Sustainable energy Flashcards
What is energy access?
The definition of energy access of: “a household having reliable and affordable access to both clean cooking facilities and to electricity, which is enough to supply a basic bundle of energy services initially, and then an increasing level of electricity over time to reach the regional average”
Why is energy access important for human well-being?
Energy access is a fundamental pillar for achieving human well-being and sustainable development. It impacts:
- health
- economic growth
- education
- quality of life
- environmental sustainability
- social equity.
Ensuring energy access for all is vital for reducing poverty and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Name three approaches to identifying if an energy strategy is feasible
- Technical Feasibility
- Economic Feasibility
- Environmental and Social Feasibility
What does the SDG7 say?
SDG7 says: “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy”.
What are the targets for the SDG7?
The targets of the goal 7 are:
- By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
- By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
- By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
What is mitigation?
Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which are the primary drivers of climate change. The goal of mitigation is to limit the extent of future climate change by slowing down the accumulation of GHGs in the atmosphere. Examples of strategies include: Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation to lower overall energy consumption.
What is adaptation?
Adaptation involves adjusting to the actual or expected impacts of climate change. Since some degree of climate change is inevitable due to past emissions, adaptation strategies aim to minimize the damage and increase the resilience of societies and ecosystems to climate-related risks. Examples of strategies are: Building flood defenses and improving drainage systems to protect against rising sea levels and more intense storms and developing drought-resistant crops to ensure food security in regions facing increased water scarcity.
What is carbon leakage?
Carbon leakage refers to the phenomenon where, due to strict climate policies or regulations in one country or region, industries or businesses relocate their production to countries with less stringent environmental regulations. This leads to an increase in carbon emissions in those less regulated areas, effectively undermining the efforts to reduce global emissions. The result is that while one country or region reduces its emissions, the global total may not decrease, or may even increase, due to the shift in production and emissions to other regions.
What is technical feasibility?
Technical Feasibility
This approach assesses whether the necessary technology and infrastructure exist to implement the energy strategy. It involves evaluating the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of the proposed energy sources and systems. For instance, if a strategy involves switching to renewable energy, it would require analyzing the availability of wind, solar, or hydropower resources, the grid’s ability to integrate these energy sources, and the technical capacity to store or distribute energy effectively.
What is economic feasibility?
Economic Feasibility
Economic feasibility analyzes the financial aspects of implementing the energy strategy, such as upfront costs, operational and maintenance expenses, and potential savings or revenue generation. It includes cost-benefit analysis and assessments of how the strategy will impact energy prices, as well as the availability of funding or subsidies. A strategy is economically feasible if it offers a good return on investment or if the long-term savings outweigh the initial expenditures.
What is environmental and social feasibility?
Environmental and Social Feasibility
This approach looks at the environmental and social impacts of the energy strategy. It examines whether the strategy aligns with sustainability goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or minimizing land use impacts, and evaluates its social acceptability, such as how it affects local communities or creates jobs. A strategy should promote environmental conservation and ensure that it benefits, rather than harms, society.
In which ways can bioenergy be negative for the environment?
There are examples where bioenergy expansion causes
very large LUC emissions. May provide renewable fuels
and materials but will not contribute positively to climate
change mitigation in the coming decades
