 Engineering and Technology Solutions |
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There is no doubt that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are increasing due to the increasing energy demand as a result of industrial expansion and increasing human population. The technology aspects of carbon management can be broadly classified into three areas:
This classification is done based on the fact that a rapid or sudden change to non-fossil fuel energy sources would result in an unmanageable disruption to the energy supply infrastructure, and substantial consequences to the world economy.
[click here to see detailed chart] ZOOM for better view Hence, alternative energy sources such as low-CO2 energy sources as well those with reduced carbon dioxide emissions, namely, renewable energy sources, and other cleaner energy sources have to be developed and introduced on a large scale. Meanwhile, energy efficient systems have to be developed and implemented in order to prolong the availability of fossil fuels for as long as possible without depletion, and, simultaneously use technological advances to allow continued usage of the the fossil fuels with reduced emissions. Alternative energy includes renewable energy sources as well as other energy sources that have no or lower carbon emission potential. For their widespread usage, these technologies have to become cost-effective, with a need for environmental concerns and others to be overcome.
Renewable energy sources are those that do not tap on fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. Renewable energy sources are broadly classified into:
Other 'low or no carbon potential' energy sources are: More efficient use of energy (otherwise known as fuel economy) is another way to conserve our renewable energy resources, and to utilise them in an efficient manner without wastage and minimum greenhouse emissions. In household applications, increasing energy efficiency of lighting, refrigerators, air-conditioning, and other appliances; in the transportation sector, improved lubriation systems (including lubricants), design of aircraft, ground and marine vehicles, efficient IC engines with lower emissions and better control (using MEMS technology) will all help to be cost-effective means to significantly reduce energy use.
[more about Energy efficient appliances] Technological advances are advances in science or engineering that can be applied either on:
Sustainable development, focusing on green technologies, green chemistry and source reduction, to improve processes such that their environmental impact is minimal has to be promoted. [more details on clean coal technology] Also, technologies for Carbon Emission Reduction (CER) must be developed, promoted, and implemented.
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