Session 8 (11/10) Reflections

Brief Overview

Energy and world change was the focus of this session. Key concepts such as energy security and sustainability were introduced. The relationship between the world economy and energy consumption and prices was also noted. We discussed at length the rising importance of renewable energy in overcoming limited fossil fuels and combating climate change.

Interesting Ideas/Observations

BP’s yearly review of world energy resources (Reading 1) looked at oil, natural gas, nuclear energy and hydroelectricity in terms of consumption, prices, reserves and production etc. This issue reviewed the energy development in 2009 and showed the link between the world economy and energy consumption. Global economy was in recession and contracted leading to a fall in global energy consumption for the first time since 1982. Consumption of oil, natural gas and nuclear power declined, while coal consumption was essentially flat; only hydroelectric output and other renewable forms of energy increased in 2009. Although renewable forms of energy remain a small share of the global energy mix but they continue to grow rapidly as a result of government support.

Reading 2 looks at technologies and actions that could provide the foundation for a sustainable transport system in OECD countries in particular a system with low or near-zero emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It notes that climate change is one of the major challenges of the 21^st century and there is a need to move towards a clean energy system based on new technologies. Many of the actions available now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions stemming from transport will also be important steps for a much longer transition to a low-emissions, affordable and secure transport system

The third reading is an assessment of energy policymaking across the globe. Through this report, the World Energy Council hopes to provide guidance on innovative and successful policies and consider how they might best be replicated elsewhere. The report identifies three dimensions to energy sustainability: (i) security of supply of energy, (ii) environmental protection and climate change, and (iii) energy goes hand in hand with development- question of inequalities within and across countries. It is necessary to find a sustainable path that reconciles economic growth, protection of the environment and greater energy equity among peoples. This is possible and technologies we need are at hand, however, the main issue is governance. There is a need effective rules and smart policy frameworks to update our energy policies and ensure that the right resources and technologies are available at the right place and the right time and at the right price.

Reading 4 ties in with our last session on biotechnology, as it considers energy supply based on biomass. The article states that bioenergy is an emerging technology and its development is considered to be a form of evolutionary technology. It notes that there are essentially two distinct areas where biotechnology can contribute: (a) the area of traditional biotechnology (white biotech)- technical use of fermentation processes or enzymes in downstream processes of biomass conversion and (b) green biotech- genetic engineering of plants in order to tailor biomass with respect to their efficiency as energy resource. The article also identifies different fields of research whose integration will help create sustainable biomass based energy technologies, namely, biomass resources, supply systems, end products and conversion.

The Renewables 2010 Report (Reading 5) looks at the status of renewable energy worldwide. According to the report, the world has tapped only a small amount of the vast supply of renewable energy resources, despite the continuing upward trend of renewable energy growth. However, many of the trends reflect the increasing significance of renewable energy relative to conventional energy sources. There has been more active policy development- more than 100 countries had enacted some type of policy target and/or promotion policy related to renewable energy. It also noted the increasing significance of developing countries in advancing renewable energy such as China and India. Interestingly, it mentions that one of the forces propelling renewable energy development is the potential to create new industries and generate new jobs. Another interesting point is rural renewable energy, for example, lighting and cooking from biogas made in household-scale digesters.

One of the Youtube videos shown explained how the switch from wood (renewable resource) to fossil fuels in the UK and US actually prevented the depletion of forests there. I found this historical perspective particularly interesting, since the current trend is to move towards renewable sources and cut our dependence on fossil fuels. Of course the renewable sources of energy, which we are relying on, have changed from wood to other forms, such as solar energy or geothermal energy.

I also felt that the video on Germany’s solar experiment was very enlightening. It served as a good example to illustrate how government energy policies can lead to acceptance and widespread use of renewable energy sources.

Key Takeaway Points

• Consumption of energy resources is linked to the world economy
• Government energy policies are important in ensuring energy security and sustainability
• Renewable energy sources will be increasing important as we try to combat climate change and reduce our dependence on limited fossil fuels

Issues for Further Discussion

Would be interesting to discuss about Singapore’s lack of energy security and what possible steps we can take to increase our use of renewable energy sources such as solar energy

Rating

7/10