NOTES ON ENERGY RESOURCES (CHAPTER 04)

CHAPTER - 4

ENERGY RESOURCES

v  Energy refers to an ability to do work. Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but it can be changed from one place to another.

v  Resources are something which is having utility, accessible and plenty in nature, so that it can fulfill the endless desires or needs of the human beings.

Characteristics or features of Resources

1. It gives utility.

2. It is accessible.

3. It is adequate (plenty) in nature.

Q. “Resources are not but they become”. Explain the statement.

ü  Resources are not but they become, which means something becomes resources when it is utilized by man, accessible to man and plenty in nature.

Example: Resources like trees are plenty in nature and is called ad resources because it is useful in every minute of our life because it gives oxygen, fresh air, shelter, used as firewood etc.

Q. Define Energy Resources.

ü  Anything that can be used as a source of energy is called energy resources.

Based on its source and utilization, resources are of TWO types:

1. Renewable Energy Resources.

2. Non-renewable Energy Resources.

Renewable Energy Resources: Those energy resources which can be renewed or replenished once it is used. They are also known as inexhaustible Energy Resources. Example: Solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectricity etc.

Non-renewable Energy Resources: Those energy resources which once used cannot be easily replenished. They are also known as exhaustible energy Resources. Example: Coal and Petroleum.

Q. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy resources.

Renewable Energy Resources	Non-renewable Energy Resources
ü  It can be used time and again. ü  It is unlimited because it is replaced by nature. ü  It can be renewed by the nature. ü  It is not exhaustible by constant used.	ü  It can be used only once. ü  It is limited because it is not replaced by nature. ü  It gets exhausted by constant used.

On the bases of nature, resources are of TWO types:

1.  Conventional Energy Resources.

2. Non-conventional Energy resources.

Q. How are conventional energy resources different from non-conventional    energy resources?

Conventional Energy Resources	Non-conventional Energy Resources
ü  They are used since ancient times. ü  Energy can be obtained by using traditional method. ü  Less initial cost but it becomes costly in the long run. ü  They are difficult to use. ü  Example: Coal, petroleum, wood etc.	ü  They were used only in recent times. ü  Energy can be obtained by scientific knowledge. ü  Initial cost is high but it becomes cheap in long run. ü  They are easy to use. ü  Example: Solar, wind, nuclear etc.

v  CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

1.    COAL

  ü  Coal is a hard solid black substance.

  ü  It is formed from the dead remains of plants, it contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

  ü  It is also called ‘Black Gold’ because of its high utility as a source of energy and as a raw      material for a large number of industries.

  ü  A coal has been described as the ‘Bridge into the Future’ because the world coal reserves   are six times the known reserves of oil.

Formation or Origin of Coal

Coal is formed from the dead remains of plants and photo plankton or phytoplankton. The plants and phytoplankton are buried below the surface and they are preserved in the layers of sedimentary rocks. When plants and phytoplankton’s are influence by high pressure and temperature within the earth crust, they convert themselves into black solid substance known as coal.

Uses of Coal

1. It is used for domestic purposes (heating and lighting).

2. It is used in metallurgical industries as raw materials.

3. It is used for generating of electricity.

4. It is used for earthing.

Coal Mining in Bhutan

The S.D Eastern Bhutan Coal Company in Samdrup Jongkhar is the only coal company in Bhutan and it produces 350 MT (Metric Tonnes) of coal per day.

Varieties / Types of Coal

On the basis of carbon contain, coal may be classified into FOUR types:

1.  Anthracite Coal – very hard, compact, jet black coal which contains over 80% carbon.

2.    Bituminous Coal – Dense, compact, brittle, black colour which contains 60 to 80% carbon.

3.    Lignite (Brown Coal) – Dark to black brown coal which contains 60% carbon.

4.    Peat – not very hard, compact and contains 50 to 60% carbon.

2.    PETROLEUM

Petroleum literally means ‘Rock Oil’. Petroleum is non-renewable energy resource. It is liquid, brown in colour when it is crude form and is yellowish and greenish when it is purified.

It contain hydrocarbon. It is also called as ‘Liquid Gold’ because it is a liquid form valuable and use by people all around the world.

Formation of Petroleum

Petroleum is formed from the dead remains of animals and zoo planktons are buried below the surface and they are preserved in the layers of sedimentary rocks. When animals and zoo plankton are influence by high pressure and temperature within the earth crust, they convert themselves into brown liquid known as petroleum.

Uses of Petroleum

1. It is used in automobiles.

2. It is used for making chemical fertilizers.

3. It is used for generating of electricity.

4. It is used for making cosmetic.

Varieties of Petroleum

1. Paraffin Base Oil – It contains lighter hydrocarbon. It has very high commercial value.

2. Asphalt Base Oil – It contains heavier hydrocarbons and has less commercial value.

3. Mixed Base Oil – It is the mixture of paraffin base oil and asphalt base oil. It contains high percentage of napthene and oils.

Q. “Petroleum is considered as a main stay of modern civilization”. Explain.

“Petroleum is considered as a main stay of modern civilization” because modern world is the world of technology (machines) whatever we do is greatly influence by petroleum.

Q. What are the advantages of petroleum over other source of energy?

1. It can be transported through the underground pipe.

2. More Eco-friendly compared to coal.

3. It releases less smoke.

v  NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

1.    SOLAR ENERGY

It refers to energy obtained from the solar radiation. Solar energy can be trapped by using photovoltaic cell which can be converted solar radiation into electricity. It is used from ancient times for drying meat and vegetables and it is used for heat.

Uses of Solar Energy

1.    It is used for heating and lighting.

2.    It is used for solar cars and solar cookers.

3.    It is used for calculator, watch etc.

4.    It is used in battery charging unit.

5.    It is used in radar.

Q. Write down the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.

Advantages of solar energy	Disadvantages of solar energy
ü  It is pollution free. ü  It is renewable resources and plenty in nature. ü  A continuous supply can be ensured during sunny day.	ü  An initial setting up cost is very expensive. ü  Energy cannot be trap during the cloudy day. ü  Scientific knowledge is required to set up and to use the solar energy.

2.    NUCLEAR ENERGY

The energy which is obtained from the radioactive chemicals such as radium, uranium and thorium, by the process of nuclear fission is called nuclear energy.

Advantages of Nuclear Energy	Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
ü  Huge amount of energy is release or produce by using little amount of chemicals. ü  Nuclear energy is used for generating electricity. ü  Nuclear energy is used for making atom bomb which provides security to particular nation.	ü  Nuclear waster is poisonous; it causes lots of diseases living organism. ü  It is expensive. ü  Nuclear energy is used for atom bomb which is very danger for the nations.

Q. “Nuclear power station is located near nearby water bodies” Explain.

ü  When the power station is producing energy with little amount of radioactive chemicals in a huge quantity, it is very dangerous of explosion of machines due to heat. So for that incident, huge amount of water is required for cooling the machines.

3. WIND ENERGY

The energy which is harnessed from wind is known as wind energy. Wind energy can be harnessed by using wind mills and pumps. It is used for generation of electricity and for running wind mill.

Advantages of Wind Energy

1. It is renewable source of energy.

2. It is a cheapest source of energy.

3. It is Eco-friendly and pollution free energy.

Disadvantages

1. It cannot be generated in an area of low / less wind.

2.  It can be used only for domestic purpose since the power production is low.

3. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

The word ‘Geothermal’ has been derived from Greek word ‘Geo’ meaning earth and ‘Thermal’ which means temperature or heat. Thus, energy obtained from the hot springs and geysers is called Geothermal Energy. It is a renewable energy resource.

Uses / Advantages of Geothermal Energy.

1. It is used for generation of electricity.

2. It is used for heating and lighting purposes.

3. Such energy reduces dependence on fossils fuels.

4. They are unaffected by changing weather conditions.

Disadvantages

1. The construction of power plants affects the land stability in the surrounding area.

2. It may cause pollution (air pollution).

Q. “Bhutan has lots of hot spring yet, Bhutan is not able to produce Geothermal Energy”. Give FOUR reasons to support this statement.

1.Hot springs in Bhutan are small in size.

2. They are located far away from the human settlements.

3. Bhutan lacks capital and scientific knowledge to set up Geothermal Energy.

4. Bhutan has lots of hydro-power projects, so it is not necessary for Bhutan to set up             Geothermal Energy.

WATER RESOURCES

HYDRO-POWER PROJECTS IN BHUTAN

Q. Define Hydro electricity

The production of electricity with the help of water force or energy is called hydro electricity.

Major Rivers in Bhutan

1. Amo Chhu (Torsa) - Phuentsholing

2. Wangchhu (Raidak) - Thimphu

3. Punatshang Chhu (Sankosh) -  Punakha

4. Drangme Chhu (Manas) - Zhemgang

5. Bada Chhu (Nera Ame Ri) - Samdrup Jongkhar

River with Hydro Projects

1. Amo chhu Hydro-power cooperation between Bhutan and India started with signing of    Jaldhaka agreement in the year 1961 and Jaldhaka power station was commissioned in the year 1972.

2. Wang Chhu Hydro-power project was commissioned in the year 1988. It generates 35 KW (Kilo Watt) of electricity.

Punatshang Chhu – Baso Chhu upper phase commissioned in 2002 which generates 24 MW of electricity.    
                             -    Baso Chhu lower phase commissioned in 2005 which generates 40 MW of electricity.

3. Kuri Chhu HEP  – commissioned in 2002 which generates 45 MW of electricity.

History of Electricity in Bhutan

ü  1966:  Diesel motor was used to produce electricity in Phuentsholing.

ü  1967:  First mini hydro project was established in Simtokha in Thimphu generating 360             KW of electricity.

ü  1768: The Dzongkhags like Samtse, Sarpang and Samdrup Jongkhar were electrified by              importing electricity from Assam and West Bengal.

MAJOR POWER PROJECTS OF BHUTAN

     v  Existing Hydro-Electric Power of Bhutan

Name of the HEP	Location / Rivers	Year of Establishment	Total Production Capacity
Chukha HEP	Chukha / Wangchhu	1988	336 MW
Tala HEP	Chukha / Wangchhu	July 2006	1020 MW
Basa Chhu Upper Phase	Wangdue / Punatshangchhu	2002	24 MW
Basa Chhu Lower Phase	Wangdue / Punatshangchhu	2005	40 MW
Kurichhu HEP	Mongar / Kuri Chhu	2002	45 MW

     v  Upcoming HEP of Bhutan

Name of HEP	Location / Rivers	Estimated Production Capacity
Puna Tshangchhu I & II HEP	Wangdue / Punatshangchhu	1200 + 780 MW
Mangde Chhu HEP	Trongsa / Mangdue Chhu	360 MW
Chamkhar Chhu HEP	Bumthang / Chamkhar Chhu	670 MW
Kholong Chhu HEP	Trashiyangtse / Kholong Chhu	680 MW
Khoma Chhu HEP	Lhuentse / Khoma Chhu	322 MW
Daga Chhu HEP	Dagana / Daga Chhu	150 MW
Sankosh Multi-purpose Project	Tsirang / Sankosh	4060 MW
Kami Chhu HEP (Upper Sankosh project)	Wangdue / Sankosh	800 MW

Conditions required for the generation of Hydro-electricity.

      A.   Geographical Factors

            1. Fast flowing water.

            2. Steep slope.

            3. High volume of water.

            4. Perennial flow of water.

            5. Favorable climate conditions.

     B.   Non-Geographical Factors

         1.Skilled Labor force.

         2. Technologies.

         3. Transportation.

         4. Budget (Money).

         5. Market.

  Market of Hydroelectricity

“Water is to us, what oil is to Arabs”- His Majesty the Druk Gyelpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck.  Explain this statement.                                 

This is true that the hydropower project is the single largest earning revenue for Bhutan. This statement says that, Bhutan is fortunate to have rich in water resources which can be used for generation of hydro electricity. Bhutan utilizes only 105MW of electricity in the country and rest is exported to India, which earns lots of revenue to Bhutan. Likewise, crude oil is the main source of revenue for the Arabs. They export oil to other countries and earned lots of revenue.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydro-electricity

Advantages	Disadvantages
ü  It will contribute to country’s GDP. ü  It is pollution free energy. üIt provides lots of employment opportunities. ü  It makes work easier / easy to use. ü  It is a renewable source of energy.	ü  Risky while constructing dam. ü  Deforestation. ü  It is very expensive to set up. ü  It leads to ecological imbalance. ü  It changes the downstream of river

Questions to check your understanding

1. Give TWO hazards of nuclear energy.

2.  “Inspite of large forest cover, Bhutan has limited coal reserve”. Give reasons to support      this statement.

3. Development of Hydro-power project leads to environmental degradation” Explain.

4. Introduction of hydro-electricity in Bhutan has greatly influenced the life of people” Justify.

5. What are the conditions necessary for the formation of coal?