Energy Production and Resource Management Notes

Energy Production

• Net Energy Yield:
  • Definition: The amount of energy obtained from a resource minus the energy required to produce it.
  • Importance: Indicates the long-term usefulness of an energy resource. A net energy yield of zero or negative means the resource cannot compete in the marketplace.

Energy Input and Measurement

• Energy Input: Energy needed to produce energy.
• Net Energy Yield Calculation:
  • Formula: \text{Net Energy Yield} = \text{Total Energy Produced} - \text{Energy Required to Produce It}
• Significance: This measure helps scientists determine which energy sources are viable for long-term use.

Net Energy Yields for Various Energy Resources

• Energy Resources and Yields:
  • Electricity: High
  • Hydropower: High
  • Wind: High
  • Coal: High
  • Natural Gas: Medium
  • Geothermal Energy: Medium
  • Solar Cells: Low to Medium
  • Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Low
  • Hydrogen: Negative (energy loss)

Space Heating

• Passive Solar: Medium
• Active Solar: Low to Medium
• Heavy Tar Sands Oil: Low
• Hydrogen: Negative (energy loss)

Transportation

• Gasoline: High
• Natural Gas: Medium
• Hydrogen: Negative (energy loss)

Fossil Fuels

• Usage: 87% of energy consumption comes from fossil fuels.
• Environmental Concerns: Air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions.
• Fossil Fuels Composition:
  • Crude Oil/Petroleum is formed by the pressure on decayed organic remains.

Energy Sources Breakdown

• World Energy Consumption:
  • Coal: 30%
  • Natural Gas: 24%
  • Oil: 33% (U.S. specific percentage)
  • Renewable sources: 9%

Oil Production and Challenges

• Finding Oil:
  • Techniques: 3-D seismic maps, drilling for deposits.
• Peak Production: Emphasizes that production declines over time.
• Refining Oil: Lowers net energy yield.

Environmental Impact of Oil

• Greenhouse Gas Contributions: Significantly adds to climate change.
• Shale Oil:
  • Low net energy yield and environmental harm.
• Tar Sands:
  • Low net energy yield, harmful environmental impacts.

Natural Gas Characteristics

• Composition: A mixture of gases, primarily methane.
• Energy Contribution: 28% of U.S. energy.
• Advantages: Cleaner than coal and oil, moderate net energy yield.
• Disadvantages: Potential pollution from extraction methods like fracking.

Coal Overview

• Formed: From decaying organic matter under heat/pressure.
• Health Concerns: Pollution from burning coal can lead to health problems.
• Types of Coal:
  • Anthracite: Hard coal, low sulfur content.
  • Bituminous: Soft coal, widely used; high sulfur content.
  • Lignite: Brown coal with low heat content.

Nuclear Power Insights

• Advantages: Low environmental impact, low accident risk.
• Disadvantages: Low net energy yield and negative perception regarding radioactive waste.
• Nuclear Fission: Utilizes uranium ore in reactors to generate heat for electricity.

Future Power Solutions

• Nuclear Fusion: Promises almost limitless energy; controlled fusion is still in research stages.
• Energy Efficiency: Potential to save 1/3 of global energy consumption.

Renewable Energy Opportunities

• Solar: Active and passive methods for heating and electricity generation.
• Wind Power: High potential, could replace coal power on a large scale.
• Geothermal: Utilizes underground heat for heating and electricity.

Transition to Sustainable Energy

• Strategies: Improve energy efficiency, adjust market prices to include environmental costs, and invest in renewable energy technologies.

Energy Efficiency Practices

• Suggestions: Insulating buildings, using smart power strips, and optimizing appliance use.
• Community Engagement: Need for public education on energy conservation and efficiency.