Energy independence

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Energy Atlas 2018 "Who supplies Europe? The global concerns of EU energy imports" Who supplies Europe%3F The global concerns of EU energy imports.jpg
Energy Atlas 2018 "Who supplies Europe? The global concerns of EU energy imports"

Energy independence is independence or autarky regarding energy resources, energy supply and/or energy generation by the energy industry.

Contents

Energy dependence, in general, refers to mankind's general dependence on either primary or secondary energy for energy consumption (fuel, transport, automation, etc.). In a narrower sense, it may describe the dependence of one country on energy resources from another country.

Energy dependency shows the extent to which an economy relies upon imports in order to meet its energy needs. The indicator is calculated as net imports divided by the sum of gross inland energy consumption plus bunkers.

—  Eurostat [1]

Energy dependence has been identified as one of several factors (energy sources diversification, energy suppliers diversification, energy sources fungibility, energy transport, market liquidity, energy resources, political stability, energy intensity, GDP) negatively contributing to energy security. [2] Generally, a higher level of energy dependence is associated with higher risk, because of the possible interference of trade regulations, international armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, etc. [3] [4] [5]

Techniques for energy independence

Renewable energy

A study found that transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems reduces risks from mining, trade and political dependence because renewable energy systems don't need fuel – they depend on trade only for the acquisition of materials and components during construction. [6] Renewable energy is found to be an efficient way to ensure energy independence and security. It also supports the transition to a low carbon economy and society. [7] Ways to manage the variability of renewable energy – such as little solar power on cloudy days – include dispatchable generation and smart grids. Bioenergy hydropower and hydrogen energy could be used for such purposes alongside storage-options like batteries. [8]

Nuclear power

Several countries are conducting extensive research and development programs around renewable energy sources like solar, wind, water, and nuclear energy in hopes to achieve energy independence. However, because solar, wind, and water cannot always be derived as an energy source, nuclear energy is seen as a near-universal alternative that is efficient, safe, and combats the climate crisis.

Under the conceived notion that the expansion of and investment in nuclear energy power plants is a key step in the goal of achieving energy independence many countries, and companies, are supporting nuclear power research efforts.

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), located in France, is an experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor that is a collaboration between 35 different countries. This project was launched in 2007 and still under construction today.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $160 million in initial funding to TerraPower and X-energy to build advanced nuclear reactors that will be affordable to construct and operate. Both companies are expected to produce their product within 7 years. [9]

In that same tone, there are several other companies and institutions across the globe that are gaining attention from their nuclear power innovations and research efforts. Commonwealth Fusion Systems, founded in 2018, is focusing on the development of nuclear fusion. [10] In 2020, The Energy Impact Center launched its OPEN100 project, the world's first open-source blueprint for the design, construction, and financing of nuclear power plants. [11] General Fusion is a Canadian company currently developing a fusion power device, based on magnetized target fusion. [10] Flibe Energy aims to tackle the future of nuclear energy by researching and developing the liquid fluoride thorium reactor (LFTR). [10]

In addition, safe and cost-effective storage of nuclear waste in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and full version of this underground storage in New Mexico is important for the nuclear fuel cycle.

Global examples

Energy independence is being attempted by large or resource-rich and economically-strong countries like the United States, [12] [13] Russia, [14] China [15] [16] and the Near [17] and Middle East, [18] [19] but it is so far an idealized status that at present can be only approximated by non-sustainable exploitation of a country's (non-renewable) natural resources. [20] [21] [22] [23] Another factor in reducing dependence is the addition of renewable energy sources to the energy mix. Usually, a country relies on local and global energy renewable and non-renewable resources, a mixed-model solution that presumes various energy sources and modes of energy transfer between countries like electric power transmission, oil transport (oil and gas pipelines and tankers), etc. The European dependence on Russian energy is a good example because Russia is Europe's main supplier of hard coal, crude oil, and natural gas. [24] Oil wars in and between the Middle East, Russia, and the United States that have made markets unpredictable and volatile are also a great example as to why energy advocates and experts suggest countries invest in energy independence. The international dependence of energy resources exposes countries to vulnerability in every aspect of life — countries rely on energy for food, infrastructure, security, transportation, and more.

In the Scottish Independence debate, energy independence is a key argument in favour of Scottish exit. Since the discovery of large oil fields, pro-independence proponents have used the tagline "It's Scotland's Oil" in campaigns. Scottish oil and gas production constitutes 82% of the UK's oil and gas. [25] Accordingly, economic and political independence would be followed by high-stakes energy agreements, wherein some argue the fiscal power would lie with Scotland. [26] Political independence would supposedly return decisions about the future of energy to the Scottish people, who are more likely to vote in favour of renewable energy on Scottish soil. [27] Therefore, less reliance on international gas supplies, and a focus on low-emission local energy is a key tenet of the "Building a New Scotland" prospectus promoting Scottish Independence. [28]

See also

National efforts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuclear power</span> Power generated from nuclear reactions

Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions to produce electricity. Nuclear power can be obtained from nuclear fission, nuclear decay and nuclear fusion reactions. Presently, the vast majority of electricity from nuclear power is produced by nuclear fission of uranium and plutonium in nuclear power plants. Nuclear decay processes are used in niche applications such as radioisotope thermoelectric generators in some space probes such as Voyager 2. Generating electricity from fusion power remains the focus of international research.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy</span> Energy collected from renewable resources

Renewable energy is energy from renewable resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, the movement of water, and geothermal heat. Although most renewable energy sources are sustainable, some are not. For example, some biomass sources are considered unsustainable at current rates of exploitation. Renewable energy is often used for electricity generation, heating and cooling. Renewable energy projects are typically large-scale, but they are also suited to rural and remote areas and developing countries, where energy is often crucial in human development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuclear power plant</span> Thermal power station where the heat source is a nuclear reactor

A nuclear power plant (NPP) is a thermal power station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor. As is typical of thermal power stations, heat is used to generate steam that drives a steam turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity. As of September 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported there were 410 nuclear power reactors in operation in 31 countries around the world, and 57 nuclear power reactors under construction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Non-renewable resource</span> Class of natural resources

A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a pace quick enough to keep up with consumption. An example is carbon-based fossil fuels. The original organic matter, with the aid of heat and pressure, becomes a fuel such as oil or gas. Earth minerals and metal ores, fossil fuels and groundwater in certain aquifers are all considered non-renewable resources, though individual elements are always conserved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy development</span> Methods bringing energy into production

Energy development is the field of activities focused on obtaining sources of energy from natural resources. These activities include the production of renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuel derived sources of energy, and for the recovery and reuse of energy that would otherwise be wasted. Energy conservation and efficiency measures reduce the demand for energy development, and can have benefits to society with improvements to environmental issues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alternative fuel</span> Fuels from sources other than fossil fuels

Alternative fuels, also known as non-conventional and advanced fuels, are fuels derived from sources other than petroleum. Alternative fuels include gaseous fossil fuels like propane, natural gas, methane, and ammonia; biofuels like biodiesel, bioalcohol, and refuse-derived fuel; and other renewable fuels like hydrogen and electricity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sustainable energy</span> Energy that responsibly meets social, economic, and environmental needs

Energy is sustainable if it "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Most definitions of sustainable energy include considerations of environmental aspects such as greenhouse gas emissions and social and economic aspects such as energy poverty. Renewable energy sources such as wind, hydroelectric power, solar, and geothermal energy are generally far more sustainable than fossil fuel sources. However, some renewable energy projects, such as the clearing of forests to produce biofuels, can cause severe environmental damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy industry</span> Industries involved in the production and sale of energy

The energy industry is the totality of all of the industries involved in the production and sale of energy, including fuel extraction, manufacturing, refining and distribution. Modern society consumes large amounts of fuel, and the energy industry is a crucial part of the infrastructure and maintenance of society in almost all countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy in the United Kingdom</span> Overview of the energy use of the United Kingdom

Energy in the United Kingdom came mostly from fossil fuels in 2021. Total energy consumption in the United Kingdom was 142.0 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2019. In 2014, the UK had an energy consumption per capita of 2.78 tonnes of oil equivalent compared to a world average of 1.92 tonnes of oil equivalent. Demand for electricity in 2014 was 34.42 GW on average coming from a total electricity generation of 335.0 TWh.

Renewable Fuels are fuels produced from renewable resources. Examples include: biofuels, Hydrogen fuel, and fully synthetic fuel produced from ambient carbon dioxide and water. This is in contrast to non-renewable fuels such as natural gas, LPG (propane), petroleum and other fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Renewable fuels can include fuels that are synthesized from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Renewable fuels have gained in popularity due to their sustainability, low contributions to the carbon cycle, and in some cases lower amounts of greenhouse gases. The geo-political ramifications of these fuels are also of interest, particularly to industrialized economies which desire independence from Middle Eastern oil.

World energy resources are the estimated maximum capacity for energy production given all available resources on Earth. They can be divided by type into fossil fuel, nuclear fuel and renewable resources.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States energy independence</span> Idea of eliminating the need for the United States to import foreign sources of energy

United States energy independence is the concept of eliminating or substantially reducing import of petroleum to satisfy the nation's need for energy. Some proposals for achieving energy independence would permit imports from the neighboring nations of Canada and Mexico, in which case it would be called North American energy independence. Energy independence is espoused by those who want to leave the US unaffected by global energy supply disruptions and would restrict reliance upon politically unstable states for its energy security.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy security</span> National security considerations of energy availability

Energy security is the association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption. Access to cheaper energy has become essential to the functioning of modern economies. However, the uneven distribution of energy supplies among countries has led to significant vulnerabilities. International energy relations have contributed to the globalization of the world leading to energy security and energy vulnerability at the same time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fossil fuel phase-out</span> Gradual reduction of the use and production of fossil fuels

Fossil fuel phase-out is the gradual reduction of the use and production of fossil fuels to zero, to reduce deaths and illness from air pollution, limit climate change, and strengthen energy independence. It is part of the ongoing renewable energy transition, but is being hindered by fossil fuel subsidies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Low-carbon electricity</span> Power produced with lower carbon dioxide emissions

Low-carbon electricity or low-carbon power is electricity produced with substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions over the entire lifecycle than power generation using fossil fuels. The energy transition to low-carbon power is one of the most important actions required to limit climate change.

An energy market is a type of commodity market on which electricity, heat, and fuel products are traded. Natural gas and electricity are examples of products traded on an energy market. Other energy commodities include: oil, coal, carbon emissions, nuclear power, solar energy and wind energy. Due to the difficulty in storing and transporting energy, current and future prices in energy are rarely linked. This is because energy purchased at a current price is difficult to store and then sell at a later date. There are two types of market schemes : spot market and forward market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuclear power debate</span> Controversy over the use of nuclear power

The nuclear power debate is a long-running controversy about the risks and benefits of using nuclear reactors to generate electricity for civilian purposes. The debate about nuclear power peaked during the 1970s and 1980s, as more and more reactors were built and came online, and "reached an intensity unprecedented in the history of technology controversies" in some countries. In the 2010s, with growing public awareness about climate change and the critical role that carbon dioxide and methane emissions plays in causing the heating of the Earth's atmosphere, there was a resurgence in the intensity of the nuclear power debate.

Whether nuclear power should be considered a form of renewable energy is an ongoing subject of debate. Statutory definitions of renewable energy usually exclude many present nuclear energy technologies, with the notable exception of the state of Utah. Dictionary-sourced definitions of renewable energy technologies often omit or explicitly exclude mention of nuclear energy sources, with an exception made for the natural nuclear decay heat generated within the Earth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy transition</span> Significant structural change in an energy system

An energy transition is a significant structural change in an energy system regarding supply and consumption. Currently, a transition to sustainable energy is underway to limit climate change. It is also called renewable energy transition. The current transition is driven by a recognition that global greenhouse-gas emissions must be drastically reduced. This process involves phasing-down fossil fuels and re-developing whole systems to operate on low carbon electricity. A previous energy transition took place during the industrial revolution and involved an energy transition from wood and other biomass to coal, followed by oil and most recently natural gas.

Energy diplomacy is a form of diplomacy, and a subfield of international relations. It is closely related to its principal, foreign policy, and to overall national security, specifically energy security. Energy diplomacy began in the first half of the twentieth century and emerged as a term during the second oil crisis as a means of describing OPEC's actions. It has since mainly focused on the securitization of energy supplies, primarily fossil fuels, but also nuclear energy and increasingly sustainable energy, on a country or bloc basis.

References

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  2. ↑ "Energy security indices in Europe / Economic Challenges for Energy Workshop February 7-8th 2011, Madrid" (PDF). eforenergy.org/. 2011.
  3. ↑ Hölsgens, Rick (2019). "Resource dependence and energy risks in the Netherlands since the mid-nineteenth century". Energy Policy. Elsevier BV. 125: 45–54. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2018.10.020. ISSN   0301-4215. S2CID   158310322.
  4. ↑ Bluszcz, Anna (5 May 2016). "European economies in terms of energy dependence". Quality & Quantity. Springer Nature. 51 (4): 1531–1548. doi:10.1007/s11135-016-0350-1. ISSN   0033-5177. PMC   5486912 . PMID   28725090.
  5. ↑ Bryce, Robert (2008). Gusher of lies  : the dangerous delusions of energy independence. New York: PublicAffairs. ISBN   978-1-58648-321-0. OCLC   174112731.
  6. ↑ Krane, Jim; Idel, Robert (1 December 2021). "More transitions, less risk: How renewable energy reduces risks from mining, trade and political dependence". Energy Research & Social Science. 82: 102311. doi:10.1016/j.erss.2021.102311. ISSN   2214-6296. S2CID   244187364.
  7. ↑ Lin, Boqiang; Zhu, Junpeng (1 October 2019). "Determinants of renewable energy technological innovation in China under CO2 emissions constraint". Journal of Environmental Management. 247: 662–671. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.06.121. ISSN   0301-4797. PMID   31279143. S2CID   195820056.
  8. ↑ Schulthoff, Michael; Rudnick, Ivan; Bose, Abhishek; Gençer, Emre (2021). "Role of Hydrogen in a Low-Carbon Electric Power System: A Case Study". Frontiers in Energy Research. 8: 344. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2020.585461 . hdl: 1721.1/129383 . ISSN   2296-598X.
  9. ↑ "U.S. Department of Energy Announces $160 Million in First Awards under Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program". Energy.gov. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 Earley, Kelly (27 February 2020). "6 start-ups innovating in the field of nuclear energy". Silicon Republic. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  11. ↑ Proctor, Darrell (25 February 2020). "Tech Guru's Plan—Fight Climate Change with Nuclear Power". Power Magazine. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  12. ↑ Homans, Charles (3 January 2012). "Energy Independence: A Short History". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  13. ↑ Lack, Simon (28 January 2019). "American Energy Independence Is Imminent". Forbes. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  14. ↑ "International - Analysis - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) - Russia". 9 July 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  15. ↑ Zhao, H. (2018). The Economics and Politics of China's Energy Security Transition. Elsevier Science. p. 106. ISBN   978-0-12-815153-2 . Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  16. ↑ Li, Xing; Clark, Woodrow W. (2018). "Energy Economics in China's Policy-Making Plan". Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook. Elsevier. pp. 325–349. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-813964-6.00017-3. ISBN   978-0-12-813964-6.
  17. ↑ El-Katiri, Laura (1 January 2014). A Roadmap for Renewable Energy in the Middle East and North Africa. ISBN   9781907555909 . Retrieved 10 July 2019.{{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  18. ↑ "A Bright Future For Solar Power In The Middle East". Global Economic Intersection. 23 April 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  19. ↑ Nematollahi, Omid; Hoghooghi, Hadi; Rasti, Mehdi; Sedaghat, Ahmad (2016). "Energy demands and renewable energy resources in the Middle East". Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Elsevier BV. 54: 1172–1181. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.058. ISSN   1364-0321.
  20. ↑ "When will fossil fuels run out?". Ecotricity. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  21. ↑ Simon, C.A. (2007). Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 135. ISBN   978-0-7425-4909-8 . Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  22. ↑ RenewEconomy, Giles Parkinson (9 April 2014). "Arvizu: Why the Current Energy System Is Unsustainable". Greentech Media. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  23. ↑ "Unsustainable Energy". CELDF. 4 August 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  24. ↑ "Russia has maintained though throughout the whole period 2007-2017 its position as the leading supplier to the EU of the main primary energy commodities – hard coal, crude oil and natural gas" https://web.archive.org/web/20191019113648/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Energy_production_and_imports
  25. ↑ "Oil and gas production statistics: 2019". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  26. ↑ "Higher North Sea revenues: what impact on Scotland's independence debate?". Economics Observatory. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  27. ↑ "Do Scots want green energy in Scotland? | YouGov". yougov.co.uk. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  28. ↑ "Energy and climate change". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
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