csr sesh 7

Session Overview

Session Title: Energy Transition and the Green Energies

Instructor: Dr. Clement LONGONDJO Alki Delichatsios

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

  • Understand global energy consumption trends and the historical context behind them.

  • Define energy transition, differentiate between energy and electricity, and recognize the significance of energy efficiency.

  • Distinguish between fossil fuel energy and various forms of renewable energy, analyzing their respective advantages and disadvantages.

  • Analyze energy carbon intensity and its impact on climate change and ecosystem health.

  • Evaluate the impact of energy transition on sustainable development, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Energy Consumption Trends

Fossil Fuels Dominance:

  • Approximately 80% of global energy consumption stems from fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas), highlighting the extensive reliance on these resources.

Historical Growth:

  • Over the last 40 years, energy consumption has doubled, with unprecedented growth leading to an overall increase of five times in the past century.

  • This growth reflects increased industrial activity, urbanization, and technological advancements in energy usage.

  • Rather than completely replacing earlier energy sources, newly developed energy sources complement existing ones, resulting in a significant uptick in overall consumption.

Energy Consumption Breakdown

Consumption by Sector:

  • Industry: 30%

  • Energy Sector: 47% (includes electricity generation and thermal power)

  • Transport: 11%

  • These statistics underscore the importance of addressing sector-specific strategies to enhance energy efficiency.

Key Differences: Energy vs. Electricity

France's Energy Mix:

  • France boasts a low-carbon electricity mix primarily derived from nuclear power, which represents 75% of the country's electricity, making it significantly lower in carbon intensity than global averages.

Carbon Intensity of Energy

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

  • The energy sector alone accounts for over two-thirds of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, predominantly from fossil fuel combustion.

  • As of 2018, fossil fuels made up a staggering 85% of global energy consumption, with renewable energy contributing only 11% and nuclear power a mere 4%.

Sectoral Contributions to GHG Emissions (2016):

  • Total Emissions: 49.4 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent

    • Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use: 18.4%

    • Chemicals: 5.2%

    • Industry: 73.2% from burning fossil fuels

    • Residential: Majority contribution to emissions via heating and electricity usage.

Carbon Intensity Variation

Countries' Carbon Intensity:

  • Although Germany has a higher percentage of renewables in its energy mix, France maintains a notably lower carbon intensity due to its heavy reliance on nuclear energy.

Energy Transition Defined

Concept:

  • The energy transition signifies a comprehensive shift away from a fossil fuel-based society towards a more ecological framework, prioritizing energy savings and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Goals:

  • Optimize production systems for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

  • Ensure energy sustainability and equity across socio-economic strata.

  • Support economic activity and stimulate job creation through green industries.

Energy Transition Outlook

IRENA’s Pathway:

  • Emphasis on developing technological solutions that align with maintaining global temperature increases below 1.5°C.

  • It is projected that wealthy nations should strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, while China aims for the same target by 2050.

  • Barriers to this transition include political uncertainty, financial constraints, and bureaucratic hurdles.

Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions

Key Challenges:

  • Environmental: Strategies to reduce emissions and manage inevitable impacts of climate change.

  • Social: Mitigating energy poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all citizens.

  • Economic: Enhancing competitiveness and independence in the global energy market.

Comprehensive Challenges in Energy Transition

Strategies:

  • Developing sustainable mobility solutions, enhancing energy storage technologies, increasing energy efficiency measures, expanding renewable electricity generation capacity, and adopting low-carbon technologies to drive the transition forward.

Understanding Energy Consumption

  • Energy bills involve more than just the cost of electricity; expenses for heating (typically gas) and transport (fuel) compound overall consumption costs.

  • Indirect energy consumption occurs through various societal functions, emphasizing the importance of a holistic view of energy usage.

Fossil Fuels Overview

Types of Fossil Fuels:

  • Coal: Formed from ancient plant matter compressed over millions of years within sedimentary rock layers.

  • Oil: Created from organic materials subjected to heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust.

  • Natural Gas: Mainly consists of methane and is often found in association with oil deposits.

Renewable Energy Sources

Types:

  • Nuclear, Hydropower, Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass, Waste, Wave, and Tidal.

  • Transition Focus: A strong shift towards electrification with renewables currently comprising approximately 10% of the global energy mix, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure investments.

Nuclear Energy

  • Definition: Energy harnessed from atomic nuclei through processes such as fission and fusion.

  • Role in Climate Goals: Currently produces around one-third of the world’s carbon-free electricity, making it a pivotal player in transitioning to a sustainable energy landscape.

Biomass Energy

  • Definition: Energy derived from biological materials, sourced from plants and animals, which can be used directly or converted into biofuels.

  • Usage: Biomass serves as an energy source that can contribute to waste reduction as well as carbon-neutral energy generation when sourced sustainably.

Solar Energy

  • Technology: Captured through photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into usable energy.

  • Cost: Installation for solar panels typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with potential for subsidies and incentives.

Wind Energy

  • Mechanism: Wind turbines harness kinetic energy from wind to generate power, contributing significantly to renewable energy portfolios.

Hydro-hydraulic Energy

  • Mechanism: Energy generated from flowing water converted into electricity, frequently involving the construction of dams to harness potential energy.

Geothermal Energy

  • Mechanism: Taps into the Earth's internal heat to generate electricity and provide direct heating for residential and industrial purposes.

Major Contributors to Emissions

  • A small group of 100 companies is responsible for approximately 71% of global GHG emissions, predominantly from sectors such as fossil fuel extraction, cement manufacturing, and tourism, underlining the need for accountability and change at the corporate level.

National Strategy for Energy Transition (SNBC)

Goals:

  • Achieve significant reductions in energy consumption across all sectors.

  • Electrify non-electric sectors, including transport and heating, to minimize reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Ensure consistent low-carbon electricity generation to support the overall strategy.

Global Insights on Energy Production

Trends:

  • Solar, wind, and nuclear energy capacities are primarily controlled by a handful of countries, with China leading in several renewable sectors, raising questions about global energy equity and competition.

Conclusion

  • The session concludes with a call for questions from students, promoting interactive dialogue regarding the energy transition and its implications.