Energy Policy For Libya Environmental Sciences Essay

zip lushener Policy For Libya environmental Sciences testLibya is Africas largest inunct producing and exportationing country, determined in the heart of North Africa, the country is home to 6 jillion inhabitants distributed over an atomic number 18a covering 1,750,000 Km2. Crude embrocate is an integral part of the Libyan economy and forms the founding on which the Libyan vital force policy is formed, however, with increasing world(a) drive towards more sustainable and renewable cleverness sources, admits issues of clime change, and globular warm up, in that respect has been renewed and concerted efforts shown by nations around the world to hook on more sustainable muscularity sources, this has been highschoollighted in varied spheric convections and treaties amongst which atomic number 18, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the 2009 Copenhagen summit to mention but a few. This paper attempts to highlight the place of a developing nation and study oil producer and export er equal Libya in renewed efforts to ensure lower dependence on fogy aro wont sources, the countrys received efficiency policies and the state or extent of renewable goose egg resource in the country admits global cokeic acid gas step-down targets of 80% by 2050 to stem human contributions to mode change and global heating from fogey fuels.Libyan ENERGY BACKGROUNDIn Libya, the daily sightly of solar beam of light on a horizontal plane is 7.1 kWh/m2/day at bottom coastal regions, and 8.1 kWh/m2/day in the atomic number 16ern region, with average sunniness duration of more than 3500 hours per form (Saleh Ibrahim, 1993). The content electric grid consists of high, medium and low voltage networks of roughly 12,000 km, 12,500 km and 7,000 km power lines respectively with an inst both in alled electrical condenser is 5600 MW and a peak Load of 3650 MW (Saleh Ibrahim et al., 1998). However, despite the rum brawniness network for a population of 6 million, goose egg is mainly concentrated in the major cities as many villages and hostile areas are located far away from these networks. The miniscule population and half-size inlet needs of these areas make their connection to the grid less economically workable. This has led to the engagement of crushed diesel generators in these areas contributing albeit minimally to the light speed dioxide dismissions. advancemore the entireness dependence on fogey fuel sources for the genesis of electricity for the national grid belies the tenets of conventions and treaties on climate change, global warming and sustainable efficiency development. This however calls for the proper assessment of current nil policies in Libya and the place of renewable energy. Libyan renewable energy resource has the potential to provide clean and reliable energy sources which can be utilise in many applications in remote areas (electricity, water pumping, etc.) and even contribute to the national grid. Albeit the use of renewable energies has been introduced in a wide range of applications due to its convenience and economic attractiveness, application on a such(prenominal) larger scale in Libya has been balked by the relative abundance of cheaper crude oil sources.GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGECarbon emission has witnessed a meteoric nocaske since the turn of the Industrial age, Industrial processes debate a leak churned up 37 percent of amount of carbon in the zephyr to date (Boden et al, 2009), Since the advent of industrialization, massive use of fossil fuels for energy generation affirm been recorded, there has been addition in the amount of gaseous waste produced in homes, and from transportation. These Gases collectively result in forming a layer in the earths atmosphere shielding radiated sunlight from the earths surface, depleting earths ozone layer and causing general warming of the earth. The forcefulness of these gases is known as the green place effe ct, the process of gradual warming of the earth is Global warming and the gases are referred to as green house gases.The gradual increase in the earths overall temperatures has a grievous effect on activities and life contained in it. Scientist predict, that rising green house gas levels would result in greater earth warming and invariably melting of the ice caps, increase in ocean besotted water levels (20mm by 2020), increase flooding of coastal lands enhanced drought in arid lands (IPCC, 2007) etc, and these are part of the deleterious effect of climate change, which has led to a global outcry for the reduction in the emission of gases that give rise to this effect and the setting of carbonic acid gas reduction target of 80% by the year 2050. The earth is said to have warmed up by 0.740C over the last nose candy years and well-nigh 0.40C of this occurred in the last decade (DEFRA, 2006).Agreements, declarations and treaties have been made in summits top on the list of which is the Copenhagen Summit of 2009 borne to develop and exploit means for carbon capture and storage, The Rio declaration of 1992 was to outline stand up for protection of the environment from the deleterious activities of man, while the Kyoto protocol of 1997, outlined the six major green house gases and set targets for governments to cut down on the payoff of these gases as waste.Human DriversGreenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere by various mechanisms, chief amongst them is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Over the past fifty years, harvest-time of the world economy has been hinged on worldwide energy use this has resulted in increase in global concentrations of carbon dioxide and some other greenhouse gases in the air.The Kyoto Protocol highlighted anthropogenic emissions as a major courtship and as an addendum listed six greenhouse gases.The KYOTO ProtocolIn 1997, the United Nations having evaluated the potential threat of global warming and the attendant causes (anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases) proceeded to outlined the six major greenhouse gases and set targets (of 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050) for national governments to cut down on the generation of these gases as waste or emit them as pollutants. The summit held in Kyoto Japan, entered into force in 2005. The Protocol which overlap the ultimate objective of the Convention in Kyoto, Japan was to ensure that nations take steps to stabilize atmospherical concentrations of greenhouse gases ensuring that they do not exceed levels that exit enhance dangerous interference with the already subtle climate system. The convention also attempted to build upon with a view to enhancing many of the commitments that were already in place under the Convention (UNFCCC 2007).Albeit the Kyoto Protocol was influenced by political factors, its ratification by most countries may be justified in light of the peculiar features of the global warming debacle, the existen ce of uncertainties, non-linearities and irreversibilities, possible catastrophes with small probabilities, asymmetric distribution of impacts, and the very long planning horizon (IPCC, 1996).The scientific uncertainties enshrouding the climate change and global warming still remain a rallying point for critics.The Kyoto Protocol tackles emissions of six greenhouse gasescarbon dioxide (CO2)methane (CH4)nitrous oxide (N2O)hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)perfluorocarbons (PFCs)Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).CURRENT LIBYAN ENERGY CLIMEThe Libyan economy has been heavily restricted on the hydrocarbon industry since the discovery of crude oil. In 2008, the hydrocarbon industry in Libya accounted for over 95% of the countrys export earnings, 85-90% of fiscal revenues and over 70% of Libyas gross domestic product (GDP) (IMF 2009). Libya holds the largest crude oil deposit in Africa amounting close to 44 zillion barrels of oil reserves (OGJ 2010). EIA 2008 data indicate that 2008 total oil productio n in Libya was approximately 1.88 million barrels per day (bbl/d). faculty is the backbone of the economy availableness of cheap energy compared to other Mediterranean countries has helped to the expansion of all fields, like industry, commerce, construction and work. However, as much gas is found in the crude (associated gas), Libya engages in gas flaring activities (to get rid of associated gas) indeed ensuring a steady and direct injection of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.LIBYAN CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES on passing play energy put up in Libya cannot be considered as sustainable sources of energy, with increasing cost of energy from attendant increase in exploration and refining cost, there is also the case of fuel sources being limited and environmental problems. Fossil fuel is limited or finite and Libya relies on energy from two limited stodgy sources.Oil With total discovered resources estimated to 44 billion bbl.Natural Gas With total discovered resources estima ted to 1300 billion m3.It is estimated that Libyas oil resources will not last more than 50 years with current rate of exploration and production, albeit natural gas is expected to last a little longer (Saleh 2006)It is invented that by the year 2050, prices of crude oil barrel may reach more than $200 while Libya would require roughly 70 million barrels of oil per year for electricity production requirement costing about 14 billion dollars annually. This would ultimately result in pressure on crude oil sources, its availableness and increase in cost of generating electricity therefore underpinning the need for more sustainable forms of energy. By contrast, the abundance of potential sustainable energy in Libya decries the dependence on fossil fuels for example the solar radiation in Libya is equivalent to a layer of 25 cm of crude oil per year on the land surface.Energy and emissions figures in libyaJacqueline 2000 reports that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted determines th e magnitude and rate of in store(predicate) climate change, the aesthesia of climate to these gases and the degree to which the effects are modified by aerosol emissions. Libya, with 2002 estimations, had a 69.2 % energy usage from oil and 30.8 % from natural gas, the emissions of CO2 attributed mainly to oil (71.7 %) and (28.3 %) natural gas (EIA, 2005), this means invariably that the energy sector which is the main source of greenhouse emissions in Libya depends mainly on fossil fuels (oil and natural gas). CO2 emission in Libya is put at 55.5 million tonnes per annum in 2009 following United Nations reports relating to 9.19 tonnes per capita and 31.5 tonnes per kilometre satisfying (World Bank 2010).Libyan Energy consumption by SectorCurrent Libyan Energy consumption shows a total dependence on energy from fossil fuel sources. With domestic consumption of 273,000 bbl/d in 2008, shared within the sectors as described below.Residential 34%Industry 27%Commercial 27%Transport 12% Source Oil and Gas Directory 2010.Figure 1 Current energy consumption in Libya by sectorTable 1 Energy Production in LibyaTypeProductionConsumptionExportNatural Gas12 b m3/y3 b m3/y9 b m3/yOil0.6 b bbl/y0.1 b bbl/y0.5 b bbl/yElecticity20 T Wh/ySource Saleh 2006Environmental Impact Carbon Implication/ Future supportionsLibyan power stations utilize only fuel from fossil sources to generate electricity, and with the high demand of energy, from all the sectors which is estimated to more than double by 2050, there is going to be substantial increase in CO2 emissions by 2050, thus raising atmospheric carbon levels and contributing ever so gravely to the already deteriorating state of the climate. With the varied effect of global warming already being felt steps need to be taken to limit further emissions and dole out present situation.Anthropic emissions of CO2 amounted to 26 billion tonnes in 2004. In a reference scenario extrapolating current trends, CO2 emissions are set to double by 2050, to more than 50 billion tonnes of CO2 a year. Continuing this trend would lead to an atmospheric concentration of CO2 exceeding 1,000ppm (parts per million) at the end of the twenty- first-class honours degree century, a concentration that is totally unacceptable in terms of its climate impact and its socio-economic consequences (IFP 2007).Global change Trends/ Future TrendsIn a bid to predict future climate change conditions, Scientists develop mathematically-based climate models. Adopting different assumptions on how various factors play to predict how atmospheric CO2 levels and temperatures will change in future.The variables in each model includePopulation growth rateEconomic developmentEnergy useEfficiency of energy useMix of energy technologiesThe graph below shows the results from deuce-ace climate models used by the IPCC, with predictions starting in 1990 and ending in the year 2100. In all collar, the global population rate rises during the first half of the cen tury, and then declines.The A1B model assumes rapid economic growth and increased equity-the reduction of regional differences in per-person income. New and more efficient technologies are introduced, without relying heavily on a single energy source.The A1F1 model is the same as A1B, but assumes the continued use of fossil fuel-intensive technologies.In the B1 model, the world moves rapidly from a producer-consumer economy toward a service and information economy. There is a reduction in the use of raw materials, and an emphasis on clean and efficient technologies and improved equity.Other models have been developed, each based upon a different set of assumptions.Figure 2 Adapted from IPCC, Third appraisal Report on Climate Change, 2001.Global temperature increases predicted by three different IPCC climate models.Although differing in degree, these three climate prediction models show similar trendsThe projected rate of global warming in the future is much larger than the rate of g lobal warming during the 20th century.Predicted rates of global warming are greater than any seen in the past 10,000 years. (Exploring earth 2009)From the chart above it is clear where we have to take a stand. With the above stated premise and the statistical review, it is imperative to develop a strategy that first curtails present carbon emissions and subsequently annuls the overall generation from various sources described above.MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE VIA LIBYAN ENERGY POLICY INCORPORATING RENEWABLE ENERGYStrategies for reducing CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 and carrying out TechniquesTaking into cognisance current emission trends and sectors fingered in CO2 emissions, cutting down of emission cannot be over emphasized. A proactive approach to detailing of strategic plans of action for implementation mustiness take into account past emission log fully understand the current situation and project reduction measures that proffer solutions through a cost effective and practic able approach. To achieve these, the need to fully understand the scope of the problems at hand is imperative. To this end, I propose a utilitarian based all inclusive approach to reducing 80% emission by 2050. My approach is based on the internalisation of renewable energy in the Libyan energy policy.Libyan Renewable Energy PotentialLibyan geographical location positions 88% of its area in the Sahara desert region of Africa, where there is a high propensity of solar energy which can be used to generate electricity via solar energy conversions, of both photovoltaic panels, and or thermally. According to the trans Mediterranean interconnection for concentrating solar power (MED-CSP)highlights Libyas renewable energy potention as depicted in the table below.Table 2 Renewable energy sources for LibyaType voltagesolar electricity140,000 TWh/yWind electricity15 TWh/yBiomass2 TWh/y constitutional157,000 TWh/ySource Saleh 2006.This shows enough renewable resource potential to correspond 3 times electricity demand in Libya by the year 2050Renewable energy hold returnss over conventional fossil fuel sources for the provision of energy in that they portend convenience and are economically effective and viable in many areas of applications. Libyan renewable energy resource consists of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy, solar thermal applications, wind energy, and BiomassSolar Energy conversion of solar energy in Libya for electricity generations could be in two forms, the utilization of photovoltaics or solar thermal application.Thermal ConversionsSolar heaters were introduced in Libya in 1983 with a pilot project that included 10 systems. The effectiveness of these systems has led to installation of about 2000 supernumerary solar heaters. Figures show that water heating consumes about 12% of energy from national electricity production however, fundamental issues limit wider application of thermal converters for water heating in Libya, these issues includeAbs ence of decentralise national or personal electricity generation industry.Lack of information for the people.Low electric energy tariff.Solar PhotovoltaicsOperating on the simple principle of direct conversion of solar power into electricity, achieved by the agitation of electrons in P-N junctions by photons which thus creates an electric current which is tapped of by conducting wires.PV resource potential within Libya is enormous current small scale applications highlight the use of PV in the following areasPV in atomize Communication Networks Amongst the 500 repeater station in Libya, 9 have been disappear by photovoltaic systems up until the end of 1997 producing a total peak power of 10.5 KWp. Of these, four still run later 26 years of work, with minimal maintenance as the batteries which they use are open type batteries and were replaced three times with an average lifetime of eight years. With the technical and economical success of PV systems, all communication networks previously powered by diesel generators were converted to PV systems thus effectively bringing the total number of PV run station to about 80. The total installed photovoltaic peak power by 2005 was around 420 KWp. (Saleh Ibrahim et al., 2003).PV in cathodic protection Saleh Ibrahim et al., (2004), showed it cost $1.4 to supply one KWh of daily supply load of 15 KWh for a cathodic protection (CP) station located 5 Km from a 11 KV electric grid. likewise another study showed that PV systems were more convenient and economical for the production of a daily CP load of 7.5 KWh from a distance of more than 1.2 Km from the 11 KV electric grid. This highlighted the importance and value of PV systems and hence their application.Further Future ApplicationsPV systems in Rural ElectrificationIn Libya rural areas face electrification problems because they are far away from the national grid and it wouldnt be economical to extend electric network to low demand areas, to this end the incorpora tion of PV systems would be invaluable. Currently, Libya plans to electrify rural areas consist of scattered houses, villages, and water pumping with PV systems, these Villages include Mrair Gabis village, Swaihat village, Intlat village, Beer al-Merhan village, and Wadi Marsit village (Saleh Ibrahim et al., 2006)The installation of PV systems started in the middle of 2003. The total number of systems installed by General Electric company of Libya (GECOL) is 340 with a total capacity of 220 kWp, while the ones installed by the Center of Solar Energy Studies (CSES) and the Saharan Center are 150 with a total power of 125 KWp. The applications are 380 systems for isolated houses, 30 systems for police stations, and 100 systems for street illumination. The total peak power is 345 KWp.PV for Water pumpingThe use of PV systems in Water pumping portends great advantages for rural communities as remote wells which are used to supply water for human and live stock that are located in rural places.Environment It is worthy to note that the environmental impact of PV is less than that of any other renewable (Boyle 2004), however, concerns have been showed for toxic compounds used in the production of some PV e.g. Cadmium.Economics From the word go, PV systems have continued to improve in cost effectiveness and if such a trend keeps up, it could become a force for contention with fossil fuels.Integration With no medium for storing of electricity and the fluctuating nature of PV generation problems accrue over integration of PV electricity to the National grid. Although, the grid is designed to cope with massive fluctuations in demand, and similarly fluctuating supply like PV considered negative loads, analyst suggest that without large amounts of cheap electricity storage PV sources cannot make major contributions (Boyle 2004). Presently the conversion efficiency of PV cells is low (15%-30%) so this may hamper possibilities.Wind EnergySince 1940, wind energy has been util ized for water pumping in many oases. The potential of this renewable energy source has not been fully harnesses in Libya especially for powering rural communities and enhances and use in irrigation. 2004 Libyan measurements of the wind speed statistics showed that there is a high potential for wind energy in Libya with the average wind speed at a 40 meter height is between 6- 7.5 m/s. The Libyan government has seen the potential in wind energy generation of electricity and have contracted the the project for use of wind energy for electricity production. This project includes the installation of a 25 MW wind farm as a pilot project. Also, a project to prepare two Atlas that provide fast access to reliable solar and wind data throughout Libya is also been contracted for. The Atlas will allow for accurate analysis of the available wind and solar resources anywhere in Libya, and will be therefore be invaluable to the planning of profitable wind farms and solar projects.In other to me et the target of an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, it is imperative to tackle from source electricity generation which utilises fossil fuels by the setting up of an energy policy that seeks to ensure that energy from renewable energy sources contributes 10% to Libyas electricity demand by the year 2020. As stated above, photovoltaic has been used for small and medium sized remote applications with proven economic feasibility however, several(prenominal) constraints and barriers, including costs exist. The have intercourse of rural applications shows that there is a high potential of building large scale PV plants in the south of the Mediterranean.The potential for utilizing, home grid connected photovoltaic systems, large scale grid connected electricity generation using Wind farms, and solar thermal for electricity generation is great, with capacities of several thousands of MW. At the argument end, Libya can expand its electricity generation capacities from its eneormou s renewable source to meet the demands of Mediterranean countries, taking advantage of its proximity to the European energy market. This can be considered as a future plan. The potential for Solar energy resources to effectively replace oil and gas has to be harnessed. Renewable energy resources portend in force(p) opportunities for technology transfer and international cooperation. In the current Libyan energy clime, the decentralised nature of renewable energy technologies make them particularly well suited for rural energy development further enhancing use of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) adopted by Kyoto Protocol in renewable energy applications that would reduce CO2 emissions.For Proper development of Libyan Renewable energy potential, the following have to be met furtherance of private investment in transfer of renewable energy technology and services.Introduce renewable energy in formal bringing up curriculum as well as Increase informal education on all energy asp ects.Development of policies that support the introduction of renewables via local, national and international partnerships Courage the international investment to invest in the industry.International cooperation that seeks to aid the development and construction of large scale solar energy applications as a pilot project.Development and support, of technical, financial, and institutional, research mechanisms for sustainable development.Development of national energy policies and regulatory frameworks that would aid in the creation of the necessary economic, social and institutional conditions in the energy sector and improve access to reliable, affordable, economically viable socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy services for sustainable development.CONCLUSIONCurrent Libyan energy policy depicts a system that lacks efficiency in the production and consumption of energy, challenge lies in the development of energy efficiency in the various sectors with several barrier s including lack of access to technology, capacity building, and institutional issues. In other to achieve energy efficiency in both energy consumption and production sides, it is imperative to incorporate renewable energy in all energy end-using sectors, the focus is on improving equipment efficiency of services, such as heating and air teach equipment, appliances, lighting and motors. On the supply and production side, energy management should focus on incorporation of renewable energy in energy generation, improved industrial processes, co generation and energy recovery systems. Energy efficiency can help reducing cost, preserving natural resources and protecting the environment..Furthermore, as Libya is a non annex I country under the UNFCCC, and a signatory to the Kyoto protocol, Libya is currently eligible for the CDM. The main emitters of CO2 in 2003 are fuel combustion in the power generation sector. Libyas energy related CO2 emissions increased by more than 78% in one deca de mostly due to increased energy supply and significant reduction could be achieved if improved energy utilization efficiency by the major energy sectors is encouraged.Conclusively, The Legislative Act Number 7 of 1982 concerning the protection of the environment which is Libyas biggest environmental protection act looks into a holistic plan to protect the environment, water, land, wildlife, plants, food etc from the deleterious activities of both man and nature. This piece of mandate which has a total of 11 sections and 75 articles was promulgated by the General Peoples Congress, Libyas highest executive authority. Below are the underlisted sections of this legislation discussion section 1 General ProvisionsSection 2 Protection of the AtmosphereSection 3 Protection of Seas and Marine ResourcesSection 4 Protection of Water ResourcesSection 5 Protection of FoodstuffsSection 6 Environmental HealthSection 7 Protection from Contagious DiseasesSection 8 Soils and whole shebang ProtectionSection 9 Protection of WildlifeSection 10 Interim ProvisionsSection 11 PenaltiesThe import of these legislation, and strict enforcements would help Libya in meeting the 2050 target of 80% reduction in CO2 emission.