The Full Wiki

Sustainable energy: Map


Wikipedia article:

Map showing all locations mentioned on Wikipedia article:

[[Image:Moody Sunburst.jpg|thumb|right|240px|[[Concentrating solar power|Concentrating solar power syste

susatainable energy is a poo stain

Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A broader interpretation may allow inclusion of fossil fuels and nuclear fission as transitional sources while technology develops, as long as new sources are developed for future generations to use. A narrower interpretation includes only energy sources which are not expected to be depleted in a time frame relevant to the human race.

Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as biofuels, solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency. Conventional fission power is sometimes referred to as sustainable, but this is controversial politically due to concerns about peak uranium, radioactive waste disposal and the risks of disaster due to accident, terrorism, or natural disaster.

Distinction from other terms

Energy efficiency and renewable energy are said to be the twin pillars of sustainable energy. Some ways in which sustainable energy has been defined are:


This sets sustainable energy apart from other renewable energy terminology such as alternative energy and green energy, by focusing on the ability of an energy source to continue providing energy. Sustainable energy can produce some pollution of the environment, as long as it is not sufficient to prohibit heavy use of the source for an indefinite amount of time. Sustainable energy is also distinct from Low-carbon energy, which is only sustainable only in the sense that it does not add to the CO2 in the atmosphere.

Renewable energy technologies

Renewable energy technologies are essential contributors to sustainable energy as they generally contribute to world energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuel resources, and providing opportunities for mitigating greenhouse gases. The International Energy Agency states that:


A 2008 comprehensive cost-benefit analysis review of energy solutions in the context of global warming and other issues ranked wind power combined with battery electric vehicles (BEV) as the most efficient, followed by concentrated solar power, geothermal power, tidal power, photovoltaic, wave power, coal capture and storage, nuclear energy, and finally biofuels.

First-generation technologies

West Ford Flat Geothermal Cooling Tower.JPG
West Ford Flat Geothermal Cooling Tower.JPG

 Among sources of renewable energy, hydroelectric plants have the advantages of being long-lived -- many existing plants have operated for more than 100 years. Also, hydroelectric plants are clean and have few emissions. Criticisms directed at large-scale hydroelectric plants include: dislocation of people living where the reservoirs are planned, and release of significant amounts of carbon dioxide during construction and flooding of the reservoir.

However, it has been found that high emissions are associated only with shallow reservoirs in warm (tropical) locales. Generally speaking, hydroelectric plants produce much lower life-cycle emissions than other types of generation. Hydroelectric power, which underwent extensive development during growth of electrification in the 19th and 20th centuries, is experiencing resurgence of development in the 21st century. The areas of greatest hydroelectric growth are the booming economies of Asia. China is the development leader; however, other Asian nations are installing hydropower at a rapid pace. This growth is driven by much increased energy costs -- especially for imported energy -- and widespread desires for more domestically-produced, clean, renewable, and economical generation.

Hydroelectric dam in cross section

Geothermal power plants can operate 24 hours per day, providing base-load capacity, and the world potential capacity for geothermal power generation is estimated at 85 GW over the next 30 years. However, geothermal power is accessible only in limited areas of the world, including the United States, Central America, Indonesia, East Africa and the Philippines. The costs of geothermal energy have dropped substantially from the systems built in the 1970s. Geothermal heat generation can be competitive in many countries producing geothermal power, or in other regions where the resource is of a lower temperature.

Second-generation technologies

Worldwide installed wind power capacity 1996-2008


11 MW solar power plant near Serpa, Portugal

In the 1980s and early 1990s, most photovoltaic modules provided Remote Area Power Supply, but from around 1995, industry efforts have focused increasingly on developing building integrated photovoltaics and power plants for grid connected applications (see photovoltaic power stations article for details). Currently the largest photovoltaic power plant in North America is the Nellis Solar Power Plantmarker (15 MW). There is a proposal to build a Solar power station in Victoria, Australia, which would be the world's largest PV power station, at 154 MW. Other large photovoltaic power stations include the Girassol solar power plant (62 MW), and the Waldpolenz Solar Parkmarker (40 MW).

Sketch of a Parabolic Trough Collector


Solar thermal power stations have been successfully operating in Californiamarker commercially since the late 1980s, including the largest solar power plant of any kind, the 350 MW Solar Energy Generating Systems. Nevada Solar Onemarker is another 64MW plant which has recently opened. Other parabolic trough power plants being proposed are two 50MW plants in Spainmarker, and a 100MW plant in Israelmarker.

Information on pump, California.



Third-generation technologies


In terms of Ocean energy, another third-generation technology, Portugalmarker has the world's first commercial wave farm, the Aguçadora Wave Park, under construction in 2007. The farm will initially use three Pelmis P-750 machines generating 2.25 MW. and costs are put at 8.5 million euro. Subject to successful operation, a further 70 million euro is likely to be invested before 2009 on a further 28 machines to generate 525 MW. Funding for a wave farm in Scotlandmarker was announced in February, 2007 by the Scottish Executive, at a cost of over 4 million pounds, as part of a £13 million funding packages for ocean power in Scotland. The farm will be the world's largest with a capacity of 3 MW generated by four Pelamis machines. (see also Wave farm).



Most current solar power plants are made from an array of similar units where each unit is continuously adjusted, e.g., with some step motors, so that the light converter stays in focus of the sun light. The cost of focusing light on converters such as high-power solar panels, Stirling motors, etc. can be dramatically decreased with a simple and efficient rope mechanics. In this technique many units are connected with a network of ropes so that pulling two or three ropes is sufficient to keep all light converters simultaneously in focus as the direction of the sun changes.

Energy efficiency






Nuclear power

It is said that nuclear has the potential to be sustainable, however, this is often qualified with the argument that there are serious challenges that must be dealt with before it can drastically increase its role.

There are potentially two sources of nuclear power. Fission is used in all current nuclear power plants. Fusion is the reaction that powers stars, including the sun, which remains impractical for use on earth. Both types create radioactive waste in the form of activated structural material, which is one of the sustainability issues. Note that Aneutronic fusion such as He3-D fusion or Boron-Proton fusion produce far less or virtually zero radioactivity but are more difficult to fuse.

Fission power's long-term sustainability depends on the amount of uranium and thorium that are available to be mined, on the operators' abilities safely to dispose of the waste and on the continued prevention of major accidents. Estimates for fuel reserves vary widely. Fusion power's long-term sustainability depends on whether or not a practical, affordable technology can be developed.

Technical sustainability of nuclear power

Proponents, such as Christine Todd Whitman and Patrick Moore (both co-chairs of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition) also claim that nuclear power is at least as environmentally friendly as traditional sources of renewable energy, making it part of the solution to global warming and the world's currently growing demand for energy. They note that nuclear power plants, once built and before decommissioning begins, produce little carbon dioxide emissions and point out that the radioactive waste produced is minimal and well-contained, especially compared to fossil fuels. Fast breeder reactors generate both energy and nuclear fuel. Some people object to this claim on the grounds that the nuclear option is not price competitive without heavy government subsidy and the use of government bodies to store and protect such a hazardous waste component.

Green energy


Green energy is commonly thought of in the context of electricity generation. A fuller picture requires appreciation of efficient energy use as well as mechanical power, heating and cogeneration. Consumers, businesses, and organizations may purchase green energy to support further development, help reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity generation, and increase their nation’s energy independence. Renewable energy certificates (green certificates or green tags) have been one way for consumers and businesses to support green energy.

Related terms

In the media, green energy is often used interchangeably with the term Renewable energy. Alternative energy and clean technologies are other terms often used instead of renewable energy. The terms suggest a non-polluting, non-fossil-fuel source. Green power is sometimes used in reference to electricity generated from "green" sources. Brown energy has been used to contrast non-renewable or polluting energy sources with green energy.

Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In practice, this is equivalent to green energy although the different terms can imply a difference of emphasis. For example, hydroelectricity can result in a large-scale damage to local ecosystems and hence might not be considered green. The damage, in terms of the global ecosystem (or biosphere) would be relatively minor and so hydroelectricity might be considered sustainable if used to a limited extent.

Green sources

Green energy includes natural energetic processes that can be harnessed with little pollution. Anaerobic digestion, geothermal power, wind power, small-scale hydropower, solar energy, biomass power, tidal power, and wave power fall under such a category. Some definitions may also include power derived from the incineration of waste.

Some people, including George Monbiot and James Lovelock have specifically classified nuclear power as green energy. Others, including Greenpeace disagree, claiming that the problems associated with radioactive waste and the risk of nuclear accidents (such as the Chernobyl disastermarker) pose an unacceptable risk to the environment and to humanity.

No power source is entirely impact-free. All energy sources require energy and give rise to some degree of pollution from manufacture of the technology.

Comparison to non-green sources



Purchasing green energy through the electrical grid




In some countries such as the Netherlands, electricity companies guarantee to buy an equal amount of 'green power' as is being used by their green power customers. The Dutchmarker government exempts green power from pollution taxes, which means green power is hardly any more expensive than other power.





In countries where suppliers are legally obliged to purchase a proportion of their electricity from renewable sources (for example under the Renewables Obligation in the United Kingdom), there is a danger that energy suppliers may sell such green electricity under a premium "green energy" tariff, rather than sourcing additional green electricity supplies. Where a Renewable Energy Certificate or similar scheme is in operation it is also possible for the energy supplier to sell the green electricity to the consumer, and also sell the certificate to another supplier who has failed to meet their quota, rather than "retiring" the certificate from the marketplace. In other cases green energy tariffs may involve carbon offsetting rather than purchasing or investing in renewable energy.

Certification schemes to minimise these and similar questionable practices are in place or are being developed in a few countries.

International standards


Purchasing green energy through the gas grid

The market for heating is mostly serviced by gas and oil rather than electric power, due to the high cost per kilowatt of electricity in many countries. Distribution of renewable electric power via the electrical grid has made it possible in many countries for consumers to choose renewable electric power, and in the same manner bionatural gas may in the future be made available to the average consumer via the existing natural gas grid.

Local green energy systems

Those not satisfied with the third-party grid approach to green energy via the power grid can install their own locally-based renewable energy system. Renewable energy electrical systems from solar to wind to even local hydro-power in some cases, are some of the many types of renewable energy systems available locally. Additionally, for those interested in heating and cooling their dwelling via renewable energy, geothermal heat pump systems that tap the constant temperature of the earth, which is around 7 to 15 degrees Celsius a few feet underground, are an option and save money over conventional natural gas and petroleum-fueled heat approaches.

United States


Small business




Using green energy


Some examples are:




Several large-scale energy storage suggestions for the grid have been done. This improves efficiency and decreases energy losses but a conversion to a energy storing mains electricity grid is a very costly solution. Some costs could potentially be reduced by making use of energy storage equipment the consumer buys and not the state. An example is car batteries in personal vehicles that would double as an energy buffer for the electricity grid. However besides the cost, setting-up such a system would still be a very complicated and difficult procedure. Also, energy storage apparatus' as car batteries are also built with materials that pose a threat to the environment (eg sulphuric acid). The combined production of batteries for such a large part of the population would thus still not quite environmental. Besides car batteries however, other large-scale energy storage suggestions for the grid have been done which make use of less polluting energy carriers (eg compressed air tanks and flywheel energy storage).

Green energy and labelling by region

European Union

Directive 2004/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market includes the article 5 (Guarantee of origin of electricity from high-efficiency cogeneration).

United Kingdom

See Green electricity in the United Kingdom for further information.


[[Image:Electricity production in France.PNG|thumb|right|350px|Nuclear power gives France the cleanest air of any industrialized country in the world.


Over 75% of french electricity comes from nuclear power plants. France is the largest net exporter of electricity in the world. Electricity exports generate over 3 billion euros of revenue a year for France. French electricity costs are among the lowest in Europe. A major factor in the low cost of electricity in France is the use of a single reactor design, which allows for economies of scale. French emissions are among the lowest in the developed world, with 10 tons of equivalents per person per year. Danish citizens emit an average of 14 tons of equivalents per person per year. Even Iceland, with its abundance of geothermal energy for heating, has higher per Capita emissions at 10.4 tons of equivalents per Capita.


In Spainmarker green energy is regulated by the Orden ITC/1522/2007.


José Sócrates, the Portuguese Prime-minister said that Portugal is to become one of the largest producers and users of this type of energy in Europe by 2010, and that Portugalmarker has a great potential to produce solar, water, waves, geothermic and wind energies.

United States

The United States Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) recognizes the voluntary purchase of electricity from renewable energy sources (also called renewable electricity or green electricity) as green power.


The EPA recognized the West Division of Macy's Inc., The Timberland Company, and the City of Chicomarker, California, for their on-site generation of solar power, and also recognized New York Universitymarker and six companies for purchasing green power. The EPA also named the city of Bellingham, Washingtonmarker, and six more companies as their Green Power Partners of the Year. Among all the companies, PepsiCo stands out as a partner of the year, because three of its bottling companies were also honored for buying green power. In addition, CRS awarded its Market Development Awards to the Western Washington Green Power Campaign, Clif Bar, and two individuals: John Schaeffer and Bill Spratley.


Oceania & Pacific


See Green electricity in Australia for further information

See also


  2. [1]
  4. Hydroelectric power's dirty secret revealed New Scientist, 24 February 2005.
  5. Solar water heating
  6. Solar assisted air-conditioning of buildings
  8. Largest U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System Begins Construction at Nellis Air Force Base
  9. Nellis activates Nations largest PV Array
  10. Australia advances with solar power The Times, 26 October 2006.
  11. Solar Systems projects
  12. 62 MW Solar PV Project Quietly Moves Forward Renewable Energy Access, 18 November 2005.
  13. World’s largest solar power plant being built in eastern Germany
  14. Wind energy gathers steam, US biggest market: survey
  16. Global wind energy markets continue to boom – 2006 another record year
  17. European wind companies grow in U.S.
  18. Solar One is "go" for launch
  19. Israeli company drives the largest solar plant in the world
  20. America and Brazil Intersect on Ethanol Renewable Energy Access, 15 May 2006.
  21. How to manage our oil addiction - CESP
  22. New Rig Brings Brazil Oil Self-Sufficiency Washington Post, 21 April 2006.
  23. Worldwatch Institute and Center for American Progress (2006). American energy: The renewable path to energy security
  24. International Energy Agency (2006). World Energy Outlook 2006 p. 8.
  26. Sea machine makes waves in Europe BBC News, 15 March 2006.
  27. Wave energy contract goes abroad BBC News, 19 May 2005.
  28. Primeiro parque mundial de ondas na Póvoa de Varzim
  29. Orkney to get 'biggest' wave farm BBC News, 20 February 2007.
  30. Turbine technology is turning the tides into power of the future
  31. SeaGen Turbine Installation Completed
  32. Nanosolar ships first panels
  33. Solar power nanotechnology may cut cost in half, executives say
  34. Concepts for new sustainable energy technologies
  35. InterAcademy Council (2007). Lighting the way: Toward a sustainable energy future
  37. United Nations Environment Programme and New Energy Finance Ltd. (2007), p. 17.
  38. Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2008 p. 8.
  39. World Nuclear Association. Nuclear Power and Sustainable Development.
  40. Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear Energy Institute - Environmentalists
  41. Low Level Radioactive Fly Ash From Burning Coal. [
  42. Carcinogen Hazards of Coal
  43. Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear Energy Institute - Environmentalists
  44. TransACT
  45. "Buzz terms in the eco sphere" (The Hindu Business Line)
  47. The Energy Institute
  48. Going Nuclear: A Green Makes the Case, The Washington Post, April 16, 2006
  49. France closes its last coal mine, BBC, April 23, 2004
  50. France: Vive Les Nukes, "60 Minutes," CBS, April 8, 2007
  51. Hot idea: Fight warming with nuclear power, MSNBC, July 7, 2005
  52. Environmentalists For Nuclear Energy
  53. [2]
  54. [3]
  55. [4]
  56. Renewable Energy, by Professor John Twidell
  58. Lovelock, James (2006). The Revenge of Gaia. Reprinted Penguin, 2007. ISBN 978-0-141-02990-0
  61. Greenhouse Emissions of Nuclear Power
  62. Nuclear proliferation through coal burning — Gordon J. Aubrecht, II, Ohio State University
  64. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.[5]
  65. "Energy Distribution"U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.[6]
  66. [Whittington, H.W. "Electricity generation: Options for reduction in carbon emissions". Philosophical transactions in mathematics, physcial, and engineering sciences. Vol. 360, No. 1797. (Aug. 15, 2002) Published by: The Royal Society]
  70. Green Power labels not yet at full power, Leonardo Energy, published 2007-01-15, accessed 2007-06-07
  71. Eugene Green Energy Standard, Eugene Network, accessed 2007-06-07
  72. Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands 'Heat from Biomass via Synthetic Natural Gas'
  73. Danish Gas Technology Centre 'Sustainable Gas Enters the European Gas Distribution System'
  77. French Nuclear Power: WNA
  78. FRONTLINE: nuclear reaction: Why the French Like Nuclear Energy
  79. Globalis - an interactive world map - France - Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Capita
  80. Globalis - an interactive world map - Denmark - Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Capita
  81. Globalis - an interactive world map - Iceland - Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Capita

External links

2008] - Free e-book from United Nations Energy Programme.

Embed code:

Got something to say? Make a comment.
Your name
Your email address