GE7- MODULE 6 Energy Crisis

Energy Crisis

* is defined as a shortfall in or interruption to the provision of energy supplies
* a severe shortage of one or more energy, producing resources, especially petroleum; (also) a period characterized by such a shortage, in which the price of energy is high and power outages may occur

Global Energy Crisis

* crisis can easily disrupt the supply and demand of energy
* is the world’s demands on the limited natural resources that reused to power industrial society that are diminishing as the demand rises.
* an issue of limited supply since naturally occurring energy sources takes time to replenish and cannot keep up to the continues increase in demand.

1970s energy crisis (1973 and 1979)

widespread panic about potential gasoline shortages, and far higher prices for both crude oil and refined products. The supply disruption led to a spike in prices, panic buying, and long lines at gas stations.

Oil crisis in the 1970s

particularly the oil embargo of 1973-1974 had a deep impact on the everyday life. The oil prices jumped 350% that rippled through the economy of the US.

1979 energy crisis

occurred in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution Iran, a major petroleum exporting country, caused the global supply of crude oil to decline significantly due to the political turmoil in that period. Price per barrel of oil almost doubled within the 12 months of panic buying.

Energy Crisis in the Philippines

* Philippines has vast undeveloped hydroelectric potential
* In the 90s, insufficient electrical generating capacity, resulting in regular power interruptions or "brownouts" as Filipino refers to blackouts for up to four hours per day.
* 620 MW nuclear-power plant on the Bataan Peninsula was not used
* Expansion of generating capacity in Luzon did not happen, and the other facilities like the 110 MW geothermal power plant in Albay were delayed due to inadequate planning and bureaucratic delays.
* Malampaya gas fields are expected to be depleted by 2024, which supplies 30% of Luzon\`s energy consumption, leading to a looming energy crisis in the Philippines

Brownouts

Filipino term for power interruption or blackouts

2024

Expected year for Malampaya gas field to deplete

Causes of Energy crisis as listed in the 2014 article entitled Causes, Effects and Solutions to the Growing Problem of Global Energy Crisis.

1. Overconsumption
2. Overpopulation
3. Poor Infrastructure
4. Unexplored Renewable Energy Options
5. Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants
6. Waste of Energy
7. Poor Distribution System
8. Major Accidents and Natural Calamities
9. Wars and Attacks
10. Miscellaneous Factors

Overconsumption

Overconsumption of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal has caused strains on our natural resources particularly the depletion of these nonrenewable resources. Pollution of water and air is also associated with overconsumption of these fossil fuels.

Overpopulation

* The increasing global population results in a higher demand for energy consumption to sustain human lifestyles and economic growth.
* means increase of demand to the depleting supply of energy.

Poor Infrastructure

Outdated equipment causes energy shortage that may limit or restrict the production of energy

Unexplored Renewable Energy Options

Countries that have untapped renewable energy sources can benefit from utilizing these resources. Relying on non-renewable energy sources such as coal contributes to the depletion of these resources and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy sources can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce emissions.

Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants

This delay can be caused by several factors, one of which is the red tape and other political considerations. The delay can affect the expected matching of supply and demand of energy. If the supply doesn’t match the demand, it will result in load-shedding and breakdown.

Waste of Energy

With a very large global population, the wasted energy coming from inefficient use of electricity by not switching off unused electric fans, lights, or any gadgets, adds up to the pressure on the depleting energy supply.

Poor Distribution System

* Frequent tripping and breakdown.
* This causes high energy consumption and a lot of wasted energy.

Major Accidents and Natural Calamities

* like pipeline burst
* the eruption of volcanoes, floods, earthquakes can also cause interruptions to energy supplies and damage energy infrastructures.

Wars and Attacks

Energy supply is greatly affected by wars and attacks that happens in the Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, UAE, or Qatar. An example is the 1990 Gulf war when the price of oil reached its peak causing global shortages and created major problems for energy consumers.

Miscellaneous Factors

tax hikes, strikes, military coup, political events, severe hot summers or cold winters can cause a sudden increase in demand for energy and can choke supply. These can be any events that significantly affect the balance of energy supply and demand.

List of possible solutions according to the 2014 article entitled Causes, Effects and Solutions to the Growing Problem of Global Energy Crisis.

1. Move towards renewable resources
2. Buy energy- efficient products
3. Lightning Controls
4. Easier Grid Access
5. Energy Simulation
6. Perform Energy Audit
7. Common Stand on Climate Change

Move towards Renewable Resources

The solution to lessen dependence on non-renewable energy sources and mitigate environmental risks is to shift to renewable energy sources such as steam, solar, and wind.

Buy Energy-Efficient Products

Using energy-efficient products such as CFLs and LEDs can have a significant impact in reducing energy consumption, resulting in lower demand for energy and helping to avert an energy crisis. These products consume fewer watts of electricity and last longer compared to traditional bulbs.

Lighting Controls

Implementing lighting controls such as preset lighting controls, slide lighting, touch dimmers, and integrated lighting controls can help reduce energy consumption and overall lighting costs.

Easier Grid Access

The process of getting credit for supplying surplus power back into the grid should be improved so that more people will participate.

Energy Simulation

This can be used by big industries or corporation to achieve energy efficiency in their buildings to reduce business energy costs. Energy simulation software are now available and can be used by Engineers, architects, and designers to design the most energy-efficient buildings and to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Perform Energy Audit

This is a process that helps you to identify the areas where your home or office is losing energy and what steps you can take to improve energy efficiency.

Common Stand on Climate Change

To address the energy crisis and climate change, all countries should have a common approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through an effective cross-border mechanism.