Internal proposal for solar and nuclear energy
The purpose of this internal proposal is to propose the use of solar and nuclear energy as the main sources of energy to generate electricity to solve the current energy problems that face individual households, industries, and organizations across the globe.
Summary
The current energy crisis existing across the world is pushing countries to come up with effective sources of energy that are cost effective and friendly to the environment. Energy shortage and blackouts cause a lot of financial problems to people and industries. These energy shortages are as a result of economic, environmental and social problems. The decrease in supply and increase in the demand for energy are the main causes of this energy shortage. There is a need for the government to come up with new energy facilities to meet the growing demand for energy to avert these energy crises. Adoption of both solar and nuclear sources of energy can help in providing a solution to the energy crises being experienced.
Introduction
The internal proposal would seek to provide an insight on how the use of these sources of energy can be cost-effective to the organization and how the organization has been incurring problems for not utilizing these effective sources of energy in its production processes. Energy crisis threatens the economic progress, compromises the national security, and generally it affects the way the society lives and undertake its activities (Jasper & James 11).
The energy sector in the country is usually faced by energy shortage and blackouts resulting to energy crisis (Slattery & Meg). This might be caused by selfish individuals who want the energy prices to go up so that they may reap vast profits from the public and companies. This is often made possible by defrauding officials who run the national power grid and interfering with the supply of energy. These groups of people could establish political ties so that they may enjoy the support of the politicians. This is evident in the Enron energy crisis in California where companies intentionally caused electricity shortage so that its prices can increase for their own benefits without taking into consideration the plight of the end users.
Figure 1: shows the history of energy consumption in the United States.
figure1: shows energy consumption by sector in the United States.
Energy shortage and blackouts cause a lot of financial losses to both individuals and organizations. It causes to lose of billions of dollars (Slattery & Meg). There is also a growing concern that other sources of energy such as fossils are being overused and they might get finished in the near future meaning that, they would not be available for the future generation to use them (Jasper & James11). Efforts to reduce global warming are increasing and, therefore, energy friendly sources are needed to reduce environmental pollution and for sustainable development. These energy crises have compelled this proposal to address this problem and to provide the solutions to the problem; causal analysis of the problem; major activities; approaches; solutions to the problem; innovations being developed to address and recommendations.
Current situation
The United States is the second country in the world in terms of energy consumption after China. The majority of this energy consumed is from the fossils fuels. During the 18th century, the United States was an agrarian society and fire woods served as the main source of energy to the majority of Americans (Jasper & James15). As industrialization increased, coal was adopted as the main source of energy. This source of energy is not environment-friendly as it causes a lot of pollution. Coal remained the primary source of energy before it was overtaken by petroleum and gas (Slattery & Meg). Natural gas replaced coal since it is cleaner and its transportation is easier and cheap. Currently, the United States enjoys various sources of energy including solar and nuclear energy.
The demand for energy in the United States is very high. Most of the people and industries use electricity as the main source of energy since they believe that it is the convenient source of energy (Jasper & James 11). A lot of energy is needed for use in the automobiles. This increase in the demand for energy in the United States causes shortage leading to a need for the increase in the supply of energy (Slattery & Meg). This can only happen if the economy adopts multiple sources of energy to meet the growing energy needs. The growth in the energy sector is being affected by economic, environmental and social problems. There is an increased pressure on the government to find out new energy facilities.
Energy shortage and blackouts are caused by increased in the industrial development and growth in population. Changes in the prices of these energy sources limit some people from accessing some of the sources of energy such as electricity (Slattery & Meg). These price changes are caused by the fall in the value of the US dollar and manipulation of electricity prices by some of the officials in the government.
Causal analysis
There are a lot of factors that causes energy shortage in the economy.
a) Increase in demand
The current increase in the demand for energy in the private and public sectors of the economy is causing energy shortage. Over the years, the demand for energy has been supplied by oil (Jasper & James15). The current demand for energy is difficult to meet and this is the reason why solar energy consumption by the private sector should be increased. The energy consumption patterns have changed gradually leading to the misallocation of resources. A lot of people decide to shift to electricity as the source of energy since it is convenient. This increase in the demand for electricity as the primary source of energy creates a shortage. Some sectors of the economy are left without electricity for consumption.
b) Supply problems
`Energy shortage is also caused by the supply problems. With the increase in the energy consumption in the economy, supply also should be increased (Slattery & Meg). This has not happened due to facility citing difficulties, depletion of resources such as fossils and gas, economics and environmental constraints. I can attribute economic factors to be the primary source of energy supply efforts in the United States. The quota system on oil importation puts constraints crude oil imported into the country. The regulations put in place to control the prices of gas have put its prices low in the free market value. These efforts made the industry less attractive for the investors to explore the sector and produce more natural gas for local consumption.
c) Energy industry
The energy industry has been very reluctant in trying to address the energy problems facing the industry. The industry has been slow in implementing the policy on whether it is beneficial for the country to continue relying on domestic energy or it would opt to encourage the importation of more energy to boost the domestic one (Slattery & Meg). Environmental awareness has really affected the activities of energy facilities. Some of them have been forced to terminate their operations or to migrate to new places creating energy shortages.
The laws and regulations governing nuclear facilities, steam electric plants, and refineries are very strict and they delay certifications (Slattery & Meg). These laws have discouraged many investors from venturing into the sector and instead concentrate on other sectors of the economy.
d) Unexplored energy sources that are renewable
The majority of the sectors have not started using renewable sources of energy for their consumption. Most the energy comes from the non-renewable sources of energy (Slattery & Meg). It has since remained the primary source of energy. These non-renewable sources of energy are not economical and they cause greenhouse gas emissions. Dependency on fossils fuels in causing them to get depleted.
e) Wastage of energy
People don’t realize the benefits associated with the conservation of energy. People misuse energy by not switching off their lights when they are not using them, not making maximum use of daylight, walking for short distance instead of driving, proper insulation to minimize energy loss, and using CFL in place of traditional bulbs (Slattery & Meg). It is difficult and hard for people to realize that they are misusing energy since there is an existing assumption in the mind of people that energy can never be exhausted.
f) Corruption
There are some government officials who are corrupt and they may influence the manner in which energy is supplied for their own selfish gains (Jasper & James, p12). Take for example the Enron energy crisis in California where some officials interfered with energy supply for their own selfish gains. They interfere with the energy prices by hiking them so that they may get profits. The increase in the energy prices will make it hard for some people to afford electricity for local consumption.
g) Miscellaneous factors
Hikes in taxes, strikes by workers, natural calamities such volcanoes and floods, political events, and both cold winters and hot summers can cause a sudden shortage in the supply of energy in a country (Jasper & James, p16). For instance, a strike by workers in a company that produces electricity or oil can cause a serious energy crisis in the country disrupting most of the activities.
Available solutions
a) Solar energy
This is the energy that is harnessed from the sun and it provides energy throughout the year. Sunlight is converted to electricity by use of solar panels (Winter et al. 82). Solar energy is readily available to everyone unlike other sources of energy such as fossils fuel. Solar energy will always be there as long as there is the sun. This implies that people will always use solar for their local consumption such as lighting, heating, pumping of water, and cooking. This form of energy can also help address energy shortage since it is not prone to manipulation by politicians and other government officials for their own personal gains.
Solar energy is also a renewable source of energy unlike fossils fuel (Winter et al. 82). Solar energy can be harnessed in all parts of the country provided you have solar panels and the means of storage (Winter et al. 82). The world would always have solar energy and, therefore, this means that solar as a source of energy to the country is reliable. I have noticed most people experience blackouts due to their inability to pay electricity bills. Not everyone can afford to electricity for a whole year. Use of solar energy would help address this problem as is it a cheap source of energy. The only cost associated with solar energy is the maintenance cost of solar panels system. It will help greatly in reducing electricity bills.
As a matter of fact of the energy, shortage is caused due to the closure of energy producing companies due to their behaviors of not being environmental sensitive(Winter et al. 132). They cause a lot of pollution to the environment affecting the ecosystem. With the growing need for control of global warming by countries, the government has become strict on the companies associated with greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is the best form of renewable energy that can be used to address this problem. Solar power is friendly to the environment and hence, it does not interfere with the ecosystem.
Remotes areas are the places that are mostly affected by energy shortages and blackouts due to poor accessibility and infrastructure. These areas have poor infrastructure since it is difficult and costly to set them there. Solar energy can help in addressing this problem. Areas that have no power cables can use solar panels to harness electricity for their local use (Winter et al. 134).
b) Nuclear energy
Use of nuclear energy for private and public consumption can as well help in addressing energy shortage and blackouts. The nuclear reactors help in the production of large amounts of energy by use of an element referred to as uranium (Murray et al. 379). This form of energy production is good since it is friendly to the environment because it produces little amounts of greenhouse emissions. As a result of utilization of nuclear energy, greenhouse gas emissions have reduced significantly meaning it preserves the ecosystem. Most of the energy shortage is caused by the closure of the industries that produce energy for failure to comply with environmental laws put in place by the government in efforts of controlling global warming. Use of nuclear energy is not prone to this closure since it is friendly to the environment.
As we have seen earlier, most of the blackouts are caused by people not being in a position to afford electricity bills. This form of energy produces inexpensive electricity. The cost of uranium that is used in this energy production process is low (Murray et al. 457). The expense also of running nuclear power plants is low.
The use of nuclear energy is very reliable, unlike fossils fuels. If we decide to use fossil fuels as a source of energy, the country will soon run out of energy (Murray et al. 544). Energy shortages will not be experienced since there is sufficient uranium to continue supporting energy production and also nuclear power plants can run for a whole year to produce energy if it is interrupted. This mode of energy production is also reliable since it does not rely on climatic conditions to produce energy.
Nuclear energy is more proficient and it produces a lot of energy than the fossils fuels (Murray et al. 544). They have a high energy density and combined with their reliability it means that it can serve the needs of the growing population. Population growth means a need to have a reliable source of energy to meet their needs. Nuclear energy can be trusted to meet the needs of the economy. The country should increase its time and money on this mode of electricity production if energy shortages are to be addressed efficiently.
c) Other innovations being developed by others
I have noticed that there are other innovations being fronted by other researchers that can help in addressing this energy crisis in the country. The used of wind power and biogas can also provide reliable and renewable sources of energy (Slattery & Meg). These sources of energy are also cheap and friendly to the environment and, therefore, they have the capacity to meet the needs of growing demand for energy.
Scope
Finding the best source of energy to help in solving energy shortages is challenging since it requires a lot of resources to undertake this process. This, therefore, limits me from investigating others sources of energy for their reliability in addressing this problem. The time available to research on this problem is also very limited since am working on a strict schedule and therefore I might address all the factors associated with this problem.
There are fewer researchers, equipment, and resources that are needed to undertake an excellent work are also limited. Some industries may not be willing to disclose information concerning their energy consumptions for fear of being victimized by the government for not adhering to environmental laws. However, the research will be undertaken with the use of available resources such as documentation and studies.
Context of the research
The research will also be concerned with in coming up with the most reliable and cost-effective energy source that is within the reach of all parties in the economy to help address the energy shortage. The research will also serve to prove that, energy shortages can be addressed if concrete measures are put in place solve this problem. Below are project plans, my experience, and budget for the research
Project plan
Upon approval of my proposal, I will proceed to find out which is the most appropriate method to address energy shortage in the country. The tasks that I will undertake are as follows.
Having gathered all the required information needed, I will write a report indicating the most reliable energy source to use to address the problem.
Figure 3: shows the work the schedule that can be used to complete the task
My experience and Qualifications
My experience and academic qualifications in engineering have given me this opportunity to spearhead this process of coming up sustainable and reliable sources of energy that can help the country address energy crises. The following skills played a major role in making me a preferable person to lead this process.
a) Specific knowledge of the industry
I have been able to work as an intern and as a part-time employee in an energy company in California. While working in the company, I equipped myself with the knowledge on the different sources energy available in the country and how each can be harnessed for productivity.
b) Problem-solving skills
Through my undergraduate studies and while working in the energy company, I acquired very vital skills that can help me to solve different problems. The engineering course has mathematics, biology and physics classes and all these courses equip a person with problem-solving skills.
c) Research experience
Prior to this research, I have done so many other studies in different fields and this offers me confidence and the knowledge on how to undertake this research.
d) Writing skills
During my undergraduate studies, we were taught on how to write technical reports and research projects. I have written several funding projects proposals for churches and nongovernmental organizations.
Conclusion
All the necessary processes and resources required to undertake this research are in place. I would appreciate if granted the opportunity to undertake further research.
References
Jasper, James M. Nuclear politics: Energy and the state in the United States, Sweden, and France. Princeton University Press, 2014.
Murray, Raymond, and Keith E. Holbert. Nuclear energy: an introduction to the concepts, systems, and applications of nuclear processes. Elsevier, 2014.
Slattery, Meg. "Energy Security in the United States Department of Defense: How and why the US Army and Navy are reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and the electrical grid, and what it could mean for the rest of us." (2015).
Winter, C-J., Rudolf L. Sizmann, and Lorin L. Vant-Hull, eds. Solar power plants: fundamentals, technology, systems, economics. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
