Energy Basics

In the 16th century Britain ran out of wood, they started using coal as an alternative. This transition resulted two centuries later in the industrial revolution.

Consider the use of electricity to power a refrigerator, which is a useful and common energy application.

Here's a potential transformation path from the primary energy source (natural gas) to the useful energy (electricity): 1. Energy Extraction: First, natural gas is extracted from the ground using drilling methods. 2. Energy Conversion: This natural gas is then used in a power plant in a process called combustion. The heat created from burning the natural gas is used to create steam. 3. Energy Transformation: The steam then drives a turbine, which is connected to a generator. As the turbine spins, the energy is transformed from mechanical energy to electrical energy in the generator. 4. Energy Transportation & Distribution: The electricity then travels over transmission and distribution lines to your home. 5. Energy Use: This electricity can now be used to power the refrigerator.

1. Natural Gas: 450-550 gCO2/kWh à for the exam: 200 gCO2/kWh (EFuel)

2. Fuel Oil: 650-900 gCO2/kWh

3. Hard Coal: 820-1050 gCO2/kWh à for the exam: 330 gCO2/kWh (EFuel)

4. Lignite (Brown Coal): 1050-1150 gCO2/kWh à for the exam: 400 gCO2/kWh (EFuel)

The two major greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). 1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): This gas is primarily produced through the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, soil erosion and decomposition of organic materials. 2. Methane (CH4): It is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, also in agriculture

1. Oil 2. Coal 3. Gas 4. Hydropower 5. Nuclear

Final energy is the energy that is delivered to end users for consumption after all transformation processes have occurred. This is the energy available for use in its final form, be it electricity for light bulbs, petrol for automobiles, coal for a furnace, or gas for stoves and heaters. For example, if natural gas is extracted (primary energy), transported and then burned in a power plant to generate electricity, and the electricity is distributed to your home, the electricity at the point of use is the final energy.

Final energy is the total energy that is available for use by end consumers, in the form that it is supplied. Examples include electricity arriving to your home or gasoline pumped into a vehicle. Useful energy is the energy that goes towards the desired output of the end-use application. For a lightbulb, it's the amount of light that is produced. For a car, it's the amount of kinetic (movement) energy that is produced. In short, the difference lies in what is effectively used for the intended purpose (useful energy), and what is originally supplied (final energy). The two values are often different, reflecting system inefficiencies: you never get as much useful energy as the original amount of final energy used due to some being lost during conversion, frequently as waste heat.

The share of renewables in global primary energy consumption is >30% • The consumptions of all fossil fuels is already declining • The share of fossil fuels in global primary energy consumption is >75% • Oil is the major fuel for electricity generation. • The share of energy used for transport is >50% globally

in 2020: 45,4% First half of 2023: 57,7% (Fraunhofer ISE) Other sources state 55%

Germany's annual electricity consumption is approximately 500 TWh. Around 90GW.

1. Can utilize electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power. This can substantially reduce the overall carbon emissions compared to conventional gasoline or diesel-based vehicles and fossil fuel-based heating systems.

2. Are generally more efficient than internal combustion engines and conventional heating systems.

3. No tailpipe emissions.

4. Often offer lower operating costs over their lifetimes due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses.

5. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for transportation and heating, electrification can enhance energy security by decreasing dependency on oil and gas imports.

6. With the ongoing development of smart grid technologies, electric cars and heating systems can be integrated into

1. Widespread vehicle electrification requires a comprehensive network of charging stations. Similarly, the electrification of heating can demand upgrades to the electrical grid to handle increased power demand, especially during peak times.

2. Electric vehicles (EVs) and electric heating systems generally have higher upfront costs than their internal combustion engine or gas heating counterparts, even though operational costs might be lower.

3. A significant switch to electric cars and heating would increase the demand for electricity, meaning more power plants or renewable power sources are needed. Adequate energy storage solutions also need to be in place to handle the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources.

4. If the electricity used to power the electric cars and heat homes is generated from fossil fuel combustion, it limits the potential benefits of electrification. So, greening the power generation sector is crucial in realizing the full potential of electrification.

5. For electric cars, there still exist issues with battery life, charging speed, and range, although improvements are being made. The production and disposal of these batteries also pose environmental concerns.