Energy Efficiency and decarbonization in brief: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:35, 21 July 2016

World energy consumption continues to grow with no perspective of slowing down in the near future. This trend is driven by different factors, both economical and sociological:

An increase in the world population, particularly in countries where the energy use per person is expected to grow in the future. For example, today, over one billion people have no access to electricity, and around 40% of the world’s population is living under water stress. This means that the energy needs will increase in the future, in order to allow people to benefit from a better standard of living. This additional energy need is globally not compensated by a decrease of energy consumption in developed countries. According to the International Energy Agency, the average energy use per person increased by 10% between 1990 and 2008.
Urbanization and industrialization, particularly in developing countries. This means that more energy will be needed for construction, manufacturing, and transportation of people and goods

The major part of energy is today obtained by burning fossil fuels (around 82% in 2012).

The consequence of this is the emission of huge quantities of CO₂ (32 billion tons in 2014), which has an accepted impact on climate change by greenhouse effect.

In addition, these fossil fuels are subject to fluctuation in prices, because of geopolitical issues and competition between countries.

For these reasons, there is a global commitment of countries to curb the use of fossil fuels.

The Kyoto protocol was the first international agreement by which industrialized countries set objectives to reduce the greenhouse gas emission. Such a commitment has been confirmed during the Conference of Parties (COP 21) in 2015, with the objective to limit global warming within acceptable limits (maximum 2°, and possibly 1.5°C).

In order to reach these objectives, different regulations have already been put in place in many countries, relative to energy efficient construction for example.

One of the solutions proposed to solve the dilemma between economic development and CO₂ emission is to increase the part of electricity in the energy mix. Production of electricity represents around 30% of fossil fuels consumed worldwide, and 68% of electricity is produced from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas).

So actions that must be taken should include:

Development of the use of renewable energies (mainly solar and wind).
Unfortunately, cost is still an issue, particularly during periods when the price of fossil fuels is low. The other major issue is the fluctuating nature of solar and wind generation. Energy storage is needed, which can significantly increase the cost yet again.
Energy Efficiency. The objective is to provide the same level of service by consuming less energy. By implementing energy efficient electrical equipment and smart controllers, it is possible to save up to 30% of energy. This is the most cost effective means for limiting CO₂ emissions, and saving energy and cost.

Here are the main points presented in this chapter:

Overview of worldwide standardization and Energy Efficiency assessment techniques,
Presentation of electrical measurement as the key diagnostics tool,
Overview of energy savings opportunities in Electrical Installations.

ru:Энергоэффективность в электрических сетях: введение zh:介绍

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-The aim of this chapter is to facilitate communication between the designers of electrical installations and the energy consumers who use them. Consumers frequently require advice on how best to reduce consumption and the amount they spend on energy.
+World energy consumption continues to grow with no perspective of slowing down in the near future. This trend is driven by different factors, both economical and sociological:
+* '''An increase in the world population''', particularly in countries where the energy use per person is expected to grow in the future. For example, today, over one billion people have no access to electricity, and around 40% of the world’s population is living under water stress. This means that the energy needs will increase in the future, in order to allow people to benefit from a better standard of living. This additional energy need is globally not compensated by a decrease of energy consumption in developed countries. According to the International Energy Agency, the average energy use per person increased by 10% between 1990 and 2008.
+* '''Urbanization and industrialization''', particularly in developing countries. This means that more energy will be needed for construction, manufacturing, and transportation of people and goods
-While there are a number of factors influencing attitudes and opinions towards energy efficiency, particularly the increasing cost of energy and a growing awareness of our responsibilities towards the environment, legislation probably has the greatest impact on changing behaviour and practices. Various governments across the world are setting themselves energy saving targets and passing regulations to ensure these are met. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global target set at the Kyoto Earth Summit in 1997 and was finally ratified by 169 countries in December 2006.
+The major part of energy is today obtained by burning fossil fuels (around 82% in 2012).
-Under the Kyoto Protocol industrialised countries have agreed to reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990 between 2008 and 2012 (this represents a 29% reduction in terms of the emissions levels expected for 2012 prior to the Protocol). One of Europe’s targets is a 20% reduction in for CO<sub>2</sub> by 2020.
+The consequence of this is the emission of huge quantities of CO<sub>2</sub> (32 billion tons in 2014), which has an accepted impact on climate change by greenhouse effect.
-Given that 50% of CO2 emissions can be attributed to electricity consumption associated with residential and commercial buildings, and that the use of domestic appliances and other equipment such as ventilation and air conditioning systems increases, a specific focus is done concerning buildings:
+In addition, these fossil fuels are subject to fluctuation in prices, because of geopolitical issues and competition between countries.
-*All new buildings constructed must consume 50% less energy.
+For these reasons, there is a global commitment of countries to curb the use of fossil fuels.
-*1 in 10 existing buildings must reduce consumption by 30% each year.
-As far as most countries are concerned, it is clear that 80% of the buildings which will be standing in 2020 have already been constructed. The refurbishment of existing building stock and improving energy management is vital in meeting emission reduction targets. Given that in the western world, most buildings have already undergone thermal performance upgrades such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and double-glazing, the only potential for further savings lies in reducing the amount of energy consumed. Action to improve the thermal and energy performance of existing buildings will almost certainly become compulsory in order to meet the targets that have been set out.
+The Kyoto protocol was the first international agreement by which industrialized countries set objectives to reduce the greenhouse gas emission. Such a commitment has been confirmed during the Conference of Parties (COP 21) in 2015, with the objective to limit global warming within acceptable limits (maximum 2°, and possibly 1.5°C).
-Regarding the industrial segment, electrical energy represents 40% of consumed energy. Amongst these 40%, the rate due to motors is 80%. Focusing efforts on motors consumption reduction is clearly a good way to start to do savings.
+In order to reach these objectives, different regulations have already been put in place in many countries, relative to energy efficient construction for example.
-Technology exists to help promote energy efficiency on many levels, from reducing electricity consumption to managing other energy sources more efficiently. Ambitious regulatory measures may be required to ensure these technologies are adopted quickly enough to achieve the 2020 targets.
+One of the solutions proposed to solve the dilemma between economic development and CO<sub>2</sub> emission is to increase the part of electricity in the energy mix. Production of electricity represents around 30% of fossil fuels consumed worldwide, and 68% of electricity is produced from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas).
+So actions that must be taken should include:
+* Development of the use of '''renewable energies''' (mainly solar and wind). <p> Unfortunately, cost is still an issue, particularly during periods when the price of fossil fuels is low. The other major issue is the fluctuating nature of solar and wind generation. Energy storage is needed, which can significantly increase the cost yet again.
+* '''Energy Efficiency.''' The objective is to provide the same level of service by consuming less energy. By implementing energy efficient electrical equipment and smart controllers, it is possible to save up to 30% of energy. This is the most cost effective means for limiting CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, and saving energy and cost.
+Here are the main points presented in this chapter:
+* Overview of worldwide standardization and Energy Efficiency assessment techniques,
+* Presentation of electrical measurement as the key diagnostics tool,
+* Overview of energy savings opportunities in Electrical Installations.
 [[ru:Энергоэффективность в электрических сетях: введение]]
 [[zh:介绍]]

Energy Efficiency and decarbonization in brief: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:35, 21 July 2016

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