- Consider this argument, If bio-diesel becomes widespread, there will be fewer refineries and oil fields and hence fewer targets. What do you think?
A. The argument encompasses two particular issues. First, large quantities of biomass are needed to produce ample quantity of biodiesel. In addition, there are poor regions that although capable of producing large quantities of biomass are facing logistical problems due to lack sufficient ports and transportation infrastructure to bring the raw materials to high-demand regions such as EU. Secondly, the preparation for technological breakthroughs anticipated for the 2nd generation biofuels will have a higher demand for new shipping (Bradley et al., 2009). Therefore, if biodiesel becomes widespread the supply will not be able to keep up with the demand. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration (2010), requires about 2.25 billion gallons per year. However, current rate of biodiesel production per year is only at 700 million gallons per year as of 2008 with marginal annual production increase of 250 million gallons. The figures suggests fewer supply targets for the marine industry and with legislations encouraging the use of biodiesel gradually depletes the number of oil fields that will eventually result to the depletion of oil supply for the marine industry.
- Granted the interdependency between energy security and energy infrastructure security, can you give me a concrete example of how improving the former will improve the latter?
A. Vulnerabilities exist between energy security and energy infrastructure. It is apparent that energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at a reasonable price and energy infrastructure security refers to the mitigation of potential threats and vulnerabilities to energy resources and facilities. Improving energy security follows an improvement to energy infrastructure security (Strachan et al., 2010). For example, energy-supplying countries are seeking for more assured and stable sales market to finance its further investment to produce more energy. Therefore, assuring the energy supplier with stable local market will entail a cooperative venture between the supplier and the importing country (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, 2006). This cooperation will encourage the supplier to put up investments in the importing country for facility expansion, processing plants and distribution channels. For instance, the importing country signs a long-term partnership with the supplying country; this will ensure market stability in the importing country. When the market is established, it will be easier for the importer to encourage the supplier to build processing plants in the importing country. Imported raw fuel processed locally is more cost-efficient for both parties. Once the supply and infrastructure are established, this will entail authorities to intensify security measures to protect the facilities from vulnerabilities and ultimately to avoid disruption of supply, thus enhancing security for both energy source and infrastructure.
References
Bradley, D., Diesenreiter, F., Wild, M., & Tromborg, E. (2009). World Biofuel Maritime Shipping Study. For IEA Task 40. Retrieved from http://www.bioenergytrade.org/downloads/worldbiofuelmaritimeshippingstudyjuly120092df.pdf
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (2006). Energy supply security: inclusive approach needed. Retrieved July 24, 2013, from http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/press_room/852.htm
Strachan, N., Howells, C., Heaps, H., Huntington, S., Kypreos, A., Hughes, S., Silveira, J., DeCarlos, M., Bazillian, M., & Rhoerl, A. (2010). OSEMOSYS – The Open Source Energy Modelling System,. Retrieved from http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tikiindex.phppage=1002_MP_Osemosys
US Maritime Administration (2010). The Use of Biodiesel Fuels in the U.S. Marine Industry. Maritime Administration: Contract No. DTMA1D05007, TO090000055 . Retrieved from http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/The_Use_of_Biodiesel_Fuels_in_the_US_Marine_Industry.pdf
