- The Causes of Global Warming
Global Warming has always been an issue of debate, with environmentalists vehemently raising their voice against it. The main reason cited for global warming by researchers is the emission of greenhouse gases largely because of ever-increasing population and related changes in standard of living (Derek Markham, 2009). The main greenhouse gases causing this effect are carbon dioxide, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and methane (WMO, 2011). These are caused mainly by burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gases for generation of electricity, running vehicles, warming and other industrial processes.
- Effects of Global Warming
The greenhouse gases when emitted in the atmosphere act like a thick blanket, which traps the sun’s rays heat resulting in an increase in temperature (NRDC Report, 2005). This is causing the snow capped glaciers to melt at a very faster rate and hence increase in the sea level. Global warming is affecting the whole world with many countries witnessing worst wildfires, droughts, dust storms and declining snow accumulation.
- Need for sustainable (non-polluting) energy sources
Because of limited sources of fossil fuels and serious environmental issues caused by their indiscriminate use, the role of renewable energy sources is gaining importance in recent times. Renewable energy sources are natural resources that are replenished sustainably. Some examples are Solar, Wind, Biofuel, Geothermal, Hydropower, Tidal Energy, to name a few. These are clean technologies and produce no harmful greenhouse gases. Thus, renewable energy sources are being looked upon as an alternative to fossil fuels in times to come (Kelton T. Busby, 2012). Renewable energy generation requires less maintenance as compared to conventional methods of power generation and since these use natural resources, the overall cost of operation is also comparatively less. It may be worthwhile to take a case study of United Arab Emirates and the scope of renewable energy sources in this particular country.
- Geography and climate of the UAE
The United Arab Emirates faces extreme hot climate due its sandy landscape. The climate is mainly sub-tropical and remains sunny almost the whole year (Rhea Lewis, 2014). Overall, the climate of UAE may be categorized as extreme hot and highly humid. In the wake of such extreme weather conditions in UAE, it is important to study some of the sustainable (renewable) energy sources such as bio-fuel, tidal and wind. Also, these sources are to be analyzed in order to study their scope for implementation in UAE.
- Bio-fuel
Bio-fuel is a type of renewable energy obtained from biomass like plant matter or by the manure waste and is mainly used as a transportation fuel (R.P.Seigel, 2012). The most common forms of bio-fuels are ethanol and biodiesel (Ethan Goffman, 2009).
The various advantages of biofuel are that it is renewable, low cost, environment friendly, carbon neutral and cheap. Biodiesel is being considered as a better alternative to diesel as it provides better lubrication and is biodegradable (Evangelos and Costas, 2009).
However, there are some limitations of bio-fuels such as emission of nitrous oxide, requirement of land for cultivation of biofuel crops and requirement of modifications in vehicle engines (Solar feeds, 2012).
- Tidal Energy
Tidal energy, as the name implies, utilizes the energy of the tides for producing electricity or other useful forms. It is a form of renewable energy produced by the tides, which are cyclical movement of the sea, caused by gravitational effect of sun and moon on the earth.
The various advantages of tidal energy are that it is an environment friendly, does not cause pollution and greenhouse gases, is consistent because tides occur throughout the day, highly efficient (almost 80% efficiency as compared to fossil fuels having only 30% efficiency), low operating cost and longer life of tidal plants (Andy Goldman, 2013).However, these also suffer from certain disadvantages such as high initial cost, long distance from the grid (which increase the transportation cost of electricity), environmental effects (it affects the marine life), high maintenance cost and limited by location (Mathias Aarre Maehlum, 2013).
- Wind Energy
Wind energy is the process of generating electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of wind using wind turbines. These turbines convert kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which can be used to generate electricity or any other specific task.
The biggest advantage of wind energy source is that it is environment friendly, clean, cheap, utilizes very less space for installation.
However, wind energy is very unpredictable, location-specific, high maintenance cost, noisy and inconvenient to people living in its vicinity, dangerous for birds.
- Implementation of bio-fuel energy in UAE
A lot of work is being undertaken in UAE for implementation of renewable energy sources for meeting the current needs (Nimer et al., 2012). Algae Research Laboratory and Microbial Environmental and Chemical Engineering Laboratory (MECEL) are dedicatedly working towards utilizing algae for producing new types of biofuels. Recently at a conference held in Dubai, an expert from Madar Institute told “The algae available in the UAE desert is unique because it is local to the UAE, and can stand a wide change in temperature. It can also live under high salinity ranges, one of the ‘highest’ to date of any algae species, and can be used throughout the year, offering a long harvesting season.”(Masdar Institute News, 2013). Due to these special features and traits, the UAE has the capability to become a pioneer in the biofuels production from algae (Staff Report, 2013).
The only hurdle for successful implementation of biofuels as a renewable energy source in UAE has been the initial high cost required for setting up algae to biofuel industry. However, the experts believe that with the recent breakthrough in technology, algae to biofuel industry will become a profitable venture in coming times.
- Implementation of tidal energy in UAE
The tidal energy in UAE is still in its infancy because of limited potential in this country (Ayoub Kazim, 2012). Since other renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal and biofuel are in abundance, these sources are getting much attention and are emerging as major contributors in renewable energy share in the electricity market.
- Implementation of wind energy in UAE
Wind energy finds a widespread potential in UAE especially in Kuwait region. Salam & Mazrooei (2007) have reported that there has been a significant increase in wind speed in recent years in Kuwait. This potential could be tapped by setting up windmills at strategic locations to produce electrical energy (Jonkman J.M., 2003).
However, the biggest hurdle in a successful implementation of this scheme is a huge initial cost required for setting up the complex wind turbines (Mohammed Ansari, 2013). This obstacle can be tackled by government taking some initiatives such as providing subsidies to private investors for undertaking such projects. Another problem is the availability of a suitable place for implementing these schemes as the construction site needs to be free from wind blockage.11. Conclusion
There is a huge potential for implementation of renewable energy sources such as Solar, geothermal, wind and biofuel in UAE as these are available in abundance there (Toufic et al., 2011). The only impediment is that initial funding is required for their successful implementation. The government of UAE can take initiatives by providing some incentives to private investors. Also, a detailed analysis is required to understand the long-term cost benefits as well as calculating the payback period of such schemes.
References
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