MED 003: Unit 16 – Sustainable Energy for Clean Environment

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 UNIT 16: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

16.0 Introduction

The pursuit of a clean environment has become a global imperative, especially in the face of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. Sustainable energy—energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally and have minimal environmental impact—is at the core of any strategy to address these challenges.

Historically, the reliance on fossil fuels has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and ecological degradation. While energy is essential for economic and social development, it must be produced and used in ways that do not compromise the environment. This unit explores the transition towards sustainable energy systems and the strategies needed to clean up existing energy technologies while promoting renewable alternatives.

16.1 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the concept of sustainable energy and its importance for a clean environment.
  • Describe strategies to improve fossil and nuclear energy systems for reduced environmental impact.
  • Evaluate the role of renewable energy sources in creating a sustainable energy future.
  • Discuss future energy scenarios and pathways toward environmental sustainability.

16.2 Moving Towards a Sustainable Energy Future

A sustainable energy future involves meeting present energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It emphasizes energy that is:

  • Affordable and accessible to all,
  • Clean and environmentally sound,
  • Efficient in production and consumption,
  • Reliable and resilient against disruptions.

Achieving this goal requires a multi-pronged approach, including:

  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower.
  • Improving energy efficiency in all sectors.
  • Implementing smart grids and energy storage solutions.
  • Reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Educating communities about sustainable energy practices.

International efforts such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 aim to "ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all" by 2030.

16.3 ‘Cleaning-up’ of Fossil and Nuclear Technologies

Even as we shift towards renewables, fossil fuels and nuclear energy still play a dominant role in the global energy mix. Therefore, strategies are needed to make these sources cleaner and more sustainable in the short and medium term.

16.3.1 Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) to reduce emissions from fossil fuel use.

  • Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Technology that captures CO₂ from power plants and stores it underground in geological formations.
  • Natural Sequestration: Enhancing forests and wetlands to absorb CO₂ naturally.
  • Biochar: A method of storing carbon by converting biomass into charcoal and burying it in soil.

These techniques can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of power plants, but high costs and long-term storage safety are concerns.

16.3.2 Fuel Switching

Fuel switching involves replacing high-emission fuels with cleaner alternatives:

  • From coal to natural gas – Gas emits almost 50% less CO₂ than coal.
  • From diesel to biodiesel or CNG – Cleaner-burning fuels in transportation.
  • Co-firing biomass with coal – Reduces emissions in thermal power plants.

Such approaches offer interim solutions while transitioning fully to renewables.

16.4 Switching to Renewable Energy Sources

Transitioning to renewable energy is the most promising path toward a clean energy future. Renewable energy sources are virtually inexhaustible, widely available, and environmentally benign.

Key Renewable Energy Options:

  • Solar Energy: Solar panels and thermal systems for electricity and heating.
  • Wind Energy: Onshore and offshore wind farms.
  • Hydropower: Small and large-scale hydroelectricity.
  • Biomass and Biogas: Organic waste converted to fuel and electricity.
  • Geothermal: Heat from the Earth’s crust used for power generation and heating.

Benefits of Renewables:

  • No or low greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduced air and water pollution
  • Local job creation
  • Decentralized power for rural and remote areas

However, challenges include intermittency, land requirements, and the need for energy storage technologies.

16.5 Future Energy Scenarios

Forecasting future energy trends involves envisioning how technological, economic, and policy developments will shape global energy use. Several energy transition scenarios have been proposed by international agencies such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and IPCC.

Possible Future Scenarios:

  1. Business-as-Usual (BAU):
    • Continuation of current practices.
    • Rising emissions and worsening climate impacts.
  2. Incremental Transition:
    • Gradual improvements in efficiency and some renewable adoption.
    • Slower progress toward climate goals.
  3. Rapid Transition / Net-Zero:
    • Aggressive shift to renewables and electrification.
    • Significant emissions cuts by 2050.
    • Use of technologies like green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and smart grids.

Key Enablers of a Clean Energy Future:

  • Government Policies: Mandates, subsidies, and regulations.
  • Market Incentives: Carbon pricing and tax benefits.
  • Technological Innovations: Storage systems, AI, grid management.
  • Public Awareness: Behavioral change toward energy conservation.

India’s National Solar Mission, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME), and ambitious targets for 450 GW renewable capacity by 2030 reflect proactive movement toward sustainable energy.

16.6 Summary

A clean environment is closely tied to the nature of our energy systems. While fossil fuels and nuclear energy currently meet much of the global energy demand, they also contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Transitioning to sustainable energy—through a combination of cleaning existing technologies and expanding renewable energy—offers a realistic and necessary path forward.

Carbon sequestration and fuel switching can reduce the impacts of conventional sources, while renewables such as solar, wind, and biomass promise a low-emission future. Future energy scenarios suggest that the faster and more decisively nations act, the greater the chances of avoiding catastrophic climate outcomes.

A clean and sustainable energy future depends not just on innovation and policy, but on collective will and global cooperation.

16.7 Keywords

  • Sustainable Energy: Energy that meets current needs without compromising future generations.
  • Carbon Sequestration: The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide.
  • Fuel Switching: Replacing high-carbon fuels with cleaner alternatives.
  • Renewable Energy: Energy from natural sources that are replenished over time.
  • Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to perform the same task.
  • Net-Zero Emissions: Balancing emitted and removed greenhouse gases.
  • Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable electricity and water.
  • Clean Energy Transition: The shift from fossil fuels to renewable, sustainable sources.

 

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