Renewable Energy for Brunei Darussalam - Essay Example

Renewable Energy for Brunei Darussalam Name Institution Introduction Brunei Darussalam is an island country situated along South China Sea and north-west of island of Borneo (Lawrey, 2009, p.45). Malik (2011) claimed that the country is also surrounded by Sarawak, a state of Malaysia. the country is consider to be having a small economy and oil and gas industry regarded as the largest contributor of its economy, representing 67.8% of Brunei Darussalam’s GDP by 2011 (p.427). Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.155) stated that despite having a small population, Brunei Darussalam has high rates of electricity consumption based on per capita, and local households have the highest consumption. The reason for this is that Bruneian families benefit from low tariff on electricity resulting to high consumption. The current overreliance on the oil and gas in Brunei Darussalam as the major energy sources to offer a surplus of the energy to its citizens and to generate income has proved not to be sustainable without appropriate energy conservation and efficiency measures (Lawrey & Pillarisetti, 2011, p.110). Therefore, this paper recommends renewable sources of energy as the best solution and sustainable strategy to Brunei Darussalam energy needs. Some of the renewable sources of energy which Brunei Darussalam government and citizens need to pursue include solar, wind and tidal energy. Renewable Energy for Brunei Darussalam According to Ellabban, Abu-Rub and Blaabjerg (2014, p.748), renewable energy is energy which is often collected from the natural resources and is sustainably and constantly replenish. Renewable energy sources include wind, sunlight, waves, tides and geothermal heat and offer energy in the four significant areas consisting of electricity generation, transportation, water and air cooling or heating, and rural energy services (agriculture or farming) (Tu, 2011, p.120). Rapid adoption of the renewable energy in the recent years has resulted to considerable energy efficiency and security, economic benefits and climate change improvement. However, such energy efficiency and security has not been achieved in some countries of the world. One of the countries which have achieved much in terms of energy is Brunei Darussalam which derives its success from availability of the oil and natural gas resources. Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.156) contended that as of 2012, the oil reserves in Brunei Darussalam were estimated at 1.3 billion barrels while the gas reserves were rated at 13.9 Tcf. Subsidy and the availability of energy resources have led to high consumption of electricity. Bruneian households are considered the highest users of electricity globally. Other sectors which also highly rely on this non-renewable energy include transport, air conditioning and agriculture (Lawrey, 2009, p.57). However, Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.155) posited that with high consumption and over reliance on oil and natural gas, Brunei Darussalam might face energy challenges in future. Similarly such energy also poses threats of climate change, environment and health challenges. Therefore, the country needs to invest in renewable energy such as solar, wind, biomass and tidal energy. Solar energy Solar energy is described as a radiant heat and light originating from Sun and can be collected using various emerging technologies like the photovoltaics, solar heating, solar thermal energy, artificial photosynthesis and solar architecture (Goffman, 2008, p.5). Brunei has shown significant potential for the solar energy. In the recent past, solar thermal technology or photovoltaics are one the most researched concept which can lay a foundation solar energy application in the country. Lawrey and Pillarisetti (2011, p.109) opined that the average insolation on a daily basis of the region ranges between 400 and 500 W/m2, while the peaks stands slightly higher of 1000 W/m2. Solar is significant renewable energy source which its technologies and concept are largely distinguished as either active or passive solar reliant on the manner in which they collect and distribute the solar energy or change it to solar power. Geoffrey and Loubna (2012, p.13) asserted that people, households or organization normally use either larger or small solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity; a procedure which can be either direct using photovoltaics or indirect when applying concentrated solar power (see figure 1). Concentrated solar power systems make use of lenses and the tracking systems to collect heat on a wider area of sunlight. Photovoltaics transform light to electric current via the effect of photoelectric. Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.157) posited that in Brunei Darussalam, a solar energy has been tested in Ule Belalong National Park and proved to have great potential in adoption of the renewable energy. In fact, a diesel generator of 80kVA and a solar diesel system with up to 2.5kW solar array was first used to test the potential of solar technology and energy in the year 2000 (Malik 2011, p.435). Figure 1: solar panel used to tap sun heat and generate solar energy Wind energy Bratley (2013) defined wind power as the application of wind turbines to power generators in order to generate electricity. As renewable energy, wind energy is considered to be clean and does not produce greenhouse gases and use less space of land. Simas and Pacca (2013, p.30) wind farms usually comprise of numerous wind turbines that are linked to electric power distribution network as shown in figure 2. Currently, majority of turbines utilize generators with varied speed combined with full or partial-scale power converter to generate wind energy (Simas & Pacca, 2013, p.32). The wind has a kinetic energy which can be tapped by the turbine. Jamieson (2011) claimed that normally, wind pass through the blades of a turbine which transfer the energy via a mid hub to the generator. At the blades, wind arrives in form of mechanical energy and the generator transforms it to electrical energy which is then distributed to power grid. The research about the wind energy has been conduct in the region and has shown some potential. An examination conducted by University of Brunei Darussalam and the Department of Physics showed that there is a yearly wind speed of 5 m/s on average within the coastal regions, depicting some potential for wind energy within the nation (Lawrey & Pillarisetti, 2011, p.112). According to Malik (2011, p.430) another research about wind energy utilization in Brunei Darussalam and the study have demonstrated the country receives offshore wind energy of 372 MW. Figure 2: windmill as used to tap wind energy Figure 3: typical parts of the wind turbine Tidal energy Ocean or tidal power is also another alternative source of energy which Brunei Darussalam can also pursue. Tidal forces are defined as periodic variants in the gravitational pull put forth by the celestial bodies (Lewis et al., 2015, p.403). Such forces generate resultant currents or currents within the oceans. The bulging of water level is then created by the strong attraction within the oceans. High sea level makes the water in the middle to moves near shorelines hence create tides. The whole process is attributed to movement of the moon around the earth. Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.168) pointed out that Brunei Darussalam’s tides often have larger diurnal elements. When neap tides occur, elements of semi-diurnal are normally seen together with low and with two high tides each day. However, there is always a difference in heights of low and high tides resulting to 'diurnal inequality'. Tidal hydrokinetic energy rises from tides, waves and ocean currents. The government then can use four ways to generate tidal energy. The four for generating electricity from tides include using tidal generator, Tidal barrage, Dynamic tidal power and Tidal lagoon (Lewis et al., 2015, p.404). Experts have come with new technologies for harnessing tidal energy. Such technologies are considered to be the newest in this alternative energy segment and include buoys, underwater wind turbines and clam-based shells. Where it looks theoretically promising to produce nearly 340 kW of the tidal energy yearly, it is economically feasible because of the location of Brunei Darussalam (Lawrey & Pillarisetti, 2011, p.110). Tidal wave currents could be converted into electrical energy with underwater tidal turbines. The research that has been done shows that areas Northern Muara district has the potential to harness tidal energy for electricity generation. It is approximated that Brunei Darussalam’s coastline of 269km is capable of producing 15-126 Giga Watts of the tidal energy per day 66 x 1010 W annually (Ahmad and Othman, 2014, p. 159). Figure 4: tidal generator used to generate tidal energy Characteristic and benefits of renewable energy Brunei Darussalam overdependence on non renewable energy has lasted for years. However, with increase in population and economic activities, it might impossible for that resource to support country’s need for electricity. Adoption of renewable energy is not just sustainable but also of benefit to environment and human in term of health (Lawrey, 2009, p. 67). Adoption of the wind, solar and tidal energy will be beneficial to Brunei Darussalam in different ways. This paper recommends adoption of solar energy because it is readily available cost effective, efficient and does not pollute the air. Just like any other country in Southeast Asia, Brunei Darussalam enjoys free long periods of periods of summer (sun). Goffman (2008, p.7) argued that one requirement for generating solar energy is presence of sunlight. The free availability of sunlight in Brunei Darussalam makes it viable for the government and also individual citizens to generate solar energy (Geoffrey & Loubna, 2012, p.30). The solar energy is also cost effective because government, companies or individual need only to acquire solar panels or technology or photovoltaics to generate electricity. The devices can be bought once after several years. It is cost effective and the user does not have to pay monthly bills. With no electricity bills to pay, individuals can save and use the money for other expenses (Ryan & Campbell, 2012, p.15). Similarly, with reduce reliance on non renewable energy, the government of Brunei Darussalam can reduce the cost of operation and increase citizen-driven service delivery. Solar energy is normally environmentally; the feature is derived from the fact that generating solar energy does not product waste byproduct. Wind energy is also viable because it is considered a clean source of fuel. Several studies have shown that wind energy does not emit green gases into the air other oil and fossil fuels (Bratley, 2013). When in the process of generating power, wind turbines do not produce greenhouse gasses which can cause climate change. Greenhouse gases bear several negative impacts on environment, human and animals. Greenhouse gases leading overheating on the earth surface and later results to acid rains or floods. Greenhouse gases caused by non-renewable energy can cause health risks and diseases like asthma, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses (Brysse et al., 2013, p.329). Another reason why this paper recommends wind energy for Brunei Darussalam is because it is sustainable. The winds are often created by heating of atmosphere due to earth’s rotation, irregularities of the surface of the earth, and the sun. This means since this process always takes place; wind can be constantly be produced and sent to wind turbines for generation of power (Jamieson, 2011). This is different to non renewable source of energy such as coal and oil which depletes over the years. Wind energy is also viable and cheap energy to Brunei Darussalam agriculture since they can use it to for irrigation and lighting. Lawrey and Pillarisetti (2011, p.113) argued that Just like other two solar and wind energy, tidal energy also has several benefits for Brunei Darussalam which makes it feasible to adopt. Brunei Darussalam is located near the seashore and receives tides almost on a daily basis. The situation makes tidal energy more sustainable since earth rotation and moon and sun gravitation process takes place daily resulting to tides (Lewis et al., 2015). Tidal energy is green and environmental friendly compared to oil and fossil fuel. In addition, even though construction cost is normally high, maintenance is cost effective. Conclusion The research has established that Brunei Darussalam is one of the heavy users of electricity. However, the situation has been supported by cheap electricity which is generated from non renewable energy such as oil and natural gas. Households, transport and industrial sector lead in consumption of energy. However, studies have shown that over dependence on non-renewable could be bad for the country and it could face energy shortages in the near future. Therefore, this paper has recommended three sources of renewable energy which could help Brunei Darussalam mitigate future challenges of energy. The paper has recommended solar, wind and tidal energy and discussed in sufficient detail how each of these renewable energy work and their benefits. Some of the general benefits of taping into these renewable include high and free availability of wind, sunlight and water. Companies can also benefits in that they will not need to pay month electricity bills. References Ahmad, A., & Othman, H.M. (2014). Electricity Consumption in Brunei Darussalam: Challenges in Energy Conservation. International Energy Journal 14 (1), 155-166 Bratley, J. (2013). Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy. Clean Energy Ideas. Retrieved 3rd March 2016 from http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/wind/wind energy/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-wind-energy Brysse, K., Oreskes N., O’Reilly, J. & Oppenheimer, M. (2013). Climate change prediction: erring on the side of least drama? Glob. Environ. Change, 23(2), 327–37 Ellabban, O., Abu-Rub, H., & Blaabjerg, F. (2014). Renewable energy resources: Current status, future prospects and their enabling technology. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 39(4), 748–764, Geoffrey, J. & Loubna, B. (2012). “Power from Sunshine”: A Business History of Solar Energy. Havard School of Business, pp 1-85 Goffman, E. (2008). Why Not the Sun? Advantages of and Problems with Solar Energy. ProQuest, 1-16 Lawrey, R. & Pillarisetti, J.R. (2011). Energy subsidies versus economic efficiency: Practical and theoretical issues in the case of Brunei Darussalam. Asian Social Science, 7(3), 108–116 Lawrey, R. N. (2009). The Brunei economy. L. Daniel (Ed.), The Far East and Australasia. London: Routledge Lewis, N., Neill, S.P., Robins, P.E., & Hashemi, M.R. (2015). Resource assessment for future generations of tidal-stream energy arrays. Energy, 83, 403-415 Malik A.Q. (2011). Assessment of the potential of renewables for Brunei Darussalam. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15(1), 427–437 Jamieson, P. (2011). Innovation in Wind Turbine Design. Wiley & Sons Ryan, L., & Campbell, N. (2012). Spreading the Net: The Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency Improvements. International Energy Agencies, pp. 3-34. Retrieved 3rd March 2016 from http://www.iea.org/publications/insights/ee_improvements.pdf Simas, M., & Pacca, S. (2013). Socio-economic Benefits of Wind Power in Brazil. Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems 1(1), 27‐40 Tu J. (2011). Energy conservation policy development in Brunei. In Energy conservation in East Asia: towards greater energy security, Thomson E., Chang Y. and Lee J-S. (Eds.): pp. 119-142. 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Bruneian households are considered the highest users of electricity globally. Other sectors which also highly rely on this non-renewable energy include transport, air conditioning and agriculture (Lawrey, 2009, p.57). However, Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.155) posited that with high consumption and over reliance on oil and natural gas, Brunei Darussalam might face energy challenges in future. Similarly such energy also poses threats of climate change, environment and health challenges. Therefore, the country needs to invest in renewable energy such as solar, wind, biomass and tidal energy.

Solar energy Solar energy is described as a radiant heat and light originating from Sun and can be collected using various emerging technologies like the photovoltaics, solar heating, solar thermal energy, artificial photosynthesis and solar architecture (Goffman, 2008, p.5). Brunei has shown significant potential for the solar energy. In the recent past, solar thermal technology or photovoltaics are one the most researched concept which can lay a foundation solar energy application in the country.

Lawrey and Pillarisetti (2011, p.109) opined that the average insolation on a daily basis of the region ranges between 400 and 500 W/m2, while the peaks stands slightly higher of 1000 W/m2. Solar is significant renewable energy source which its technologies and concept are largely distinguished as either active or passive solar reliant on the manner in which they collect and distribute the solar energy or change it to solar power. Geoffrey and Loubna (2012, p.13) asserted that people, households or organization normally use either larger or small solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity; a procedure which can be either direct using photovoltaics or indirect when applying concentrated solar power (see figure 1).

Concentrated solar power systems make use of lenses and the tracking systems to collect heat on a wider area of sunlight. Photovoltaics transform light to electric current via the effect of photoelectric. Ahmad and Othman (2014, p.157) posited that in Brunei Darussalam, a solar energy has been tested in Ule Belalong National Park and proved to have great potential in adoption of the renewable energy. In fact, a diesel generator of 80kVA and a solar diesel system with up to 2.5kW solar array was first used to test the potential of solar technology and energy in the year 2000 (Malik 2011, p.435). Figure 1: solar panel used to tap sun heat and generate solar energy Wind energy Bratley (2013) defined wind power as the application of wind turbines to power generators in order to generate electricity.

As renewable energy, wind energy is considered to be clean and does not produce greenhouse gases and use less space of land. Simas and Pacca (2013, p.30) wind farms usually comprise of numerous wind turbines that are linked to electric power distribution network as shown in figure 2. Currently, majority of turbines utilize generators with varied speed combined with full or partial-scale power converter to generate wind energy (Simas & Pacca, 2013, p.32). The wind has a kinetic energy which can be tapped by the turbine.

Jamieson (2011) claimed that normally, wind pass through the blades of a turbine which transfer the energy via a mid hub to the generator. At the blades, wind arrives in form of mechanical energy and the generator transforms it to electrical energy which is then distributed to power grid. The research about the wind energy has been conduct in the region and has shown some potential. An examination conducted by University of Brunei Darussalam and the Department of Physics showed that there is a yearly wind speed of 5 m/s on average within the coastal regions, depicting some potential for wind energy within the nation (Lawrey & Pillarisetti, 2011, p.112). According to Malik (2011, p.430) another research about wind energy utilization in Brunei Darussalam and the study have demonstrated the country receives offshore wind energy of 372 MW.

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