In light of COP21 and this blog's (slowly developing) aims to investigate resource utilisation with regards energy production, it makes sense to look at renewables! Essentially, renewables can provide countries with unlimited, free electricity, if the conditions are correct. Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising to know that sunnier countries have pledged high levels of solar energy investment to contribute towards their carbon targets.
Morocco has made great strives towards reducing their reliance on coal. In 2011, Morocco was heavily reliant (47%) on coal for energy production. However, this has considerably reduced from 2001 (77%). Furthermore, they have made great steps through commitments at COP21, agreeing to reduce GHG emissions by 32% by 2030 through 50% renewable electricity generation by 2025 and reduced energy consumption of 15% by 2030. Finally, and most significantly, they have offered to host COP22, solidifying their drive and dedication to meeting their climate objectives.
To do this, Morocco requires support. The UN Green Climate Fund can be of some help; however investment by private companies is becoming increasingly significant in efforts. Saudi investment has been important in the Arab region.
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| The shining hope in COP21 (Source) |
A solar thermal plant planned to open next month will aim to eventually supply energy for 20 hours a day from energy collected from the sun and thermally-stored in liquid salt. The potential renewable generation capacity could provide export capacity to Europe, instead of the heavy importation of electricity from Spain.
Another great blog post has questions the hopefulness of COP21, citing Morocco and Ethiopia as leaders in setting targets internationally. I agree that more needs to be done - but maybe the baby steps will eventually make more of an impact in the future? I think there is some hope from COP21, even if it is only the smaller and less developed countries providing that hope.
I agree with you, solar has to be used to meet the targets! If the workshop we did taught me anything it was the magnitude of changes that are required - all options must be taken! Im interested as to what other renewables you think are needed to be part of the greener future "mix"! Maybe nuclear will make an appearance?!
ReplyDeleteI really want to take a look at nuclear in the future, but I think I will contrast your blog with looking at renewables and how they can be used sustainably in the future! Thanks for the suggestion Laurence!
DeleteYou stated that renewables could provide free electricity. Could you expand on this? I have to say i disagree in terms of generating energy there will always be costs and you must consider the costs of creation of renewable powers and especially maintenance. What is your opinion on this?
ReplyDeleteAh, you are completely correct! I should have put "relatively" free electricity. Compared to other forms of electrical generation (coal, gas and nuclear), the fuel is free and hence the lifetime cost can be seen as less.
DeleteI agree with your point regarding maintenance: although is relatively cheap in wealthier countries to procure, install and maintain power generation facilities, in less developed countries, the skill base and additional finances may not be available.
Now unfortunately, as renewables are still viewed as unreliable and so in the UK, the cost per MW is much higher for renewables and maintenance costs consume most of the continous costs for renewables (between £23 and £36/MW generated for onshore, more teails can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/223940/DECC_Electricity_Generation_Costs_for_publication_-_24_07_13.pdf ))
I hope this is helpful!
I'm actually quite impressed by the dramatic changes Morocco has made in its energy mix! It shows that a country CAN make drastic changes away from coal/other fossil fuels. Do you know how much money they are asking for from the UN Green Climate Fund?
ReplyDeleteI am too, Morocco is really taking advantage of the opportunities environmental opportunities they have! To answer your question, they are requesting a total of US$45bn by 2030, of which they will ask for US$35bn through the UN Green Climate Fund. the rest of the money is hoped to come from private investment. Some of this money (ironically) has come from Saudi Arabia through private investment in renewables. Maybe Morocco and other Saharan countries will become a global energy power house in the future?
DeleteWhilst I agree that renewables are always a good idea, can't help but be the cynical one and point out that they are still the least efficient source of energy.
ReplyDeleteI think I read somewhere once that if Germany wanted to completely power its country through solar, it would need to cover at least 1% of its total landmass with solar farms. Whilst 1% on paper doesn't seem much, in real life that is hugely significant. The infrastructural cost for such a project as well would be insane, and is beyond the reach of most countries today, who could much more easily rely on cheaper, more effective non-renewables.
There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to make renewables a truly feasible alternative, but some progress is better than none.
I do agree, they are very inefficient. But consider the fact you just proposed.
Delete1% of total landmass is required to power Germany through solar. To begin with, solar is an inefficient option for Germany (wind and hydropower is a preferable and the dominant renewable option for much of South Germany). However, Germany's urban landmass accounts for 13% of total landcover (Fisher et al., 2009: http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/md/awi/forschung/dp484.pdf). Utilising existing rooftop space should amply supply Germany's power supply. So space should not be an issue.
The second aspect to your statement is the key issue in the argument for renewables. Cost. To install a whole country's worth of roof-top solar panels would be very expensive. The benefit, however, is you do not need to spend €2bn to build a new nuclear power plant. With renewables you can build as much as you have the funds for as they are individually cheaper.
When the price comes down, renewables should become more accessible, and hopefully the issue of cost becomes negligible!