Renewable Energies Versus CCS Energy Efficient Technologies; Which One to Subsidize for Sustainable Energy Supply Cleaner Environment?(PPT)

摘要

Renewable energies are energies that come from naturally occurring and theoretically inexhaustible sources of energy which are continually replenished and currently provide less than 14% of total primary energy in the world. While there is hope for renewables to get higher share in energy mix during future decades, we face severe challenges and doubts regarding possibility of a 'sustainable supply' of energy by renewable sources. Renewable energies technologies are some of the fastest growing in the world but they are still not matured, are costly and complicated to develop. Environmental doubts come to mind when we expect renewable energies to resolve environmental concerns. Currently they do not eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and conventional air pollution, as manufacturing, transporting and operating them produce some emissions, consume water and disrupt land use and wildlife habitats. An increase in oil prices have a statistically positive impact on most renewable energy project returns but this means that the renewable energy sector is substantially more risky and dependent on oil and gas price fluctuations. Low oil prices and continual development of shale gas can speedily turn the renewable industry into quite a difficult financial position and even bankruptcy for private investors. Financial worries pursue when we observe for the first time in several years; 2012 saw a decline for global investment in renewable energy because of economic crisis as well as uncertainty over support policies in Europe and the US. Renewables still are quite reliant on government subsidies to survive. The past progress of renewable projects shows high dependency on government and private support in form of giving subsidies or exemption from tax, put on other energy sources (such as carbon tax). So here a valid question is: In case shale gas proves to be plentiful, accessible and cheap, wouldn't it be sensible to put much more money on CCS and energy efficiency projects than renewable energies to decrease the investment risks and also to meet environmental obligations of some western countries? This article seeks to help energy policy makers in governmental agencies or private, set forth effective and practical approaches in securing energy supply, as well as preserving the environment by mobilizing their aid from low influential renewable energies toward higher yielding hydrocarbon technologies that can faster and better change the global energy portfolio into cleaner and environmentally friendly supply. We evaluate the different risks, limiting factors and concerns which are currently inherent in development of renewables and discuss possible solutions, such as more investment in CCS and energy efficiency projects (in which OPEC and other producing countries could also participate to create a new energy dialogue with consuming countries), to minimize the level of risk associated with our future energy supply and toward a sustainable management of energy market.