Energy Conservation
Preston L. Judd
SCI/275 Environmental Science
Axia College / University Of Phoenix
April 10, 2011
Tisha Samosky

It can begin simply by turning off a light switch as someone leaves a room or unplugging a device when not in use. From these small acts, the beginning seeds of energy conservation can be sown.

Energy conservation has become one of the most hotly debated subjects in the world. Old power plants are struggling to keep up, sometimes causing power shortages or “brown outs”, and new power plants are being built, but most of the new plants still use the same technology as their predecessors. Some have even been ‘repackaged’ to appear cleaner in respect to exhaust, but they still pollute the atmosphere and use a dwindling source of fuel. Still others argue that fields of petroleum at deeper levels are more than sufficient to supply the world with oil1. The only real hope of the world is to either perfect some of the newer, greener power generation techniques such as wind, solar, or geothermal, or invent some new as-of-yet undiscovered method. Until that time, energy conservation is not just a good idea, it is a necessity.

1. The Population Explosion and Power Usage

As the world’s population gets closer to the seven trillion mark (estimate as of April 2011 is 6,911,382,8582), the demand for power increases exponentially. The added strain on the generation facilities is causing rolling blackouts, or “brown outs”, in some cities. The situation is further strained in the summer time, when millions of people turn on their air conditioners to combat the hot weather. Modern electronic conveniences and luxuries also add to the problem. The power systems used in most countries of the world rely on coal, gas, oil, nuclear, and hydropower to turn generators and produce electricity. The problem with these sources, with the exception of hydropower, is that the fuel source is limited and most release carbons into the air as exhaust, some say raising the temperature of the planet. Building more of the same type of plant will only exhaust the supply sooner and contribute more to the pollution of the atmosphere. Nuclear power plants, although not contributing to air pollution, have the added problem of where to store the spent fuel. These spent fuel rods stay submersed in cooling water for ten years, and stay dangerously radioactive for about 10,000 years3. Hydropower is a source of clean energy, but requires damming a river to build the water pressure necessary to turn the turbines. The dam creates a reservoir, but covers land that was once used by humans and animals alike with water. This is still a viable power source, when planned and built responsibly, but must take into consideration the wildlife that will be displaced. China completed the world’s largest dam, The Three Gorges Dam4, in 2009 and the turbines went online. This dam generates 1/9 of China’s power, but caused the relocation of millions of people, and ancient burial grounds, temples, and rare species of wildlife were submerged behind its 610 foot high walls. The question is still being asked whether this dam was worth the massive social and environmental disruption that it caused5.

2. Sustainable Power: What Needs To Happen

First and foremost, the consumption of energy must be curtailed, at least until cleaner, more efficient solutions can take over the production of power. These elements could be incorporated into the conservation efforts: * The expansion of the “Energy Star” program, along with other programs targeting the replacement of older, inefficient appliances should be considered and implemented. * Appliances and other electrical devices can be created using “Smart” technology, which turn them off after a period of inactivity. * Home power generation systems utilizing solar and wind for power, along with a Geo-Thermal heating and cooling system could alleviate a great deal of stress from the current power grid. These systems must be made affordable for the general public to appeal to the masses. * Automobiles must have a new 40 mpg mandate, increasing in mpg as progress is made. This will help to decrease the demand for petroleum, and also decrease the amount of ozone-depleting gases from the exhaust. * Further research and development of Electric Automobiles should ensue, and in addition, other potential fuels should be tested and evaluated to establish a substitute for the older gasoline and diesel powered vehicles.

These Five points are the starting point to which further research could greatly enhance viability. With the implementation of these suggestions, we can then move on to the larger power generating facilities.

3. Power To The Masses

There are solutions at present that can alleviate some of the stress put on the power system, and these solutions should be utilized. Wind Farms, Solar Arrays, and Geo-Thermal units must be constructed and employed. Wind Farms and Solar Arrays occupy large parcels of land, but still allow indigenous wildlife to continue with minimal interruption of habitat. Geo-Thermal plants drill deep into the ground to extract the Earth’s natural heat to create steam and turn a turbine. Hydro power can be expanded to include Wave Power generators. Wave Power works much like a windmill, but instead of wind, uses the power of the incoming waves to turn the turbine. There is research into other types of power generation as well that show promise, but as of yet no usable sample or model has been constructed. As homes adapt to smaller, individual power generating options and energy efficient appliances and devices, the stress level on the large generators will subside, allowing adequate, or perhaps even an excess of, power to flow freely. The addition of ecologically sound power generators will enhance the supply of power, as even more efficient methods are found and added. Because these power generation techniques are environmentally stable and utilize naturally occurring light, wind and water currents, and other motions, they will produce power without depleting a natural resource. These sources can also operate indefinitely, which will eventually eliminate the fossil-fuel generation of power, and the subsequent atmospheric pollution that they contribute to and cause.

4. The Plan

In developing a plan of action to enhance power output by sustainable, environmentally safe methods, care and consideration was given to exactly how and when the different steps involved would be implemented. Each step builds on the previous, until the ultimate goal is achieved. The following is a timeline chart for the implementation of these steps. Action Items (in order of implementation) | Action Steps | Timeline | Research and identify methods of conserving electricity on a small scale and develop report detailing findings | Study current implementation of energy conservation related programs such as EnergyStar and “cash for clunkers.” Examine feasibility of expansion of these programs.Research small-scale electrical production methods such as solar, wind, and geothermal.Research large-scale power generation plants (ongoing) | Year 1 | Expansion of inefficient device replacement programs and recycling centers | Create education program for distribution to the public detailing devices included, drop centers, and energy plan implementations and goals (Year 2, months 1-3)Expand recycling centers to accommodate greater number of devices (Year 2, months 3-9)Expand program to include other inefficient devices and appliances (Year 2, months 9-12)Research further uses for recycled material (ongoing)Begin research of alternative fuel for automotive (ongoing) | Year 2 | Present and open programsDistribute education programAssemble rural home power generation programsBegin acquisition of land for alternative power plant construction | Press release detailing new programs, followed by distribution of educational material (year 3, month 1Program implementation (Year 3, months 2-12)Develop rural home power generation programs (Year 3, month 8-12)Survey and purchase land for building alternative power plant construction (ongoing) | Year 3 | Present rural home power generation programsOrganize local boards (rural) to discuss successes/suggestions | Implement rural home power generation program and incentives for useBegin construction of large alternative power plants for power supply to urban areasBegin expansion of recycling centers to accommodate vehicles (Year 3, month 6)Collect and examine data from local boards (ongoing) | Year 3 - ongoing | Expand rural home power generation program to include suburban areasExpand local boards to include suburban areasPresent first generation electric and alternative fuel vehicles | Implement expansion of rural home power generation program to include suburban areasBring first phase of alternative power onlineBegin construction of phase 2 power plants (Year 4, month 2)Begin marketing first generation electric and alternative fuel vehicles (Year 4, month 6)Begin accepting old vehicles into recycle (Year 4, month 6)Collect, examine, and implement suggestions from local boards (ongoing) | Year 4 - ongoing | Phase 2 power plants | Bring phase 2 alternative power plants onlineBegin powering down old fossil fueled power plants as alternative power production increases Begin marketing second-generation electric and alternative fueled vehicles (Year 6, month 6)Begin destruction and recycling of old plants | Year 6 | Phase 3 power plans | Begin construction of phase 3 power plants (Geo-Thermal)Continue powering down, destruction, and recycling old power plants as alternative power increases (ongoing) | Year 8 |

5. Benefits: The Goods

Simply put, our “love affair” with fossil fuels is unsustainable. The supply is indeed finite, and a replacement must be found. Alternative energy research has already opened many doors to clean, environmentally friendly power supplies. Perhaps the most important benefit to this would be the decrease and eventual absence of polluted air, water, and ground. Wildlife habitats would go virtually undisturbed, and other benefits could and probably will arrive in the form of added conveniences and luxuries beyond any that have ever been available. Technology will advance at speeds and levels unseen in today’s world.

6. Challenges: The “Speed Bumps”

The cessation from fossil fuels and the pollution that they emit will not be easy. Without the research and development of new, clean energy sources as an alternative, the world will eventually come to a standstill, becoming so pollution choked that a breathing apparatus of some sort will be necessary just to get the morning paper from the front porch. Every journey begins with a single step, and moving forward down the path of natural, renewable energy sources is the only option that is available. Timely results from research will be a key to implementing the aforementioned program. A slow result will inhibit progress, though sometimes it is unavoidable. Not everyone will embrace these new technologies, so education is the logical first step. People must understand the very limited supply of fossil fuels available in the world, and also the pollution incurred by the use of them.

7. Many Hands Make the Load Lighter

To fully implement this program, it will require the help and support of everyone. It starts small; a few people recycling, adding solar panels and a windmill, and buying a hybrid or electric vehicle. They inspire others to do the same, and so on. Soon, there is a major change in consumption habits, as conservation and awareness increases. The federal government must take note of the situation, and begin to mandate and fund research into alternative energy sources to make them a more usable solution to the energy problem. Soon, the country is free from the strangle hold of fossil fuels. As the air clears, other countries take notice and begin implementing similar programs. The final goal will be reached when all of the countries of the Earth are using natural, renewable energy sources. This planet needs help to undo what humans have done to it. It’s time to make this a better place . . . as it once was.

References

1 Nicolescu, C., & Nicolescu, C. (2010). Pessimistic Theories on Fossil Fuels and Possible Alternative Energy Sources. Petroleum - Gas University of Ploiesti Bulletin, Technical Series, 62(3B), 49-56. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
2 Population estimate of 6,911,382,858 as of April 2011, U.S. & World Population Clocks, U.S. Census bureau, http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html (obtained at 6:55 P.M., April 10, 2011.)
3 What Are Fuel Rods? Nuclear-News April 9, 2011, paragraph 1 http://nuclear-news.net/2011/04/09/facts-on-radioactive-spent-nuclear-fuel-rods/
4 Wonders of the World Databank, Building BIG, Three Gorges Dam http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/three_gorges.html
5 López-Pujol, J., & Ming-Xun, R. (2009). Biodiversity and the Three Gorges Reservoir: a troubled marriage.Journal of Natural History, 43(43/44), 2765-2786. doi:10.1080/00222930903220010