Conventional vs. alternative energy sources overview. Part I. Energy and environment

Conventional vs. Alternative Energy Sources Overview Part I. Energy and Environment

P. Andea*, D. Mnerie**, D. Cristian*, O. Pop* and D. Jigoria-Oprea* * "Politehnica" University of Timisoara / Power Systems Department, Timisoara, Romania [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

** "Politehnica" University of Timisoara / Mechanical Machines, Technology, Transportation Department, Timisoara, Romania [email protected]

Abstract— The production and use of energy places a wide range of pressures on the environment and on public health, some of which have been decreasing. Enhancing renewable energy is another key factor for reaching the dual goals of security of supply and reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution emissions. In addition, a more mature market for renewable energy technologies is expected to bring about a number of social and economic benefits, including regional and local development opportunities, export oppor-tunities, social cohesion and employment. The paper is divided into 3 parts. Within the 1st part the energy-related environ-mental issues are discussed. The 2nd part is focusing on ana-lyzing the trends related to renewable energy sources, using data collected from Member States and reported by the European Environment Agency and energy statistics for the period 1990–2005 covering the whole European Union. The 3rd part presents the renewable energy sources in Romania and the current situation in the country.

I. INTRODUCTION

Energy key in the unfolding of industrial, commercial and the company has the mission to give people comfort and stability [1].

The energy represented in all times, a key issue, an outstanding factor in social development. In the following period of the end of The First World War, it began to seek solutions for energy needs to ensure economic growth. In this context, was founded in 1924, World Energy Council (WEC), as a nongovernmental organization aims to identify the specific problems and to resolve the solutions of them. Among the 24 founder countries was Romania too. Cur-rently WEC has about 100 countries members, working with National Committees, in our case, the Romanian National Committee (RNC).

At the beginning of the 8th decade of the 20th century, suddenly, almost overnight, reported the scale of historical evolution, mankind has awakened a lot of crises facing unprecedented: the demographic crisis, ecological crisis, food crisis, energy crisis and the crisis of primary sources. It foreshadowed the emergence of new crises, on the per-sistence background of the old ones, the effects generating global amplitude. The attempts to solve them separately, one by one, proved to be illusory, creating new problems. To combat the lack of energy, for example, by measures which deteriorates the ambient condition, means in reality not solve anything. The true solutions are interdependently and crises in their totality constitute a syndrome of human development. The humanity is therefore ... “to fork”. The global solutions to global problems are wanted for the first time, for medium and long periods of time.

The current situation is characterized by unequal distri-bution of harmful impacts on the global environment, regional and local levels and human health. The most serious inequity is that about. one billion people in indus-trialized countries (by example, approx. 17 % of world population) consumes about 60 % of total energy resources, while about five billion people in developing countries (by example, about 83 %), consume the remaining 40 % of total energy resources.

On the other hand, production and energy consumption subject to environmental pressures. These pressures, including emissions of greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants, land use, waste discharges and oil, contribute to the emergence of climate change, damage to natural ecosystems and those created by humans and cause adverse effects on human health.

Therefore, the main objectives of European Union policy on energy security refer to the production of energy, to protect environment and ensure competition. The respect and fulfill these goals has become increasingly difficult. Increased demand and changes in the global geopolitical situation led to increasing prices of fossil fuels. This became a concern for the European Union, which is increasingly dependent on imported fossil fuels. Meanwhile, due to climate change, it is notable the increase of awareness on energy demand “clean” (renewable).

European Union policy focuses on integration of envi-ronmental concerns in energy sector, through: reducing the impact of energy production and use on

the environment; promote energy saving and energy efficiency; increasing use “clean” energy and contribution to

total energy consumption by introducing renewable energy sources.

At present there are two key issues outlined in the energy-related pressures on the environment. The first trend relates in particular to the energy associated with greenhouse gas emissions. The second seeks to reduce atmospheric emissions of pollutants. Also there are taken into account and the problem of radioactive waste, oil pollution, derived from refining terrestrial and marine, and the problem of accidental oil discharges.

In the paper it examines critically the pressures on the environment caused by production and consumption of thermal and electrical energy, taking into account the main objectives of EU energy and environment: increasing energy consumption and environmental protection. The data ana-lyzed cover the period 1990-2008.

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The paper is divided into three parts. Within the 1st part the impact of energy sources on the environment is discus-sed. The 2nd part is focusing on tacking the renewable energy sources. They are briefly presented together with their characteristics. Also the actual trends in Europe regarding the energy mix and related environmental issues are discussed. The 3rd part of the paper is focusing on analyzing the nowadays situation in Romania regarding the following aspects: the use of renewable energy sources,

highlight of wind, respectively solar potential areas, the use of nuclear power, the corresponding legislation.

II. INFLUENCE OF ENERGY ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Production and consumption of energy exercise pres-sure on the environment, natural or created by humans, but also on public health. Table.1 is given the pressures on the environment imposed by the route-generation energy consumption.

TABLE I. PRESSURES ON THE ENVIRONMENT IMPOSED BY THE ROUTE-GENERATION CONSUMER

Extraction of primary energy sources

Transportation of primary energy sources

Energy conversion Energy transmission and

distribution Energy consumption

Methane emissions from coal mining, natural gas and oil

extraction

Methane emissions from pipeline leakage

Greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from fuel

combustion

Methane emissions from natural gas transmission and

distribution

Greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from fuel

combustion

Solid wastes from mining Oil spills Solid waste from coal

combustion Spills and leakages of liquid

fuels Other emissions, such as

lead, cadmium and mercury

Ground water contamination from mining

Emissions greenhouse gases and air pollutants from energy consumption in

transportation

Noise and visual intrusion

Emissions greenhouse gases and air pollutants from energy consumption in

transportation

Radon from uranium extraction

Nuclear waste from power

production

Oil discharges Other emissions, such as

lead, cadmium and mercury

Air pollution from flaring Oil discharges from oil

refineries

Ecosystem degradation Risk of accidental radioactive

release

A. Greenhouse gas emissions

Emissions of greenhouse gases lead to global tempera-ture increases, causing climate change. In this situation, the EU can intervene by helping to limit temperature in-crease to a maximum of 2° C for pre-industrial levels. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Member States agreed to reduce their combined emissions of greenhouse gases by an 8% below the base for each year during 2008-2012.

In 2005, the total of greenhouse gases emissions [EEA] was 5177 Mt CO2 – equivalent comprising: 82.5% CO2, 8.1% CH4, 8% N2O and 1.4% fluorinated gases. Energy-related emissions continue to be dominant, representing approximately 80% of total emissions, particularly in production and transport of energy (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Structure of total greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions per capita across all Member States are presented in Fig. 2.

Energy-related greenhouse emissions continue to domi-nate emissions per capita. The values of the Luxembourg emissions are almost double than that of Estonia. The high level of emissions from Luxembourg is related to the small population and high levels of gross domestic product. The lowest emission values were recorded in Latvia.

The average in the EU-15 is about 17.5 % higher than in EU-12 . The evolution of emissions per capita may be due to: higher levels of health, higher levels of energy efficiency, climate differences and differences in the system structure of energy supplies.

Romania, Lithuania and Latvia achieved the largest the largest reduction in the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions, with an average annual decrease of 6.4 %, 5.5 % and 5.2 %, respectively.

These values are associated with replacing the use of heavy oils (Romania) with natural gas and coal, while in Latvia increased price of coal and lignite resulted in the use of natural gas. In Sweden, emissions come from using coal and lignite in public conventional thermal power production.

Regarding the CO2 emissions from energy production, Fig. 3 presents these values in tons for 1990 and 2005 [2].

IEEE International Joint Conferences on Computational Cybernetics and Technical Informatics (ICCC-CONTI 2010) • May 27-29, 2010 • Timisora, Romania.

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Figure 2. CO2 emissions per capita by country, 2005

Figure 3. Emission intensity of carbon dioxide from public conventional thermal power production

B. Air pollution

Air pollutant emissions can cause a variety of impacts on public health and ecosystems. Acidifying substances lead to changes in soil and water quality, and damage to forests, crops and other vegetation as well as damage to buildings and cultural monuments. Emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides can cause an excess input of nutrient nitrogen leading to a loss of biodiversity and nitrogen leaching into water courses. Particle emissions may increase the frequency and severity of a number of respiratory and other health problems. Emissions of ozone precursors contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, which is a powerful oxidant and can have a range of adverse impacts on both health and ecosystems.

Under the Directive on emission ceilings for each state, have established limits for emissions (associated and non-energy) of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia, methane volatile organic compounds and non-methane, 2010 (NECD ; EC , 2001b). This Directive was amended by the Treaty of accession of new states into the European

Union. Production and consumption of energy contribute to EU-27 by about 55% acidifying substances, ozone precursors, 76% and 67% emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors and particles (Fig. 4) [3]-[5].

According to the figure, the emissions corresponding to sectors of energy production and transport are 50%, the highest recorded in transport, for emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors and particles (41.7%). Since 1990, they were reduced significantly following the introduction of catalytic converters. During 1990-2005, the emissions acidifying substances, emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors and particles decreased by 59%, 53% and 45%. This was the result of replacing and improving fuel (petrol and diesel) and the state of technology (catalytic converters, the desulphurisation technologies).

Due to a series of factors, emissions per capita varies significantly in the Member States (Fig. 5). These factors include: energy demand, supply mixed energy efficiency technology and the variety of economic sectors [6].

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Figure 4. Emissions of air pollutants by sector in 2005, EU-27

C. Nuclear waste

Nuclear power is responsible for a steady accumulation of radioactive waste that poses a potential threat to the environment. The release of radioactivity into the envi-ronment can result in acute or chronic impacts that, in extreme cases, can cause a loss of biota in the short-term and genetic mutation in the long-term. They may also result in unknown effects or fatalities. Increased levels of radioactivity can also be passed up through the food chain and affect human food resources. Over 250 million tons are dangerously, representing 3-4% of the total production of waste. Most of them are generated EECAC, where the Russian Federation is the main producer of dangerously waste (Fig. 6). The great difference between EECAC and other regions regarding the quantities of highly radioactive waste generated is due to different classification. In EECAC, a greater number of types of waste are classified as “dan-gerous” and therefore, the numbers on this category of waste are not perfectly comparable.

In UE-25 + AELS, the production of highly radioactive waste has increased by 20 % during 1996-2004. In EECAC, the growing recorded until 2003 was due to relaunch of economic activity, but from the available information does not reveal what cause the decrease the followed during 2003-2004 [7].

Spent nuclear fuel is the highly radioactive waste. For example, the uranium needed for a period of over 1000 years to drop to the level of the original uranium ore. There are methods for final disposal of nuclear waste with high-level of radiation are yet to be found. Finland remains the only European country with a clear strategy and a time frame for implementing measures for perma-nent disposal of high-level nuclear waste.

In Fig. 7 is presented the final stored amount of high-level waste. Spent fuel is first stored for several years (usually between 10 and 20 years) in spent fuel pounds at reactor until the heat generation and radiation of the spent fuel is sufficiently low to allow for handling. After this

Figure 5. Emissions of acidifying substances, ozone precursors and particulate matter (primary and secondary) per capita, 2005


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Figure 6. Generation of highly radioactive waste

Figure 7. Total stored amount of high level waste pollution from oil spills

period, fuel is either reprocessed or temporarily stored for a period of 50-100 years. Spent fuel in the EU is tempo-rarily stored in both wet and dry storage systems. Interim storage facilities range from bunkers, able to withstand airplane crashes, to open air storage in canisters. Facilities are being designed and planned to become operational in 2020–2025 in Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and France [8].

Oil pollution from coastal refineries, offshore installations and maritime transport put significant pressures on the marine environment. The consistency of spilled oil can cause surface contamination and smother marine biota. In addition, its chemical components can cause acute toxic effects and long-term impacts. Since 1990, oil discharges from offshore installations and coastal refineries have diminished, despite increases in oil production and the ageing of many major oil fields. This improvement is mainly

the result of the increased application of cleaning and sepa-ration technologies. On the other hand, tanker oil spills continue to occur, although both their frequency and the volumes involved seem to have declined over the past decade. Increased safety measures, such as the introduction of double-hulled tankers, have contributed to this positive trend.

D. Other environmental pressures

Further environmental pressures also arise from the energy-related use of land for power plants, refineries, transmission lines, mining operations, etc. This can lead to degradation and fragmentation of ecosystems. In addition, combustion plants (particularly coal and lignite) release small quantities of heavy metals, e.g. mercury, lead and cadmium. Over time, these can accumulate in biological organisms, and have potentially toxic effects.

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III. CONCLUSION

Climate concerns and dwindling fossil fuel resources are driving an increasing demand for renewable energy solutions. Many countries have passed legislation to increase the use of renewable energy sources and this has, in turn, created a market for new technologies in the area.

As a result of data analysis, it confirmed the obvious concern of the European Union on improving energy efficiency and the spread of renewable energy - not only because increases of energy consumption, but also because they are important measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (especially CO2). Experience in EU indicates that the implementation carried out by the time the policy of energy and environment can be effective. But it is necessary that in the future must be taken several measures to ensure that the reduction of CO2 emissions is needed to avoid the irreversible effects of climate change.

REFERENCES [1] I. Ardelean, Aspects concerning the substation ancillary services

unconventional power supply sources, Ph.D. Thesis, 2009, “Politehnica” University of Timisoara, Romania, Power Systems Department.

[2] EEA, 2006. Street level air pollution within European cities, EEA technical report, No. 1/2006, European Environment Agency.

[3] http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air [4] EEA, 2007a. Projects and trends of greenhouse gases in Europe, 2007,

EEA technical report, No. 5/2007, European Environment Agency. [5] EEA, 2007b. Environment and Europe – The 4th evaluation.

Report regarding the environment condition in 2007, European Environment Agency.

[6] EEA, 2008a. The climate for transport changing TERM 2007: nec-essary indices for transport and environment in European Union, EEA technical report No. 1/2008, European Environment Agency.

[7] EEA, 2008b. Large power plant air pollution: theoretical evaluation of SO2 and NOX noxious reduction using BAT implementation as part of BREFs, Nr. 4/2008, European Environment Agency.

[8] EEA, 2008c. Impact of climate change in Europe – year 2008 indices based assessment, EEA technical report No. 4/2008, European Environment Agency.


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Conventional vs. alternative energy sources overview. Part I. Energy and environment

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