries recognize that the nation that leads in the clean energy economy will lead the global economy, and I want America to be that nation.
Through the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, new energy efficiency investments in developing countries and capacity upgrade in developed countries open vast opportunities for mutual benefits.
The battle for energy will be won by those that have the foresight to wait no more. They will ultimately benefit from the new energy mechanisms while engaging to protect the global climate. Particular reference is made with China as a very good example.Twelve days after the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, China drafted a national energy policy establishing to develop……..more
Increasing access to renewable energy options offers multiple benefits:
- Improve air quality leading to reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Improve energy security
- Provide opportunities for sustainable development
- Help achieving development goals pertaining to employment, poverty, health benefits and equity
The renewable energy options are varied and numerous. Each has its own green credentials and shortcomings too. None is without impact on the environment. The choice depends on resource suitability and availability, the mode of development, existing infrastructure and policies. In general, a diversified spectra of energy supply, including renewables and even fossil fuels is preferred.
Hydropower
Waterways on high grounds have the potential to generate enormous amount of electricity. This method produces clean power, it offers multi-billion dollar investment opportunities to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
Hydroelectric projects can be disruptive to surrounding aquatic ecosystems and forests biodiversity and is thus a sensitive environmental issue.
Generally construction of hydro plant requires site studies, hydrological studies and environmental impact assessment.
Hydroelectric projects can be categorized as mini, micro and mega. One of the most controversial hydropower dam is the mega Three Gorges Project of China, which is considered to be the world’s largest reinforced concrete hydropower dam. The project has been fervently criticized as a threat to environment, disrupting the ecosystems and habitats, source of environmental catastrophe and may endanger the millions who live near-stream.
The primary objective is for control of the devastating floods which have been plaguing river bank inhabitants for the past 2000 years. The Yangtze flood in 1998 caused 4,000 lives, and 24 billion dollars worth of damage. What is wrong for China to stop the massive flooding, for generating a cleaner energy to reduce emissions! Use other options? Has not China been venturing into other options too?!
Biogas and landfill gas, which contain methane, are produced during anaerobic digestion of organic materials from farm or municipal waste. The methane gas can be utilized for heating and cooking. The prospects for biogas as renewable energy are excellent, if further rectifications/improvements can be made along the line of generation.
Wind energy utilizes the movements of wind to generate electricity. It is a clean energy without waste and ghg emissions. Electricity generated can be used directly or stored for future use.
By end of 2007, global wind capacity reached 95 GW, more than tenfold increase within a decade. Order books of the wind industry are currently full with virtually all wind turbines sold out. By 2011, capacity is expected to reach 200 GW.