ENERGY RESOURCES, POWER

STATIONS & ENVIRONMENTAL

AND ECONOMIC ISSUES
By: Hirun Fernando 9A
 CONTENTS

1. Energy resources--------------------------------------------- 1
2. Renewable Energy------------------------------------------- 2
3. Non-renewable Energy-------------------------------------- 5
4. Statistics------------------------------------------------------- 6
5. Power Stations------------------------------------------------ 8
6. Economic, Environmental and Social issues-------------10
7. Statistics-------------------------------------------------------12
8. Economic, Environmental and Social issues in depth---13
9. Statistics-------------------------------------------------------16
 ENERGY RESOURCES

Energy resources refer to natural materials and phenomena that can be

harnessed to generate energy for various applications, including electricity
generation, heating, and transportation. These resources are primarily
categorized into non renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels—coal,
oil, and natural
gas—which are
significant for
electricity
production but Wind
turbines
come with are used to
drawbacks like harness
pollution and wind
energy
greenhouse gas
emissions. On the
other hand,
renewable
energy sources, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and
biomass, are replenished naturally and are considered more sustainable and
environmentally friendly. The selection of energy resources is crucial for
driving economic growth, as they power industries, households, and
transportation systems while influencing energy security and environmental
health. Each energy type has distinct environmental impacts and economic
factors (disscused further in pages 10 and 13). As the global focus shifts
towards cleaner energy, ongoing changes in policy, investment, and
technological advancements are paving the way for a more sustainable energy
future.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Renewable energy sources come

from natural resources that can
renew themselves quickly, making
them sustainable and eco-friendly.
These sources help cut down
greenhouse gas emissions, fight
climate change, and reduce our need
for fossil fuels. Switching to
renewables is essential for reducing
pollution, creating cleaner air, and
moving away from fuels that will eventually run out. Renewable energy helps
us move toward a sustainable future while protecting the planet for generations
to come. Some of the renewable energy sources are:

1. SOLAR ENERGY

• How it works-Solar energy taps into sunlight using unique cells

and systems. Photovoltaic (PV) cells instantly transform sunlight
into electricity,
while solar thermal
systems use
sunlight’s warmth to
produce power. This
versatile energy can
power individual
homes with rooftop
panels, fuel vast
solar farms, heat
water, and drive
major solar plants. Solar power is easy to manage, abundant, and
can adapt to both small and large-scale needs. However, it relies
on sunny skies and daylight, and large solar setups often need
ample space.
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2. WIND ENERGY

• Wind energy generates power by using turbines to capture the

movement of wind. As wind turns the turbine blades, they drive a
generator that
produces
electricity. Wind
power is used in
various settings,
from large
onshore and
offshore wind
farms to smaller
turbines installed
on farms or even
homes. This
energy source is
highly efficient, requires low maintenance, and can often be built
on existing agricultural land. However, wind energy can be
inconsistent due to changing weather, may impact local wildlife,
and large installations need considerable space.

3. Hydropower

• Hydropower produces
electricity by harnessing the
flow of water from rivers or
dams to turn turbines linked to
generators. It’s utilized in
various forms, such as large
dams and small-scale systems
for rural areas. While reliable,
it can affect ecosystems and
has high initial costs, requiring
suitable water sources.
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4. Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy generates power by accessing heat from

beneath the Earth's surface. Wells are drilled into underground
reservoirs of hot water
or steam, which drive
turbines to produce
electricity. Used in
geothermal power
plants and heating
systems, this energy is
reliable, low-emission,
and requires minimal
land. However, it’s
limited to areas with
geothermal activity, involves high upfront costs, and may cause
localized ground instability.

5. Tidal and Wave Energy

• Tidal energy harnesses the power of rising and falling tides, while
wave energy captures energy from ocean waves. These natural
movements drive
turbines or energy-
capturing devices to
generate electricity.
Applications include
tidal stream
generators, wave
converters, and tidal
barrages. This energy
source is highly predictable with long operational lifespans, but it
requires costly technology, is limited to coastal regions, and can
impact marine ecosystems.

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 NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Non-renewable energy
sources, such as coal, oil,
natural gas, and uranium
for nuclear power, are
limited resources that
cannot regenerate on a
human timescale. They
provide consistent energy
and benefit from existing
infrastructure, making
them prevalent in modern
society. However, these sources release substantial greenhouse gases and
pollutants, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
Due to their unsustainability, transitioning to renewable energy sources is
essential for reducing pollution and preserving ecological balance.

1. Fossil Fuels
• Fossil Fuels are created from decomposed plant and animal
matter compressed over millions of years; fossil fuels are dense
energy sources but produce significant greenhouse gases when
used.
o Coal: Solid, carbon-
heavy fuel mainly for
power plants and
industrial use, known
for high carbon
dioxide emissions and
environmental impact.
o Oil (Petroleum): A
versatile liquid used
to make gasoline,
diesel, and jet fuel,
essential for transportation and heating but a major source
of global pollution.
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2. Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear energy relies on uranium or thorium as fuel in reactors to

produce electricity. While uranium is limited, nuclear power is
valued for
generating
significant
energy with low
greenhouse gas
emissions.
However, it has
challenges,
including the
production of
long-lived
radioactive
waste that requires secure containment. Despite its low
emissions, nuclear energy raises concerns about waste
management and resource availability.

• Statistics:

Statistics for
Renewable
Energy in 2020

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 Power Stations

Power stations, or power plants, are essential facilities that convert energy
from various sources—such as
fossil fuels, nuclear materials,
wind, water, and sunlight—into
electricity. They support daily
life by powering homes,
businesses, and industries.
Different types of power stations
cater to specific energy sources,
with renewable options like wind
and solar increasingly in use to
reduce environmental impact. As
vital hubs of energy production,
power stations help maintain stable and reliable electricity supplies globally.

1. Thermal Power Stations

• Coal-fired Power Plants: Coal plants generate electricity by

burning coal to produce intense heat, which converts water into
high-pressure steam. This steam spins turbines connected to
generators, transforming thermal energy into electricity.
• Natural Gas Power Plants: By combusting natural gas, these
stations produce high-temperature gas that can directly drive
turbines or create steam in a combined-cycle process, harnessing
otherwise-wasted heat to boost efficiency and output.
• Nuclear Power Plants: Nuclear plants generate electricity through
nuclear fission, splitting uranium or plutonium atoms to release
heat. This heat turns water into steam, spinning turbines to
produce electricity, with precise control systems ensuring safety
and efficiency.

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2. Other Types of Power Stations

• Biomass Power Plants: Use organic materials like wood,

agricultural waste, or other biomass as fuel to generate electricity.
• Diesel Power Plants: Use diesel engines to generate electricity,
often used for backup power in remote areas.
• Wave and Tidal Power
Stations: Capture the
energy from ocean
waves or tides to
produce electricity,
though these are less
common and are
primarily used in
experimental or limited locations.

3. Renewable Energy Power Stations

• Hydroelectric Power Plants: Use the energy of flowing water

(usually from rivers or dams) to turn turbines that generate
electricity.
• Wind Power Stations:
Use wind turbines, which
capture kinetic energy
from the wind and
convert it to electricity.
• Solar Power Plants:
Utilize solar panels
(photovoltaic cells) to
convert sunlight directly
into electricity or use
solar thermal technology to generate power.
• Geothermal Power Plants: Extract heat from beneath the Earth’s
surface to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce
electricity.
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 Economic, Environmental and
Social issues

When generating electricity on a large scale, balancing the economic and

environmental impacts of each energy source is essential. Electricity offers
society a clean, flexible, and relatively affordable source of power, but the
methods of production have distinct cost and pollution implications.
Environmental issues, including emissions linked to various energy sources,
vary significantly. In traditional power stations, emissions can be somewhat
mitigated through costly processes, such as installing sulfur-removal systems
in coal plants. However, such pollution control measures often entail
considerable expense, adding
to the overall operational cost.
Renewable energy sources like
wind are fuel-free but require
high upfront capital investment
due to the dispersed nature of
the energy they harness.
Nuclear energy, while having
relatively low fuel costs,
demands substantial investment
both for constructing the plants
and for decommissioning them once they reach the end of their service life.
In contrast, gas and coal plants tend to have shorter and less costly setups. In
terms of per-unit electricity costs, estimates suggest that UK gas and coal
plants generate power for around 9–22 US cents per unit, while wind energy
varies between 7–16 US cents, depending on location. In prime locations,
wind can compete closely with fossil fuels. Nuclear energy, however,
generally exceeds 10 US cents per unit. The Fukushima disaster in Japan
underscored the risks associated with nuclear energy, leading countries like
Germany to commit to phasing out nuclear power entirely by 2022.

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The dependability of energy sources also matters, especially regarding how
swiftly they can meet fluctuating electricity demands. Gas-fired stations, for
example, can start quickly, while coal and oil plants require more time.
Nuclear plants take the longest to ramp up. Nevertheless, these traditional
sources remain consistent in producing electricity regardless of time or
season, provided fuel is on hand. Hydroelectric power stations, similarly
reliable, can be brought online almost instantly, making them ideal for
meeting peak electricity demands.

Power demand fluctuates with seasonal changes. In winter, energy use rises
significantly due to heating
needs and longer nights,
leading to increased electricity
demand. In contrast, summer
typically sees lower power
requirements as daylight hours
are extended and heating isn’t
needed, though some areas
experience spikes due to air
conditioning. This seasonal
variation requires power plants
to adjust output to meet
demand shifts efficiently,
ensuring a stable and
responsive electricity supply
year-round.
Variations in power demand

Consumption varies from one country to

another; North America and Europe are responsible for about 42% of the
world's energy consumption each year. The table below shows approximate
values for the annual consumption per head of population for different areas.
These figures include the hidden consumption in the manufacturing and
transporting of goods. The world average consumption is 76 x 109J per head
per year.

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Energy consumption per head per year/ J x 109

Global Energy Consumption

by Non-Renewable Sources

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 Economic, Environmental and
Social issues in depth

1. Economic issues

• High initial costs: Building new power plants, especially nuclear and
renewable ones, needs substantial initial investment. While renewable
energy technologies can be costly upfront, they often become more
affordable over time due to low operational costs and fuel
independence. They offer sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to
traditional power sources.
• Fuel and Maintenance
Costs: Fossil fuel power
plants depend on a constant
supply of coal, natural gas,
or oil, which can be costly
and subject to price
fluctuations. Maintenance
costs can also vary, with
nuclear plants often
requiring significant
investment due to strict
safety regulations.
• Subsidies and Government
Investment: Governments
frequently provide subsidies
to specific energy sources,
such as renewable energy or fossil fuels. This can lead to market
imbalances and affect the overall cost of energy production.

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2. Environmental Issues

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Fossil fuel power plants are primary

contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide
(CO₂), a major driver of climate change. While gas and oil are
considered less
polluting than coal,
they still release
substantial amounts
of CO₂.
• Air and Water
Pollution: Fossil fuel
plants release
pollutants like sulfur
dioxide (SO₂) and
nitrogen oxides
(NOx), leading to
acid rain and health
problems. Some
power stations also
use large quantities of
water for cooling,
which can impact
local ecosystems.
• Land Use and Ecosystem Disruption: Renewable energy sources such
as wind and solar power require substantial land areas, potentially
impacting habitats. Hydropower plants can disrupt river ecosystems
and harm fish populations.
• Nuclear Waste and Radioactivity: Nuclear power plants generate
radioactive waste, posing significant long-term storage challenges due
to its hazardous nature. Additionally, nuclear accidents, as illustrated by
Fukushima and Chernobyl, can have catastrophic environmental
impacts.

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3. Social Issues

• Public Health: Emissions from fossil fuel plants, especially coal-fired

ones, degrade air quality, leading to respiratory illnesses, asthma, and
other health problems in nearby communities. Nuclear accidents can
result in long-term health risks due to radiation exposure.
• Displacement of Communities: The construction of large-scale power
plants or hydroelectric
dams can often lead to
the displacement of local
communities,
particularly those
residing in rural or
indigenous areas. This
displacement can have
severe consequences for
their livelihoods and
social structures.
• Energy Accessibility and
Equity: The method of
energy generation
significantly impacts the
cost of electricity,
influencing its
affordability and
accessibility for lower-income communities. While traditional methods
like fossil fuels might offer some cost advantages, their environmental
and social costs can be substantial. Renewable energy sources, although
often requiring significant upfront investment, can lead to more
decentralized power generation, potentially improving energy access in
remote areas.
• Community Acceptance and Resistance: Local communities may
oppose power plant construction due to concerns about health risks,
noise pollution, visual intrusion (e.g., wind turbines), or environmental
damage. Strong community support is often essential for the successful
implementation of energy projects.
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 STATISTICS

Here's a pie chart illustrating the approximate CO₂ emissions by power

source in electricity generation, with coal power as the dominant contributor.
This visual highlights the significant environmental impact of coal, natural
gas, and oil-based power compared to renewables and other sources.

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Here's a pie chart illustrating the estimated cost breakdown of 1000 MW
Power Station. This is average cost of all power stations (Coal power stations,
Hydroelectric power stations, Wind power station, etc.)

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Coal Natural Gas Hydropower Nuclear Wind Solar
Others

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Here's a pie chart illustrating the estimated wasted energy in Power Stations.
This contains power wastage of all power stations (Coal power stations,
Hydroelectric power stations, Wind power station, etc.)

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