Energy and It’s Various
Perspective Including
Bangladesh
Department of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University,
Savar, Dhaka-1342
Energy and It’s Various Perspective
Including Bangladesh
Submitted By
Abu Khairul Bashar
Roll No: 584
Session: 2011-12
Submitted To
A H M Saadat
Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Sciences
Department of Environmental Sciences
Jahangirnagar University
Savar, Dhaka-1342
Introduction
The word “energy” originates from Greek “energeia”, which means activity or operation. The
universe is made up of matter and energy. Matter-anything that has mass and takes up space-is
pretty straightforward and easy to grasp, but energy is a bit more abstract. Energy is an abstract
property that cannot be perceived-- it is not something that you can see or touch. It cannot be
created or destroyed; but can only be converted from one form to another. Although casually it is
common to talk about generation, consumption or loss of energy, in reality it is neither generated,
consumed or lost. It is transformed from one form into others, but its net amount in any closed
system is conserved. Scientists believe that the total amount of energy in the universe also remains
constant over time although there is no way to practically.
History of Energy
Energy plays a fundamental role in shaping the human condition. People's need for energy is
essential for survival, so it is not surprising that energy production and consumption are some of
the most important activities of human life. Indeed, it has been argued that energy is the key "to
the advance of civilization," that the evolution of human societies is dependent on the conversion
of energy for human use. Few people have questioned the long-held assumption that standard of
living and quality of civilization are proportional to the quantity of energy a society uses. However
imprecise it may be, most people still accept the steadfast formula: energy=progress=civilization.
The widespread belief that energy and civilization are inextricably linked certainly has historical
foundation. Throughout history, humans have focused on controlling the energy stores and flows
that are part of nature. For tens of thousands of years, people relied solely on the chemical (caloric)
energy gained from food that produced the mechanical (kinetic) energy of working muscles. But
thanks to human intellect, people were able to unlock and overcome physical limits imposed on
their own muscle power "by using tools and harnessing the energies outside their own bodies. "The
earliest "energy tools" were those used to hunt animals, harvest edible plants, catch fish and fowl,
and process and transport foodstuffs. Most of the family structures, societal groupings, and
political and economic institutions created over thousands of years focused primarily on the
extraction, processing, exchange, and marketing of food, as well as of "fossil and organic energy
sources (wood, peat, coal) ... used ... for heating, cooking, lighting, or for firing the kilns and
furnaces used in smelting ores." The vast array of unique human cultures absorbed the quest for
these basic energy resources into the widest range of human activities—rituals, festivals, taboos,
myth, dance, games, religion, language, art, and warfare—all of which embody humanity's cultural
values in their most fundamental forms. Quite simply, human existence has been dominated by the
age-old necessity for energy.
Forms of Energy
Energy has a number of different forms, all of which measure the ability of an object or system to
do work on another object or system. In other words, there are different ways that an object or a
system can possess energy. Here are the different basic forms-
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Thermal, or heat energy
Chemical Energy
Electrical Energy
Electrochemical Energy
Electromagnetic Energy (light)
Sound Energy
Nuclear Energy
Figure: Forms of Energy
Classification of Energy Source
Non-renewable or conventional energy resources. Most of the energy, which people are
using, is derived directly or indirectly from the sun. Non-renewable energy resources are
those, which have been in use since a long time. Availability of petroleum is limited.
Petroleum products are nothing but energy-rich components of carbon which have
undergone anaerobic degradation with the help of sun's energy. The problem with fossil
fuels or petroleum products is that, they release a lot of pollutants, when used.
Renewable or non-conventional energy resources. Renewable energy resources are solar
radiation, wind power, hydro power, biomass and nuclear power. They can be recycled.
These are normally pollution free. In India, unconventional energy resources are harnessed
by different methods
Energy Utilization Pattern in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has small reserves of oil and coal, but very large natural gas resources. Commercial
energy consumption is around 71% natural gas, rest includes oil, hydropower and coal.18% of the
population (25% in urban areas and 10% in rural areas) has access to electricity and per capita
commercial energy consumption is among the lowest in the world. Noncommercial energy sources
(wood, animal wastes, and crop residues) estimated to account for over half of the country's energy
consumption. Consumption of wood for fuel has contributed to deforestation and other
environmental problems in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's installed electric generating capacity in 2000
was 3.8 GW, of which 94% was thermal (mainly natural-gas-fired), and the remainder
hydroelectric. With only around 18% of the population connected to the electricity grid, and with
power demand growing rapidly (10% annually from 1974-1994; 7% annually from 1995-1997.
Figure: Energy Consumption by Source, Bangladesh (1971-1999)
Figure: Energy Consumption by Sector, Bangladesh, 1999.
A pilot project to promote energy saving in homes and offices is set to be launched in Dhaka next
year. Residents of the Bangladeshi capital will be encouraged to swap their traditional incandescent
bulbs and magnetic ballasts for energy-saving alternatives, Bangladesh newspaper the Daily Star
reports. According to the publication, the local government intends to distribute 10.5 million
energy-saving light bulbs for free throughout Dhaka in March 2010.It is estimated that the compact
fluorescent lights will reduce power consumption by 312 gigawatts and save $11.5 million a year.
The pilot initiative will see 10,000 people living in the Mouchak and Gulbagh areas of the capital
receive CFLs and energy-saving electronic ballasts. Used mainly in tube lights such as those found
in office buildings, electronic ballasts can reduce energy consumption by approximately 30 per
cent, the newspaper states. Combined with the surrounding metropolitan area, Dhaka had an
estimated population of over 12 million in 2008 and is one of the most densely populated cities in
the world.
Figure: energy saving initiatives in Bangladesh
Role of Energy Use and Human Civilization
Energy played a key role in the development and evolution of human society. Modern civilization
is especially dependent on energy and some of its most dinstinct characteristics, such as increase
in world and urban population, energy consumption, environmental impact and climate change,
societal complexity, affluence, and the gap between poor and rich peoples, are related to energy.
It is argued, that the future of civilization will depend even more crucially on energy, and that
neither the divergent need of society for energy, nor the ability of society to cope with climate
change and world-wide poverty can be dealt with effectively, without abundant and “clean”
energy. Energy production and use remain the key factors in understanding the impact of man on
the environment; and world poverty is, in effect, energy poverty. Yet, the main sources of energy
today – coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium – have serious environmental consequences and energy
consumption is expected to continue growing, mainly as a result of the energy needs of the
developing countries. The fundamental question, therefore, is how the enormous energy needs of
the world can be effectively satisfied, without endangering further the health of the Earth.
Sustainable civilization requires sustainable development, and sustainable development needs
sustainable energy sources. It is, thus, apparent that in the future civilization will depend not only
on the total amount of energy humanity will have at its disposal, but perhaps more so on how that
energy is distributed among the peoples of the world. The closer we come to the Earth’s energy
resource limits, the more it will become apparent that access to energy will be considered a human
right and a moral responsibility of civilization.
Prospects of Renewable Energy in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the worst victims of the global energy crisis, but it is also in one of the most
advantageous positions to make a transition to a renewable energy path. The country is richly
endowed with renewable energy sources. Sunlight is abundant year-round in this semi-tropical
region. In addition to ample light and heat, the hundred-plus-mile long coastal areas, hilly sections
and islands provide plenty of wind for wind turbines; waterways of varied forms and speed provide
sufficient wave and gravity driven water flow for ecologically balanced hydroelectric generators;
and the lush vegetation provides rich photosynthesis and biomass for fuel for a variety of purposes.
Compared to Germany – an inspiring example of a country set on a full transition to the renewable
energy path – Bangladesh receives twice the amount of solar radiation than Germany. Bangladesh
is truly an exceptional, naturally endowed and integrated, renewable ‘energy mine.’
Bangladesh’s renewable energy mine offers such a promise. Contrary to the publicised notion that
it will take a miracle to solve Bangladesh’s energy crisis, it is indeed a ‘development’ blunder of
a miraculous proportion that such a crisis could be contrived in Bangladesh.Since the late 1980s,
various renewable energy technology projects have been implemented at the NGO, private,
commercial, academic and governmental levels. They played varied roles as users, educators and
sellers. Through innovation and turnkey transfer, some components, such as charge controllers,
deep cycle batteries, and 12V DC lights and fixtures, began to get manufactured locally. Forums,
workshops, seminars and conferences began to take place at various levels.Especially since the
late 1990s a much bigger combined and multifaceted thrust has come from more NGOs,
governmental and semi-governmental agencies, universities and businesses to research, educate
and disseminate renewable energy systems around the country. Among the major contributors to
this thrust are
Grameen Shakti,
BRAC,
Rahimafrooz Solar,
Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB),
Rural Electrification Board (REB),
Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Thengamara Mohila Shabuj
Shangha (TMSS),
Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS),
COAST Trust,
Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES),
Srijony Bangladesh,
BAPA (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan),
Bangladesh Institute of Fuel Research and Development of BCSIR,
Renewable Energy Research Centre of the Department of Applied Physics, Electronics and
Communication Engineering at Dhaka University,
The Center for Energy Studies at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology (BUET),
Shidhulai Swarnivar Sangstha,
Bangladesh Bank.
Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL),
Fossil Fuel Reserve and Energy Status of Bangladesh
Fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total) in Bangladesh was last measured at 71.53 in 2011,
according to the World Bank. Fossil fuel comprises coal, oil, petroleum, and natural gas products.
This page has the latest values, historical data, forecasts, charts, statistics, an economic calendar
and news for Fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total) in Bangladesh. Those quantities that
geological and engineering information indicates with reasonable certainty can be recovered in the
future from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.
Energy Status: About 80% of the installed electricity generation capacity is based on
natural gas. In the year 2004-2005, the natural gas production was 13,783 MWh and the
total installed electricity generation capacity was 4995 MW (BBS, 2007, p.240). In the
same fiscal year, the total electricity generation was 22,006 million kWh and about 88.83%
of the total generation used natural gas as primary fuel (ibid, p. 241). In spite of government
initiative, the per capita commercial energy was 210 kg of oil equivalent (ADB, 2004, p.2).
According to a published data of the BPDP on June, 2006, 42.09% of the population has
the access of grid electricity and per capita electricity consumption is 162.92 kWh in
Bangladesh. The per capita commercial energy and electricity consumption in Bangladesh
is one of the lowest among the developing countries.
Primary Commercial Energy Resources: The natural resources of Bangladesh
comprises of natural gas, coal, peat, limestone, hard rock, lignite, silica sand, white clay
etc (Islam, 2001, p.10). Bangladesh has significant amount of natural gas reserve and
thereby among other commercial energy sources natural gas plays the major role. The
natural gas contributes about 70% of the overall commercial energy sources and the rest
comes from imported oil, coal and hydropower production (Draft NEP, 2006, p.1).
Bangladesh has natural gas reserve of about 14.607 TCF (BBS, 2007, p.9
http://www.bpdb.gov.bd/distribution.htm).The total coal and peat deposit are about 1750
million tons and 170 million tons respectively (Islam, 2001).In 2002, the local production
of natural gas meets the country’s demand but the coal and petroleum products need to be
imported from other countries in order to meet the local demand. In the fiscal year 2004-
2005, the consumption of natural gas, petroleum and coal was 456, 465 and 2 trillion BTU
respectively (BBS, 2007, p.151).The domestic consumption of the commercial energy in
the same fiscal year was 163.43 trillion BTU (ibid, p. 252).Bangladesh is endowed with
rich solar potential, and sunlight is available throughout the year. Bangladesh receives 900
X 1018 joules of solar energy annually and the availability of solar energy per square meter
is 193 W whereas the consumption per square meter is only 0.17 W (Has et al., 2005, p.3).
This implies the abundance of solar energy in Bangladesh.
Status of Solar Energy: The solar thermal energy is used in conventional ways for drying
of washed clothes, food grains, fish, vegetable, raw jute etc. for centuries in Bangladesh.
Locally this energy is also used for evaporation of saline water for salt production in the
coastal region. The long term average sunshine data indicates that the bright sunshine is
available for 3 to 11 hours daily in the coastal region of Bangladesh. The solar radiation
varies from 3.8 kWh/m²/day to 6.4 kWh/m²/day throughout the country. According to these
data, Bangladesh has high potential of solar thermal and photovoltaic applications .This
immense potential of solar energy provides an opportunity for off-grid rural electrification
through utilization of photovoltaic technology. The conventional solar thermal applications
are cooking, drying, hot water production and others. Bangladesh is endowed with rich
solar potential, and sunlight is available throughout the year. Bangladesh receives 900 X
1018 joules of solar energy annually and the availability of solar energy per square meter
is 193 W whereas the consumption per square meter is only 0.17 W (Haq et al., 2005, p.3).
This implies the abundance of solar energy in Bangladesh. The monthly solar radiation in
different locations of Bangladesh is given in table 1.
Month Dhaka Rajshahi Sylhet Bogra Barisal Jessore
January 4.03 3.96 4 4.01 4.17 4.25
February 4.78 4.47 4.63 4.69 4.81 4.85
March 5.33 5.88 5.2 5.68 5.3 4.5
April 5.71 6.24 5.24 5.87 5.94 6.23
May 5.71 6.17 5.37 6.02 5.75 6.09
June 4.8 5.25 4.53 5.26 4.39 5.12
July 4.41 4.79 4.14 4.34 4.2 4.81
August 4.82 5.16 4.56 4.84 4.42 4.93
September 4.41 4.96 4.07 4.67 4.48 4.57
October 4.61 4.88 4.61 4.65 4.71 4.68
November 4.27 4.42 4.32 4.35 4.35 4.24
December 3.92 3.82 3.85 3.87 3.95 3.97
Average 4.73 5 4.54 4.85 4.71 4.85
Table 1: Monthly Solar Insulation at different locations of Bangladesh (in kWh/m²/day)
Source: Secondary,www.lged-rein.org/solar/solar_rerc. htm, printed 14.07. 2007
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is classified as energy that comes from resources like sun light (known as solar),
wind, geothermal heat and rain that are constantly replenished. Renewable energy can serve as a
replacement to electricity, motor fuels, rural energy and heating. Many people might discount
renewable energy sources right off the bat just by looking at the definition. They wouldn’t hesitate
to question why it is necessary to switch to sources like sunlight, wind, or rain. The way they see
it, these are not very reliable sources of energy. This is why the question can only be begged: what
are the real benefits of renewable energy sources? While there are certainly advantages and
disadvantages to switching to renewable energy, it is quite arguable that the benefits of using such
sources outweigh the shortcomings of it, especially in the future.Of course, the shortcomings are
all things that can, with time and money, be fixed due to the rapid technological advancements our
country makes on a nearly annual scale. The benefits of renewable energy sources are breathtaking,
and while we may not quite be in a position to fully switch over to renewable energy sources just
quite yet (requiring a balance of renewable energy and other sources for now), it is imperative that
we look ahead to the future.
Sources of Renewable Energy
There are many sources of energy that are renewable and considered to be environmentally friendly
and harness natural processes. While there are many large-scale renewable energy projects and
production, renewable technologies are also suited to small off-grid applications, sometimes in
rural and remote areas, where energy is often crucial in human development. They are-
Tidal Power-Tidal energy can be generated in two ways, tidal stream generators or by barrage
generation. The power created though tidal generators is generally more environmentally friendly
and causes less impact on established ecosystems. Similar to a wind turbine, many tidal stream
generators rotate underwater and is driven by the swiftly moving dense water.
Wave Power-Wave power is the transport of energy by ocean surface waves, and the capture of
that energy to do useful work — for example for electricity generation, water desalination, or the
pumping of water (into reservoirs). Wave energy can be difficult to harness due to the
unpredictability of the ocean and wave direction.
Figure: Different sources of Energy
Solar Power-Photovoltaic (PV) Solar power is harnessing the suns energy to produce electricity.
One of the fastest growing energy sources, new technologies are developing at a rapid pace. Solar
cells are becoming more efficient, transportable and even flexible, allowing for easy installation.
PV has mainly been used to power small and medium-sized applications, from the calculator
powered by a single solar cell to off-grid homes powered by a photovoltaic array.
Wind Power-Wind power is the conversion of wind energy by wind turbines into a useful form,
such as electricity or mechanical energy. Large-scale wind farms are typically connected to the
local power transmission network with small turbines used to provide electricity to isolated areas.
Residential units are entering production and are are capable of powering large appliances to entire
houses depending on the size.
Hydroelectricity-Hydroelectricity is electricity generated by hydropower, i.e., the production of
power through use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used
form of renewable energy. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, the project produces no
direct waste. Small scale hydro or micro-hydro power has been an increasingly popular alternative
energy source, especially in remote areas where other power sources are not viable.
Radiant Energy-This natural energy can perform the same wonders as ordinary electricity at less
than 1% of the cost. It does not behave exactly like electricity, however, which has contributed to
the scientific community’s misunderstanding of it.
Geothermal Power-Geothermal energy is a very powerful and efficient way to extract a
renewable energy from the earth through natural processes. This can be performed on a small scale
to provide heat for a residential unit (a geothermal heat pump), or on a very large scale for energy
production through a geothermal power plant. It has been used for space heating and bathing since
ancient roman times, but is now better known for generating electricity. Geothermal power is cost
effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly, but has previously been geographically limited
to areas near tectonic plate boundaries.
Biomass-Biomass, as a renewable energy source, refers to living and recently dead biological
material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. In this context, biomass refers to plant
matter grown to generate electricity or produce for example trash such as dead trees and branches,
yard clippings and wood chips biofuel, and it also includes plant or animal matter used for
production of fibers, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can
be burnt as fuel.
Compressed Natural Gas-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline,
diesel, or propane fuel. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more
environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event
of a spill (natural gas is lighter than air, and disperses quickly when released).
Nuclear Power-Nuclear power is any nuclear technology designed to extract usable energy from
atomic nuclei via controlled nuclear reactions. The only method in use today is through nuclear
fission, though other methods might one day include nuclear fusion and radioactive decay. All
utility-scale reactors heat water to produce steam, which is then converted into mechanical work
for the purpose of generating electricity or propulsion.
Advantages of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is, well, renewable: This means it has infinity of sustainability and we
will never run out of it. Other sources of energy like coal, oil and gas are limited and will
run out some day. Renewable energy can reduce our dependence on fuels and energy from
foreign governments. Strong winds, heat within earth, moving water, shining sun can
provide a vast and constant energy resource supply.
Environmental Benefits: It is clean and results in little to no greenhouse and net carbon
emissions. It will not deplete our natural resources and have minimal, if any, negative
impacts on the environment, with no waste products of Co2 and other, more toxic take with
different sources of energy. The environmental benefits of renewable energy are innovative
in that they will dramatically scale back on the amount of toxic air pollution released into
the atmosphere by other methods. Enables us to protect the environment from toxic
pollutions, which in turn keep people healthier.
Reliable Energy Source: Our dependence on fossil fuels has increased considerably in
last few decades. The result is that our national security continues to be threatened by our
dependence on fossil fuels which are vulnerable to political instabilities, trade disputes,
wars, and high prices. This impacts more than just our national energy policy. Also, solar
and wind plants are distributed over large geographical area and weather disruptions in one
area won’t cut off power to an entire region.
Economic Benefits: Renewable energy is also cheaper and more economically sound than
other sources of generated energy. It is estimated that as a result of renewable energy
manufacturing, hundreds of thousands of stable jobs will be created. Thousands of jobs
have already been created in numerous European countries like the United Kingdom and
Germany, who have adopted measures to manufacture renewable energy. Renewable
energy amenities require a less amount of maintenance, which reduces the costs. Switching
to renewable energy sources also means that the future of our energy is returned back to
the people: to communities, families, farmers, and individuals.
Stabilize Energy Prices: Switching to renewable energy sources also means steady pricing
on energy. Since the cost of renewable energy is dependent on the invested money and not
the increasing or decreasing or inflated cost of the natural resource, governments would
only pay a small amount in comparison to the needlessly heavy pricing of the energy prices
we are witnessing currently.
Disadvantages of Renewable Energy
Reliability of Supply: One shortcoming is that renewable energy relies heavily upon the
weather for sources of supply: rain, wind, and sunshine. In the event of weather that doesn’t
produce these kinds of climate conditions renewable energy sources lack the capacity to
make energy. Since it may be difficult the generate the necessary energy due to the
unpredictable weather patterns, we may need to reduce the amount of energy we use.
Difficult to Generate in Large Quantity: Another disadvantage of renewable energy is
that it is difficult to generate large amount of energy as those produced by coal powered
plants. This means that either we need to set up more such facilities to match up with the
growing demand or look out for ways to reduce our energy consumption.
Large Capital Cost: Initial investments are quite high in case of building renewable
energy plants. These plants require upfront investments to build, have high maintenance
expenses and require careful planning and implementation.
Large Tracts of Land Required: To meet up with the large quantities of
electricity produced by fossil fuels, large amount of solar panels and wind farms need to
be set up. For this, large tracts of land is required to produce energy quantities competitive
with fossil fuel burning.
Fossil Fuel and It’s Impact on the Environment
The technical definition of fossil fuels is “incompletely oxidized and decayed animal and vegetable
materials, specifically coal, peat, lignite, petroleum and natural gas”. The technical definition of
fuel is “material that can be burned or otherwise consumed to produce heat”. In our modernized
world, fossil fuels provide vast luxurious importance. We retrieve these fossil fuels from the
ground and under the sea and have them converted into electricity. Approximately 90% of the
world’s electricity demand is generated from the use of fossil fuels. There is a growing concern
regarding the collaboration between fossil fuels and environmental pollution. Debates regarding
this contamination have become commonplace in today’s effort to sustain the earth’s health. Fossil
fuels are not considered a renewable energy source and aside from the environmental impact, the
cost of retrieving and converting them is beginning to demand notice. Seemingly this issue has
many different angles that need to be addressed in order to ensure future generations a sustainable
living.Environmental impacts of fossil fuel are coupled to a number of naturally irreversible factors
that are detrimental both on local and global scale. They have been categorized and described
individually in the following section-
The increase of greenhouse effect; Global warming; Climate Change-Carbon dioxide
(CO2) is a “greenhouse gas,” trapping heat in the lowest part of the earth’s atmosphere.
This contributes to “global warming” – the average temperature of the earth slowly
increases, affecting ecosystems across the globe. Climate change is responsible for huge
economical consequences.
Accumulation of solid wastes-Converting fossil fuels may also result in the accumulation
of solid waste. This type of accumulation has a devastating impact on the environment.
Waste requires adequate land space for containment and/or treatment, as well as financial
support and monitoring for waste not easily disposed of. This type of waste also increases
the risk of toxic runoff which can poison surface and groundwater sources for many miles.
Toxic runoff also endangers surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and marine life.
The rise in sea levels-Sea levels are rising twice as fast as they were 150 years ago and
man-made greenhouse emissions are the prime cause, a study by scientists in America has
found.Tide lines worldwide are raising by about 2 millimetres a year, compared to 1
millimetre a year in 1850. First, accelerated sea-level rise seems to be one of the more
“certain” consequences of global climate change with a “worst scenario” increase of 95 cm
by 2100.
The acidic pollution-Although first recognised as a regional problem in Europe and the
US, 1 over the past 10 years acid rain has been observed at sites throughout the world, from
the polar ice caps to the tropical rainforests of Asia, Africa and South America. Within just
a single generation, acid rain has grown from being a local and regional nuisance to a major
global problem.
Health implications-Evidence of the ill effects of fossil fuels is endless, and can take on
many forms. Some forms are not easily seen by the human eye, although the disastrous
results such as the loss of aquatic life can be seen somewhat after the fact.
Shift in the Ecological balance and land impacts-Extraction of fossil fuels requires
significant infrastructure to remove the fuel from the earth. Roads, storage tanks, oil and
gas wells, and other development must be built to support extraction. Because much fossil
fuel extraction takes place in rural or wild areas, this development often has significant
impacts on plants and wildlife.
Surface and ground water pollution-Oil, coal, and gas are typically found underground
below groundwater levels. During extraction, drilling can break the barrier between fossil
fuel and groundwater reserves. Later during storage and transportation, broken pipes or
storage tanks can also contaminate water supplies.
Drilling mud releases-During extraction, drilling fluids or “muds” are used for lubrication.
These muds contain certain toxic and non-toxic, but damaging, chemicals. They
contaminate the immediate area being drilled and are often dumped nearby, causing more
environmental contamination.
Land subsidence-When oil and gas are removed from a reserve under the earth, this leaves
what is essentially a large hole underground. When there is no longer anything to support
the land above, the land can collapse, causing environmental and property damage.
Land and wildlife disruption-Extraction of fossil fuels requires significant infrastructure
to remove the fuel from the earth. Roads, storage tanks, oil and gas wells, and other
development must be built to support extraction. Because much fossil fuel extraction takes
place in rural or wild areas, this development often has significant impacts on plants and
wildlife.
Oil spills during transportation-Possibly the most visible impact of fossil fuel production
is the potential for environmental disaster during transportation. A number of high-profile
oil spills have illustrated the extent of environmental damage possible. On a smaller scale,
storage tank leakage and other accidents can directly damage local environments. The
pollution effects of these accidents can last for tens of years and sometimes longer, and
cleanup is often costly.
Conclusion
As the time passes by, demand of energy is increasing with an increase in the world’s population.
From different corporations to small households, people need energy to perform daily tasks. As
the science and technology is developing, people’s lives are also becoming more complex .To meet
energy demands, renewable energies are used rapidly. Energy has come to mean many things to
us. In physical science, energy means the ability to do work. Work means a change in position,
speed, state, or form of matter. Therefore, energy is the capacity to change matter.Everything we
do involves energy. Getting up, going to school, and doing chores require energy. In fact,
everything that happens in the universe, from the eruption of volcanoes, to the sprouting of seed,
to the moving of people, takes energy. When we turn on a motor, drive a car, cook on a stove or
switch on a light, we are using energy.
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