When energy sources are referred, the first thing that comes to mind is fossil fuels. This is natural to have such a general opinion since fossil fuels constitute 80% of the energy consumed worldwide. However, this dependence on fossil fuels poses problems in the long term. According to some estimates, fossil fuels are expected to run out within 25-30 years. This being the case, governments have already started to look for ways out of the energy crisis that may occur in the future.
In this context, Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM) presents the views of Prof. Małgorzata Kamola-Cieślik, Szczecin University Faculty Member, about the future of energy sources.
1. When considering alternative energy sources to reduce fossil fuel use, we first discuss renewable energy sources as a solution. Do you think renewable energy sources can replace fossil fuels? Is it possible to meet most of our energy needs through renewable energy sources?
Fossil fuels contribute to global climate change, accounting for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 90% of all carbon emissions. The need to replace non-renewable energy sources with renewable ones is undeniable. In order to achieve climate neutrality, it is necessary to develop renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy. The transition from fossil fuels to renewables will not happen overnight. This is a process that can take several decades.
Forecasts vary, and it is difficult to estimate with a high degree of probability when renewable energy sources will replace carbon-intensive energy sources. International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that by 2050 most of the energy will come from renewable energy sources, giving a figure of about 86%. On the other hand, the Bloomberg NEF report indicates that by 2050 the share of renewable energy sources will reach about 50%. It should be noted that the European Union’s climate policy is ambitious. The EU has committed itself to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. There is a high probability that developing countries will not be able to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 due to the limited financial resources they can allocate to achieving this goal.
Fuel substitution by renewable energy sources will depend on factors such as: 1. actions of countries to use renewable energy sources for electricity production and the supply of energy to its and users; 2. building storage infrastructure to store energy produced from renewable energy sources; 3. the resistance and ability of the energy system to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, such as droughts, heatwaves and storms. It is worth noting that in the coming years, as renewables increase in the global energy mix, nuclear energy production will increase. Wind, solar and hydro energy are dependent on weather conditions. Extreme weather events, which are occurring more and more often in the world, have a negative impact on energy security. Therefore, the demand for electricity will be covered not only by renewable energy sources, but also by nuclear energy.
2. As studies on space increase, we hear that some plans and projects are being developed on sources in space. Among these, Helium-3 stands out. What do you think about bringing Helium-3 from the Moon to Earth and using it?
In recent years, the development of technology has created the possibility of real plans to mine Helium-3 on the Moon and transport it to the Earth’s surface. This very valuable element can revolutionize the energy industry. There is less and less Helium-3 on Earth, mainly because the demand for it has increased significantly in the last two decades. The Indian space agency estimates that deposits of this element on the Moon can meet the energy demand for 250 years.
The Helium-3 is currently being used in the medical field and in security checkers at airports and various places where security needs to be ensured. This element can revolutionize the energy industry. It is a safe and clean source of energy. The biggest problem is the cost of mining Helium-3 on the Moon and bringing it back to Earth. Currently, the United States and China are in a race for resources of the element, sending rovers to the Moon to determine where to mine it. However, it should be noted that the profits associated with the use of Helium-3 could be much higher than the cost of its extraction. According to the researchers, just 25 tons of Helium-3 would be enough to provide the United States of America with energy for the whole year. The efficiency of the process of using Helium-3 in power generation is almost double that of nuclear power plants and far exceeds that of coal-fired plants.
3. China plans to place Solar Collectors and Panels in space to use solar energy more efficiently. How would you interpret this project of China?
The use of photovoltaic panels in the space industry is one of the most important technological breakthroughs. China is a world leader in the use of renewable energy sources, as well as the world’s largest producer of solar cells. However, these are not all of China’s activities in the field of obtaining clean energy. China has submitted a plan to build the first solar power plant in space. For the next 10 years, the implementation of this investment is the subject of research for scientists from China.
Thanks to the use of photovoltaic panels, space missions can be long-lasting and with significant efficiency. This technology will enable the development of scientific research on distant planets. There is a high probability that the energy obtained will be used not only for objects in space, but also for users on Earth. Chinese government policy is to explore the possibility of building a solar farm in space to reduce carbon emissions and compensate for future energy shortages. At the same time, it should be noted that China, together with India, is responsible for nearly 40% of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere in the world. China plans to achieve full independence from coal by 2060, i.e. without giving up this raw material too soon.
One of the challenges for China will be to establish a secure supply of energy to the Earth from orbiting solar panels. The impact of a high-frequency energy beam can be dangerous for communications, air traffic, and human health. It should be noted that the advantage of solar panels in orbit will be their continuous operation regardless of darkness, season or cloudy weather. Thus, photovoltaic panels in space will have an advantage over ground-based systems (wind and solar farms) because they will not have limitations in their operation. According to Chinese plans, the first solar power plant in space is expected to be built in 2028. The energy obtained from space will help meet the growing demand for clean energy and in the fight against the climate crisis and achieve carbon neutrality.
