Energy Assignment 3

 You are now going to go back to the 3 energy types that you researched in Part 1 of this assignment. You are going to rank them based on their potential to be implemented in your country. You will need to consider the following: 
-The cost of implementation (if you have a poorer country they might not be able to afford the cost)
-You county's geography (the climate, the size of your country, the location on Earth, the resources available)
-What the government of your country is already doing. 

Once you have ranked the energy types, you will explain why you ranked them as you did (based on the above considerations). 
-8 marks for each explanation (total /24)
Ranking:
1)Solar
2)Nuclear
3)Tidal

California is a geographically diverse state; some of the major geographic features are: Sierra Nevada, Central Valley and Mojave Desert
Size: 423,970km^2
Climate: from Mediterranean to subartic (depending on latitude, elevation, and proximity to coast)

1)Solar
As previously discussed in Energy Assignment 2: California under the RPS is requiring all utilities in the state to source 33% of their electricity sales from clean renewable sources.
One of them is solar energy.  California is encouraging their citizens to implement solar panels within their homes.
"Go Solar California is a joint effort of the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Comission. The goal is to encourage Californians to install 3,000 megawatts of solar energy systems on homes and businesses by the end of 2016, making renewable energy an everyday reality."

Solar price:

The average cost of systems <10 kW is $5.56/watt and $5.06/watt for systems over 10 kW.

I ranked Solar to be their first choice as California is already making plans to further pursue the use of solar panels. Aside from this, the extremely arid areas of California could benefit from the solar panels. The cost of getting solar panels implemented in their homes may be costly, but it would be environmentally benificial and benefit themselves as well. Their electricity would be harnessed from the sun's heat and light; which many areas (and main metroplitan areas) receive much of. Most importantly, it would be a renewable source; a main goal that California is aiming for. 

2)Nuclear

 nuclear power will provide two‐thirds of the state’s electricity, the rest coming from renewables as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. This scenario requires about 44 GWe of nuclear capacity. “California needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, while accommodating projected growth in its economy and population,” which "will likely require a doubling of electricity production with nearly zero emissions. “There are no technical barriers to large‐scale deployment of nuclear power in California. There are, however, legislative barriers and public acceptance barriers that have to be overcome to implement a scenario that includes a large number of new nuclear reactors.” The report concludes that 6-8 c/KWh is "the best estimate today" on nuclear power costs. "Reactors can be cooled with reclaimed water or with forced air, though air cooling is less efficient and would increase nuclear electricity prices by 5% to 10%."

"Nuclear power provides reliable base-load power with very low emissions and can offset variability issues incurred by renewables, but faces obstacles with current public policy and public opinion. By law, new nuclear power in California is currently predicated on a solution for nuclear waste." However, "If electric generation is predominantly intermittent renewable power, using natural gas to firm the power would likely result in greenhouse gas emissions that would alone exceed the 2050 target for the entire economy." The CCST prepared its reports for the California Energy Commission.

A kWh costs an average of 12cents in America; a tenth of a cent per gallon. Canyon Diablo nuclear plant in California produces this electricity at only 4cents/kWh 

I chose Nuclear to be second despite the benefits stated above due to the fact that Canyon Diablo Power Plant is at risk from two earthquake faults and that MANY Nuclear Power plants in California have already been shut down. In fact, Canyon Diablo is the ONLY nuclear powerplant operational in the state after San Onofre's shutdown in 2013.

3)Tidal 

According to a report released this month by the consulting firm Global Data, it's theoretically feasible for California to meet 20% of its energy consumption needs from wave energy. Tidal power off the California coast offers as much as 1,787 terawatt-hours per year of power, about seven times what the state consumes. As the ocean's waves and tidesrise and fall pretty much 24/7 regardless of whether the wind is blowing in the immediate vicinity, that would be base-load power -- allowing us to replace coal- and gas-fired power with renewables without developing fancy storage technology.

There are two big problems. One: the technologies involved are largely unproven and implementing them would be expensive. Two: The ocean along the California shore is important habitat for many kinds of wildlife, and industrializing it will bear certain non-economic costs as well.

I chose Tidal as the third.  Tidal energy would be a promising way to create energy that could provide for most of the state's usage and needs but there are too many factors against it.  For one, California has already attempted with ocean energy previously with wave energy, but that has shown to be unsuccesful.  It could also be economically draining especially if it does not succeed and there's also studies of the technology not being advanced enough but most importantly it will drastically harm the environment. 

Energy Assignment 2: Renewable Energy in California

In this portion of the assignment you are going to research the type of energy currently used in your country. You will likely find that there are multiple types used (and you can mention this) but please try to focus on the primary type used. Explain how this is used, the cost, the impact, etc. It may be one of the three that you researched yesterday or may not be….It doesn't matter. 

California has historically been a leader on clean energy investments, driven in large part by its Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires all utilities in the state to source 33 percent of their electricty sales from clean, renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biopower (by 2020)
In 2009, 11.6% of all electricty came from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric facilities.

Natural gas is the main source for electricty generation at 45% of the total in-state electric generation system power. (2012)
Natural gas-fired power plants account for more than one-half of State electricty generation.
Natural gas has become the fuel of choice for new power plants since 1990s.

The natural gas power production process begins with the extraction of natural gas, continues with its treatment and transport to the power plants, and ends with its combustion in boilers and turbines to generate electricity.

Initially, wells are drilled into the ground to remove the natural gas. After the natural gas is extracted, it is treated at gas plants to remove impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, helium, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and moisture. Pipelines then transport the natural gas from the gas plants to power plants. Power plants use several methods to convert gas to electricity. One method is to burn the gas in a boiler to produce steam, which is then used by a steam turbine to generate electricity. A more common approach is to burn the gas in a combustion turbine to generate electricity.

Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas:

-can destroy natural habitats for animals and plants
-possible land impacts: soil erosion, landslides, loss of soil productivity
-when power plants remove water from lake/river, fish and other aquatic life can be killed, affecting animals and people who depend on these sources
-air emissions: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide

In California the cost of Natural Gas is 5.23dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet

Energy Assignment Part 1

For EACH of the energy types that you research you should look at the pros and cons, how we use it, the benefits, drawbacks etc. Make sure that you are familiar with how they work. 

From the following list choose THREE: 
-Coal
-Nuclear
-Solar
-Tidal
-Wind
-Hydrothermal
-Geothermal

Nuclear Energy


 Nucleur energy comes from Uranium; a non renewable resource that must be mined. It is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, especially when used to generate electricty.
Fusion = energy released when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom.
Fission = atoms split into smaller atoms, releasing energy.
*Nuclear Power Plants can only use nuclear fission to produce electricty.

How it works
heat to make the steam is created when uranium atoms split. Pressurized water reactors keep water under pressure so that it heats, but does not boil.

Pros
-lower carbon dioxide (and greenhouse gases) released into the atmosphere in power generation
-relatively low operating costs
-known, developed technology "ready" for market
-large power-generating capacity able to meet industrial and city needs
-existing and future nuclear waste can be reduced through waste recycling and reprocessing
-reliable
-cheap electricity
-this energy has a continuous supply and is widely available

Cons
-high construction costs due to complex radiation containment and procedures
-high subsidies needed for construction and operation, as well as loan guarantees
-subsidies and investment could be spent on other solutions (such as renewable energy systems)
-high-known risks in an accident
-unknown risks
-long construction time
-requires large infrastructure and investment
-waivers are required to limit liability of companies in the event of an accident
-waste lasts 200-500 thousand years
-radioactive waste
-nuclear radiation
-impact on aquatic life
-major impact on human life
-Uranium is scarce and exists only in a few places
-non renewable

Solar Energy



Energy harnessed from sun's radiant heat and light.

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) = system using panels composed of solar cells to supply usable solar power.Used primarily for grid-connected electricty. Can be ground-mounted, installed on building rooftops, or designed into building materials at the point of manufacturing

How it works
direct conversion of light into electricty at the atomic level. Absorbs photons of light and releases electrons. When free electrons are captured, electric current results can be used as electricty.

Pros
-clean energy. no combustion. no greenhouse emission from use
-inexhuastible and abundant "fuel" supply
-available nearly anywhere
-well suited for distribution generation
-technology exists today and is rapidly improving
-generates electricty directly from sunlight
-no moving parts required
-power generation is silent. no noise or pollution
-little or no transmission required
-matches well with air-conditioning need
-require minimal maintenance
-excess heat can be used for co-generation

Cons
-intermittent source. not available at night or under clouds
-relatively high cost, especially with storage
-requires inverter to produce AC current
-requires storage or grid connection for continuous round-the-clock use
-less available for heating demand (time of day, season)
-exotic materials required in many thin-film systems
-requires a relatively large amount of open space
-relatively low efficiency
-relatively low energy intensity
-fragile materials
-possible aesthetic issues

Tidal Energy



Form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power; mainly electricty. Tidal energy is a predictable form of renewable energy, which can be harnessed by:

-Tidal Range: barrages or lagoons constructed to capture tide; turbines in lagoons/barrier generate electricity as tide floods into reservoir

-Tidal Stream: flow of water as tide ebbs and floods, manifests itself as tidal current. Devices seek to extract energy from kinetic movement of water

How it works
energy obtained from changing sea levels through tidal energy generators. These large underwater turbines are placed in areas with high tidal movements, designed to capture kinetic motion of ebbing and surging of ocean tides to produce electricity

Pros
-tides go in and out twice a day = reliable = easy to predict
-renewable
-produces no emissions
-requires no fuel
-high efficiency
-environmental impacts are local, not global
-effective at low speeds
-long life-spans
-low labor costs
-minimal visual impact
-consistent power

Cons
-upfront capital costs are very high as most of the schemes require massive concrete constructions
-tidal power stations only generate electricity when tide is flowing in or out (ten hours a day)
-widespread environmental and ecological damage to aquatic system
-equipment may be damaged by strong currents and freak waves
-non-continuous, storage or grid-backup required
-locations often remote
-can change tidal level of surrounding area
-barrages may restrict access to open water
-captures dirt, waste, and pollution near the coast
-decreases salinity in tidal basins
-reduces kinetic energy in ocean
-shifting tides
-reduced sea usage = shipping and recreation areas

Land Use and Agriculture in California

1) Agriculture is a major Californian industry. The amount of land devoted to farming and ranching in California remains at 25.4 million acres. (California Agriculture statistics, Crop year 2012) Approximately 33 million acres in California are forests. (Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California)  For urban land, 5.1% takes up of the state's land area. (Urban Forest Data)

2)
Polyculture farming: agricultural method of planting multiple crops in the same field

Polyculture pros:-faster sowing
-reduces pests and disease outbreaks
-better flavour and nutrition
-natural resources used more efficiently
-better polination
-improved yields
Polyculture cons:
-slower harvest
-difficult to calculate income and predict results
-seed loss/high up-front seed costs
-difficult to control
Monoculture farming: agricultural method involves planting one species of crop on the same piece of land repeatedly

Monoculture pros:
-the field is in better position to provide maximum output for particular crop
-helps keep down farming costs
-knowledge of single species if sufficient for good crop
-is convenient
-easier
-less competition of sunlight, nutrients, and space from other species
Monoculture cons:
-does not support other flora and fauna
-disease can spread to whole crop *all plants
-limits chance of taking advantage of other nutrients in soil
-limited food options
-reduces nitrogen composition in soil
-soil fertility diminishes at a faster rate
-time consuming
Slash and burn: agriculture technique which involves cutting and burning forests or woodlands to create fields

Slash and burn pros:
-returns nutrients to soil
-controlled burn reduces fire risk of debris left on farm land
-cheaper to burn the debris on-site
-burns may be used to scare unwanted animals out
-may eliminate pests
Slash and burn cons:
-is a fire hazard
-site preparation may be longer
-may lead to erosion or leaching of nutrients
-releases greenhouse gases
-animals may be killed
-get out of control and cause damage; endanger lives

3)  Sustainable practices involve a variety of approaches. Strategies must take account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs and individual grower's goals.  Diversified farms are usually more economically and ecologically resilient, which is why California is mostly pro polyculture. As previously mentioned agriculture is a main industry of California and is crucial to the economy. The risk of monoculture is that the loss of crop in any one year could put a farm out of business and/or seriously disrupt the stability of a community dependent in that crop.  By growing a variety of crops they are less susceptible to the radical price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand.
California grows over 400 different crops, some grown nowhere else in the nation. Crops include grapes, almonds, strawberries, oranges, and walnuts. The most important vegetable crops grown in the state are lettuce and tomatoes.  Half the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts come from California.
With the current California water crisis, the agriculture is in scrutiny right now. The current drought situation is jeopardizing all their advances. The governor is also demanding 25% reduction in water use.  Agriculture is under intense pressure to do more especially since the governor's mandatory cuts didn't include agriculture.

Water Dilemma: California

1) The idea of water conservation is an important issue and should be discussed more. In Canada, we possess only 7% of the world's renewable freshwater supply, so it is sad to see that we overuse and abuse this precious resource. In many underprivileged countries, they have to fight for clean drinking water.  I wasn't too shocked with the information that people didn't have access to clean water.  It is quite a general knowledge that is taught to students to show how fortunate we are and how we shouldn't take this resource for advantage.  Many people in different parts of the world don't have access to freshwater that they can consume and sometimes travel miles to attain water that's not even fresh.  I am very fortunate and grateful to live in a place where water is easily available and I'm sure many people that live here think so as well, but it doesn't mean that we have the right to abuse it just because it's accessible. What did shock me was that corporations were abusing water resources to make money and leaving villagers with nothing. It is horrible to think that companies like Coca Cola don't give villagers the right to access their own water.



2)  *I will be doing California as it is a part of West USA and is also a suggestion provided*

Currently in California they are experiencing their 3rd year of drought.  There are even headlines claiming that "Current California Drought is Driest in State's History; Scientists fear 'Megadroughts' On Their Way".

The water situation in California right now is so crucial that the state's ecisting water supply and storage facilities could not meet the state's needs. Aside from this, the state (and much of the West) relies heavily on relies heavily on snowpack each winter to resupply surface water streams and lakes. The lack of winter storms and record high-temperatures this past winter, snowpack in California is at an all time low.  The state's hydropower supply is also threatened when snowpack is scarce.  Exports in California are reliant on produce and most of the water in California is used for farming; the drought is causing farmers to suffer as there is the water use restriction up to 25% that was announced to help reduce demand.
"Once aquifers are depleted, the state will have no backup supplies to surface water. Desalination could make up some of the difference, but can be expensive and is energy-intensive."
Resource

Mass Wasting China-Case Study: The Oregonian

BREAKING NEWS - A massive landslide hits Zhouqu County, China

A quick introduction into the topography and of other relations to the landslide; China is extremely mountainous; weather has been experiencing torrential rains from the monsoon season. The region also experiences large and devastating earthquakes from time to time. Landslides occur because of the heavy rainfall and from the earthquakes occurring on steep slopes where the slipping soil causes landslides.  The anthropogenic causes of landslides are dams, clear cutting, undercutting, and so forth.

On August 7, a huge mudslide struck Zhouqu, in Gansu western China. More than 1200 people had been declared dead and 490 were still missing. This was the worst landslide in Zhouqu since records began; possibly the worst in China for 60 years.

Landslide in Zhouqu, China

A Xinhua news article published on Wednesday said the causes of the 
Zhouqu mudslide were the "mountainous terrain and loss of ground cover" 
and, according to the deputy director of the Department of Geological 
Environment at the Ministry of Land and Resources, "a lingering drought 
lasting almost 9 months in some local areas and the 2008 Sichuan 
earthquake that might have loosened the mountainside and caused some 
cracks are also reasons behind the devastating mudslide."

A 2006 report by Lanzhou University warned of the dangers presented by the destruction of the forests around Zhouqu for mining and agriculture, causing soil erosion and destabilizing hillsides.

"The hills have become highly unstable and easily subject to natural disaster of landslides and mudslides," the report said. "The situation is the result of deforestation, exploitative mining activities, construction of hydroelectric power plants and other development activities."

In more recent years, the construction of a highway and more than 40 hydroelectric power dams in the sharp-sided valleys has further destabilised the geology, according to Fan Xiao, a leading Chinese geologist based in Sichuan.

"Logging - both legal and illegal - made the problem worse."

The area is extremely poor. Logging was banned there 12 years ago but people continued to cut down and sell trees on the mountainside to make a living.

A recent drought and the Sichuan earthquake two years ago may have weakened the rock face above the town, but our correspondent says protective measures and warning systems could have saved lives.

The government has promised to help people rebuild homes and buildings in the area but analysts are questioning if this is wise.

"The tragedy in Zhouqu is a reflection of the challenges and risks economic growth brings to poor regions," said Li Yan, climate change and energy campaigner for Greenpeace China.

The devastating landslide destroyed much of the infrastructure; villages; homes; killing and injuring a significant amount of people and animals. 

This landslide could've been prevented from stabilizing the ground and by building retaining walls that won't compromise the shear plane of the land.

Families should not return to homes because there could be a lot of destruction immediately after the landslide. Once everything has been recovered and repaired, that is when it is only safe to return. Prevention programs are created to prevent a future disaster. Many recovery efforts and assistance is available from other cities and service workers for the recovery of natural disasters such as this one in Zhouqu, China.   

Northridge Earthquake

   The Northridge earthquake occurred at 4:30am on January 17, 1994.  Northridge is located approximately 30km northwest of Los Angeles.  This earthquake had a 6.9 moment magnitude with a duration of 10-20 seconds. The earthquake occurred along a "blind" thrust fault (it is buried), close to San Andreas fault. 

    The earthquake was caused mainly by a previously undiscovered strike-slip fault in Reseda.

   The number of fatalities in the Northridge earthquake was about 57. About 9000 people were injured. The fact that the earthquake occured at 4:30am lessened the death toll.
   The Northridge earthquake caused extensive damage to parking structures and freeway overpasses. A 2500 car parking garage at the California State University at Northridge collapsed. The earthquake caused and triggered landslides in the Santa Susana Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains, and wetsern San Gabriel Mountains. These landslides blocked roads and damaged water linesa as well as damaging homes. Because Northridge area has arid, dry soil thus having few liquefaction and ground failure effects. There were, although, damage due to fires. Estimates of total damage range between $13-40 billion. 

    The Universal Studios attraction had shut down during this time as well as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and Six Flags; all very popular attractions. 

   A respiratory disease called the Valley fever outbreak  occurred 8 weeks following the earthquake. It is believed that the spores were carried in large clouds of dust created by seismically triggered landslides. 

   The Northridge earthquake led to a number of legislative changes. Due to the large amount lost by insurance companies because of the earthquake, most insurance companies either stopped offering or severely restricted earthquake insurance in California. In response, the California Legislature created the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), which is a publicly managed but privately funded organization that offers minimal coverage. A substantial effort was also made to reinforce freeway bridges against seismic shaking, and a law requiring water heaters to be properly strapped was passed in 1995.