Problem statement
Azerbaijan like many countries in the world is dependent on fossil fuels as a source of its energy. Being a fossil fuel rich country, fossil fuels are widely used to produce majority of the energy needed in the country. However, fossil fuels have a number of problems associated with them. They are a finite resource and human beings are using them at a much faster rate than the earth can replace them. Therefore, in the future humans will deplete all natural occurring fossil fuels (Michaelides, 2012). Furthermore, carbon compound makes up fossil fuels. This implies that burning up fossil fuels releases the carbon into the atmosphere where it is responsible for environmental degradation. Large carbon particles are responsible for smog in many cities while carbon itself being heavier than air contributes to the greenhouse effect that is resulting in rising global temperatures (Heshmati, Abolhosseini, & Altmann, 2015).
It is therefore important that Azerbaijan examine alternative sources of fuel for its energy. Most countries are focusing on renewable energy and more sustainable fuels as alternatives to fossil fuels. Azerbaijan should also take this direction in order to meet its growing future energy demands. Alternative sources of fuel can include bio fuel, solar, wind, hydropower, as well as nuclear energy (Buxton, 2015). The best choice for Azerbaijan would be a fuel that is suitable to its environment. Solar power is most suitable within the tropics where there are no major changes between seasons. Sunshine is available throughout the year. Wind power is suitable in areas where there are high winds throughout the year. Hydroelectric power generation requires the selection of a suitable spot where water dam construction is possible in order to generate power (Heshmati, Abolhosseini, & Altmann, 2015). The different alternatives considered depend on their suitability for Azerbaijan.
Research objective
The objectives of this research will be to determine the most suitable alternative fuels for use in Azerbaijan. Currently, the country is dependent on fossil fuels for generation of most of its energy. However, fossil fuels are not sustainable and are harmful to the environment and the country needs to adapt alternative fuels to supplement and eventually replace fossil fuels. The research will therefore look at the various alternative fuels available and assess their suitability for Azerbaijan.
As a result, the research will aim to answer the following questions
What alternative fuels are finding use across the world?
What is the suitability for each of these fuels for use in Azerbaijan?
Importance/benefits
This research is very important for the country as a whole. Fossil fuels have been in use for a long time and they have powered the world for over a century. However, over the years, the harm caused by extensive use of fossil fuels is clear for everyone to see. The most dangerous problem that has resulted from the use of fossil fuels is global warming (Johnson, 2014). Fossil fuels form when living organisms die and are compressed in the earth to form oil and natural gas. Carbon is the building block for many living organisms; therefore, the forces of the earth (pressure and heat) compress this carbon to form fossil fuels. When these fuels burn to produce energy, they release carbon into the atmosphere. Carbon being heavier than air forms a low-lying cover over the earth. This traps the heat from the sun on the earth’s surface, resulting in an increase in global temperatures (Engdahl, 2015).
Fossil fuels are also unreliable globally. Only a few countries produce most of the fossil fuels used globally. This means that prices of energy can be volatile depending on the producers. Finally, fossil fuels are a finite resource and there will come a time for depletion of all natural sources. Many countries have recognized these problems associated with fossil fuels and have committed to diversifying their fuel sources (Engdahl, 2015). This research is important since it will help Azerbaijan to identify alternative sources of fuel that are suitable for the country.
This will enable the company to fulfill its obligations to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, alternative fuels will be cleaner sources of energy, which will make the country’s own environment a bit cleaner for its citizens. Finally, the research will help the country to identify the alternatives that best work for it. There are many alternative sources of fuel. However, not all are suitable for every country. For example, geothermal energy is only harnessed in geothermal active zones. Similarly, hydroelectric power can only be harnessed if a country has a river that can be dammed.
Research design
The design of this research will be exploratory. At the beginning of the research, the researcher will be armed with a list of alternative fuel sources available in the world. The researcher will then look at each alternative individually against a set of factors to determine its suitability for use in Azerbaijan. Analysis of secondary sources will give most of the information required in this research. Previous studies focusing on alternative fuels have been carried out and the information is readily available. Additional information about the geography of the country is also readily available. This information will be used to give new information that will guide the suitability of each alternative fuel in Azerbaijan. At the end of the research, the researcher will be able to have a list of alternative fuels sources suitable for Azerbaijan and their ranking depending on how they score on a number of factors.
There will also be supporting information available to support each of the choices made. For example, solar power is one of the most commonly touted alternative fuels in the world. It is abundant and free. However, numerous factors affect the suitability of solar as an alternative fuel. Among these can be the geography of the country and cost of installation among others. If a region does not get enough sunshine, installing solar power there would not be suitable. This is the same as installing wind turbines in a sheltered valley. Production would be inefficient and therefore unsuitable for the region. Using such information, the researcher can easily determine the suitability of solar in the country. This information can also be used to determine whether it is suitable as an alternative or a supplement for energy.
Results and deliverables
The results of this research will consist of a list of alternative fuels available in the world. This will be a weighted list with a weighted score for each alternative fuel. The score will determine the suitability for use of a specific alternative fuel in Azerbaijan. One alternative may be favored in some regions but it does not mean it is suitable everywhere. This list will therefore be specific about the various alternative fuels and their suitability in Azerbaijan. This list will provide a guide for the use of alternative fuels in the country depending on their suitability.
References:
Buxton, G. (2015). Alternative energy technologies: An introduction with computer simulations. Boca Raton : CRC Press
Engdahl, S. (2015). Energy alternatives. Farmington Hills: Cengage Learning
Heshmati, A., Abolhosseini, S., & Altmann, J. (2015). The development of renewable energy sources and its significance for the environment. New York: Springer
Johnson, R. (2014). Chasing the wind: Inside the alternative energy battle. Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press
Michaelides, E. (2012). Alternative energy sources. Heidelberg: Springer.
