Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Chapter 1: Introduction to Sustainable Energy and the Global Energy

Landscape

Lecture 1.1: The Global Energy Crisis

1.1.1 Introduction

The global energy system is at a turning point. Historically, economic development

has been fueled by readily available and relatively inexpensive fossil fuels (oil,
natural gas, and coal). However, our reliance on these fuels presents significant
challenges, including resource depletion, environmental degradation, and geopolitical
instability. Sustainable energy systems are crucial for addressing these challenges
and ensuring a secure and environmentally responsible energy future.

1.1.2 World Energy Consumption Trends

Global energy consumption has been steadily increasing, driven by population

growth, economic development, and rising living standards, especially in emerging
economies. A graph of historical and projected energy consumption by source
illustrates this trend as shown in Fig. 1(a) and (b).

Fig. 1(a): Global energy statistics for 2023. ( Source: Energy Institute 2024)

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Fig. 1(b): Energy consumption worldwide from 2000 to 2022, with a forecast until 2050, by energy
source. (Source: Statista 2025)
As the graph shows, fossil fuels currently dominate the global energy mix. While
renewable energy sources are growing rapidly, they still represent a relatively small
fraction of the total.

1.1.3 Fossil Fuel Depletion

Fossil fuels are finite resources, meaning that their supply is limited and will
eventually be exhausted. The rate of depletion depends on factors such as
consumption rates, technological advancements in extraction, and the discovery of
new reserves. Estimates of remaining reserves vary, but it is clear that we cannot
continue to rely on fossil fuels indefinitely.

Fig. 2: World crude oil reserves 2023. (Source: OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2024).

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

According to current estimates as shown in Fig. 2, 79.1% (1,241.33 billion barrels) of

the world's proven crude oil reserves are located in OPEC (Organization of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries) Member Countries, with the bulk of OPEC oil
reserves in the Middle East, amounting to 67.3% of the OPEC total.

The concept of "peak oil" refers to the point in time when global oil production reaches
its maximum and begins to decline. While the timing of peak oil is uncertain, it
highlights the need to transition to alternative energy sources.

1.1.4 Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels

The extraction, processing, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels have

significant environmental impacts:

 Climate Change: Fossil fuel combustion releases greenhouse gases (GHGs),

primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. These GHGs trap heat and
contribute to global warming, leading to climate change. Climate change
manifests itself in rising global temperatures, sea level rise, more frequent and
intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.

Fig. 3: Greenhouse effect on earth. (Source: Wikipedia).

The relationship between radiative forcing and temperature change can be

approximated by:

ΔT = λ * ΔF (1)

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

where,
 ΔT is the change in global average temperature (in °C)
 λ is the climate sensitivity (temperature change per unit radiative
forcing, typically around 0.8 °C/(W/m²))
 ΔF is the change in radiative forcing (in W/m²)
 CO2 emission is one of the vital element for radiative forcing.

 Air Pollution: Burning fossil fuels releases air pollutants such as particulate
matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause respiratory problems,
cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. Smog and acid rain are also
results from air pollution.

 Water Pollution: Fossil fuel extraction and processing can contaminate water
resources. Oil spills, fracking wastewater, and acid mine drainage are examples of
water pollution associated with fossil fuels.

 Land Degradation: Mining and drilling for fossil fuels can disrupt ecosystems,
deforest land, and lead to soil erosion.

1.1.5 Energy Security

Energy security refers to the reliable and affordable supply of energy to meet a
country's needs. Dependence on imported fossil fuels can make a country vulnerable
to:

 Price Volatility: Global oil and gas prices can fluctuate significantly due to
geopolitical events, supply disruptions, and market speculation.
 Supply Disruptions: Political instability or conflicts in energy-producing
regions can disrupt energy supplies.
 Geopolitical Influence: Countries that control significant energy resources may
exert political influence over energy-importing nations.
 Infrastructure Vulnerability: Energy infrastructure (pipelines, power plants,
refineries) is vulnerable to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and
cyberattacks.

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Lecture 1.2: Defining Sustainability

1.2.1 Introduction to Sustainability

Sustainability is a complex concept with multiple dimensions. The most widely

accepted definition, from the Brundtland Report (1987), is: "Sustainable development
is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs". This definition highlights the
importance of balancing economic progress, social equity, and environmental
protection.

1.2.2 The Three Pillars of Sustainability

Sustainability as shown in Fig. 4 is often represented by three interconnected pillars:

 Environmental Sustainability: This pillar focuses on protecting natural

resources, minimizing pollution, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating
climate change. Key goals include reducing carbon emissions, conserving water
and land, and preventing deforestation.
 Economic Sustainability: This pillar aims to promote economic growth and
development in a way that is equitable and sustainable. It involves creating
jobs, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that economic activities do not
harm the environment or deplete natural resources.
 Social Sustainability: This pillar focuses on ensuring social equity, justice, and
well-being for all members of society. It involves promoting human rights,
reducing poverty, improving access to education and healthcare, and
advancing social inclusion.

Fig. 4: The three pillars of sustainability.

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

1.2.3 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology for evaluating the

environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life
cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal (cradle-to-grave). A
simplified diagram of LCA is shown in Fig. 5. LCA helps identify the stages of a
product's life cycle that have the greatest environmental impacts and provides
insights for reducing those impacts.

 Stages of LCA:

o Goal and Scope Definition: Define the purpose of the LCA, the system
boundaries, and the functional unit (e.g., 1 kWh of electricity generated).
o Inventory Analysis: Collect data on all inputs (e.g., energy, raw materials)
and outputs (e.g., emissions to air, water, and soil) associated with each
stage of the life cycle. This is often the most data-intensive stage.
o Impact Assessment: Translate the inventory data into environmental
impact categories such as global warming potential, ozone depletion
potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and human
toxicity potential.
o Interpretation: Analyze the results, identify the key environmental
hotspots, and recommend strategies for reducing environmental impacts.

Fig. 5: Simplified Life Cycle Assessment.

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

 Metrics Used in LCA:

o Global Warming Potential (GWP): A measure of the radiative forcing

(warming effect) caused by a greenhouse gas relative to CO2 over a
specific time horizon (e.g., 100 years). GWP of CO2 is defined as 1.
Methane (CH4) has a GWP of 25 (over 100 years), meaning that it traps
25 times more heat than CO2.
o Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): A measure of the potential of a
substance to deplete the ozone layer relative to CFC-11.
o Acidification Potential (AP): A measure of the potential of a substance
to contribute to acid rain.
o Eutrophication Potential (EP): A measure of the potential of a substance
to contribute to excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies.

1.2.4 Applying Sustainability to Energy Systems

Applying the principles of sustainability to energy systems requires:

 Transitioning to Renewable Energy Sources: Replacing fossil fuels with

renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.
 Improving Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption in all sectors
(buildings, industry, transportation) through technological improvements and
behavioral changes.
 Promoting Energy Conservation: Encouraging individuals and organizations
to reduce their energy use through conscious choices and practices.
 Adopting Circular Economy Principles: Designing energy systems that
minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. This includes recycling
materials, reusing components, and extending the lifespan of equipment.

Lecture 1.3: Introduction to Sustainable Energy Sources

1.3.1 Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Energy

 Renewable Energy Sources: Energy sources that are naturally replenished on

a human timescale. Examples include:
o Solar energy (energy from the sun)
o Wind energy (energy from moving air)
o Hydropower (energy from flowing water)
o Geothermal energy (energy from the Earth's internal heat)

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

o Biomass energy (energy from organic matter)

 Non-Renewable Energy Sources: Energy sources that are finite and cannot be
replenished on a human timescale. Examples include:
o Oil (petroleum)
o Natural Gas
o Coal
o Nuclear energy (uranium)

The key difference lies in the rate of replenishment. Renewable sources are constantly
renewed, while non-renewable sources are depleted as they are used.

1.3.2 Overview of Solar Energy

Solar energy harnesses the energy of the sun through two main technologies:

 Photovoltaics (PV): PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity.

o A PV cell is made of semiconducting material, usually silicon. When
sunlight strikes the cell, photons excite electrons in the semiconductor,
creating an electric current.
o Many PV cells are combined to form a PV module, and multiple modules
are combined to form a PV array.

Fig. 6: PV cell, module and array.

 Solar Thermal: Solar thermal technologies use sunlight to heat water or air.
o Solar water heating systems use solar collectors to heat water for
domestic or industrial use.
o Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants use mirrors to concentrate
sunlight onto a receiver, which heats a fluid to generate steam and
electricity.

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Advantages of Solar Energy:

 Clean and emissions-free during operation.

 Abundant resource in many parts of the world.
 Can be used in a variety of applications (grid-connected, off-grid, solar water
heating).

Disadvantages of Solar Energy:

 Intermittent and variable, dependent on sunlight availability.

 Requires land area for large-scale installations.
 Manufacturing of PV cells can have environmental impacts.

1.3.3 Overview of Wind Energy

Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air using wind turbines.

 Wind turbines have blades that rotate when the wind blows. The rotating
blades turn a generator, which produces electricity.

Advantages of Wind Energy:

 High energy potential in windy locations.

 Low emissions during operation.
 Can be deployed on land or offshore.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy:

 Intermittent and variable, dependent on wind availability.

 Noise pollution and visual impact.
 Can pose a threat to birds and bats.

1.3.4 Overview of Hydro, Geothermal, and Biomass

 Hydropower: Converts the potential energy of water into electricity using

hydroelectric dams. A mature and well-established technology.
 Geothermal Energy: Harnesses heat from the Earth's interior to generate
electricity or provide direct heating. Geographically limited.
 Biomass Energy: Converts organic matter (wood, crops, waste) into energy
through combustion, gasification, or anaerobic digestion. Sustainability
depends on responsible sourcing.

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Lecture 1.4: Energy Efficiency and Conservation

1.4.1 Importance of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same level of output or
service. It's a crucial strategy for reducing energy consumption, lowering energy
costs, and mitigating environmental impacts.

1.4.2 Strategies for Energy Conservation in Buildings

 Building Design: Passive solar design, proper insulation, energy-efficient

windows.
 HVAC Systems: High-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
 Lighting: LED lighting, daylighting controls.
 Appliances: Energy Star-certified appliances.

1.4.3 Strategies for Energy Conservation in Industry

 Process optimization
 Waste heat recovery (e.g., cogeneration/combined heat power (CHP))
 Energy management systems (EMS)

1.4.4 Strategies for Energy Conservation in Transportation

 Fuel-efficient vehicles
 Public transportation
 Electric vehicles
 Cycling and walking

1.4.5 Energy Conservation Through Behavioral Changes

 Turning off lights when leaving a room

 Using energy-efficient appliances
 Reducing driving
 Lowering thermostat settings in winter and raising them in summer

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST
 Chapter 1 - EEE 3109: Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Review Questions:

1. What are the main challenges associated with our current reliance on fossil
fuels?
2. Explain the three pillars of sustainability.
3. What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and how is it used to evaluate the
environmental impacts of energy systems?
4. What are the main types of renewable energy sources?
5. What are some strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings,
industry, and transportation?

Course Teacher: Dr. Mehedi Hassan Jewel, Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, JUST