The role of non-renewable energy sources in global energy supply

Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy, have long been the backbone of global energy production. These resources are finite, meaning they will eventually be depleted or become too challenging to extract, pushing societies to seek alternative solutions or more efficient extraction methods.

Characteristics of non-renewable energy sources

• Finite nature of fossil fuels - Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have historically powered most of the world's energy needs, but their reserves are limited and will run out over time.
• Depletion of nuclear resources - Nuclear energy, derived from uranium, is also a non-renewable resource that will eventually be exhausted, despite its ability to produce significant energy from small amounts of fuel.
• Global reliance - High Income Countries (HICs) continue to depend heavily on these sources, driving innovation to access the remaining reserves.
• Urgency for alternatives - As reserves diminish, the need to transition to sustainable energy sources becomes more pressing to avoid energy shortages.

Methods to increase energy from fossil fuels and nuclear power

With the looming depletion of non-renewable resources, various strategies have been developed to extend their availability. These approaches focus on discovering new reserves and enhancing extraction or efficiency through technological advancements.

Strategies to boost fossil fuel supply

• Exploration for new reserves - Efforts are underway to locate untapped deposits of coal, oil, and gas to maintain energy supplies.
• Utilisation of known reserves - Reserves that have been identified but not yet exploited are being targeted for extraction as technology improves.
• Advanced extraction techniques - Innovations allow access to resources previously considered too difficult or expensive to extract, such as through methods like hydraulic fracturing.

Approaches to enhance nuclear energy production

• Growth since the 1950s - Nuclear energy usage has risen steadily over decades, reflecting its importance in meeting energy demands.
• Efficiency improvements - New technologies are being developed to make nuclear reactors more effective, extracting more energy from the same amount of uranium.
• Breeder reactors - These reactors produce additional fuel during operation, extending the sustainability of nuclear energy by creating more usable material.
• Challenges of nuclear power - Despite its potential, nuclear energy faces significant hurdles:
  • High costs for building and decommissioning power stations.
  • The need for safe storage of radioactive waste for thousands of years.
  • Risks of catastrophic accidents, which can have widespread environmental and social impacts.

The process and impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is a technique used to extract shale gas, a type of natural gas trapped within shale rock formations underground. This method has become a significant, yet controversial, means of increasing fossil fuel supplies.

How fracking works

• High-pressure fluid injection - A mixture of water, sand, and chemicals is pumped into shale rock at extremely high pressure.
• Rock fracturing - The pressure causes the shale to crack, releasing the trapped gas.
• Gas collection - The freed gas flows back up through the well and is captured for use as an energy source.
• Recent developments - Many fracking operations were suspended by 2019 due to safety concerns, including a recorded earthquake of magnitude 2.9 linked to fracking activities in August 2019.

Advantages and disadvantages of fracking for energy production

Fracking offers a way to access vast reserves of shale gas, but it comes with significant environmental and social challenges. The debate over its use centres on balancing energy needs with sustainability and safety concerns.

Benefits of fracking as an energy solution

• Abundant resources - Some regions estimate shale gas reserves at around 5 trillion cubic metres, providing a substantial energy source.
• Enhanced energy security - As traditional fossil fuel reserves decline, fracking helps reduce reliance on imported energy.
• Lower emissions than other fossil fuels - Shale gas emits approximately half the carbon dioxide (CO₂) of coal when burned, making it a less polluting option among non-renewables.
• Cost-effectiveness - Often cheaper to implement compared to some renewable energy technologies.
• Proven technology - Fracking is a well-tested method with successful applications in various locations.

Drawbacks and risks of fracking

• Non-sustainable resource - Shale gas remains a finite, non-renewable energy source that will eventually be depleted.
• Contribution to climate change - Burning shale gas releases CO₂, adding to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
• Environmental contamination - There are risks of polluting groundwater, drinking water supplies, and air quality during the extraction process.
• High water usage - Fracking consumes large volumes of water, a scarce resource in many areas.
• Seismic activity - The process has been linked to minor earthquakes, raising safety concerns in operational areas.
• Public resistance - Widespread opposition, including protests and legal actions, has emerged due to environmental and health concerns.
• Hindrance to renewables - Investment in fracking may divert resources and focus away from developing sustainable, renewable energy alternatives.