Course: IRS-503
Introduction to Earth and Environmental Systems
Topic: Energy sources
Muhammad Rezaul Rakib
Associate Professor
Department of Geography & Environment
Jahangirnagar University
Energy: The Lifeblood of Our World
Definition Importance
Energy is the ability to do work. Energy sources are Understanding energy systems is crucial for
the resources we use to power our lives and creating a sustainable future and tackling climate
economies. change.
Earth's Energy Budget: A
Delicate Balance
Solar Radiation Energy Flows
The sun is the primary Solar energy drives Earth’s
source of energy for systems and maintains a
Earth. delicate balance.
Key Processes
Reflection, absorption, and emission play crucial roles in
the energy balance.
Components of Earth's Energy Budget
Solar Input Atmospheric Effects Surface Absorption Infrared Radiation
The amount of solar energy The atmosphere reflects Land and water surfaces Earth emits infrared
reaching Earth varies with and absorbs some solar absorb and reflect solar radiation, balancing the
latitude and time of year. energy, reducing the radiation, influencing incoming solar energy.
amount reaching the temperature patterns.
surface.
Types of Energy Sources
Energy Sources
1
Renewable
2
Sustainable and abundant
Nonrenewable
3
Limited and depleting
Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy Nonrenewable Energy
Harnessing energy from naturally replenishing sources. Using energy sources that are finite and depleting
over time.
Types of Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy 1
Converting sunlight into electricity using
photovoltaic cells.
2 Wind Energy
Harnessing wind power to generate
electricity using turbines.
Hydro Energy 3
Utilizing flowing water to produce electricity
through dams and turbines.
4 Geothermal Energy
Extracting heat from beneath the Earth's
surface to generate power.
Biomass Energy 5
Converting organic material into energy
through combustion or gasification.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Mechanism
1
Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electricity.
Benefits
2
Clean, abundant, and relatively low operating costs.
Innovations
3 Solar farms, rooftop panels, and solar batteries
are transforming energy landscapes.
Wind Power: A
Sustainable Choice
Advantages Challenges
Low emissions, renewable Noise, visual impact, wildlife
Hydropower: The Force
of Water
1 Harnessing Flow
Dams, turbines, generate electricity
2 Benefits
Reliable, consistent energy source
3 Challenges
Habitat disruption, sedimentation
Geothermal Energy:
Earth's Inner Power
Magma Applications
Earth's heat, hot springs Electricity, heating systems
Biomass Energy: Harnessing
Nature's Potential
Sources Conversion
Wood, agricultural Combustion, anaerobic
residues, waste digestion
Nonrenewable Energy: Finite Resources
Fossil Fuels
1
2 Nuclear
Challenges
3
Depletion, environmental harm
Coal: A Powerhouse with Trade-offs
1 Formation
Use
2
Electricity generation
Impact
3
Air pollution, greenhouse gases
Oil: Applications and Challenges
Applications Challenges
• Fuels (gasoline, diesel) • Oil spills
• Chemicals (plastics, fertilizers) • Geopolitical issues
Natural Gas: A Cleaner
Alternative
1 Composition 2 Extraction
Methane (CH4) Fracking, conventional wells
3 Advantages
Cleaner burning than coal and oil
Natural Gas: Uses and Concerns
Uses Concerns
• Heating • Methane leaks
• Electricity generation • Fracking impact
• Industrial processes
Nuclear Energy: Powering the Future?
Fission
1 Splitting atoms for energy
Advantages
2
High energy output, low emissions
Risks
3
Radioactive waste, accidents
Greenhouse Gases: The Heat
Trappers
Definition Examples
Gases trapping heat in CO2, CH4, N2O, H2O vapor
Earth’s atmosphere
The Urgency of Climate Action
1 Global Warming
Long-term rise in Earth’s temperature
2 Causes
Fossil fuels, deforestation
3 Consequences
Climate extremes, ocean acidification
Navigating the Transition to Renewable Energy
High Investment Costs Technological Gaps
Renewable energy technologies often require Developing more efficient and scalable renewable
significant upfront investments, which can be a energy technologies is essential for widespread
barrier for individuals and businesses. adoption.
Addressing Policy and Public Perception
Policy Barriers Public Acceptance
Policies and regulations need to support renewable Raising public awareness about the benefits of
energy development, including incentives for renewable energy is crucial for gaining widespread
investment and streamlined permitting processes. support.
Overcoming Intermittency
Intermittency Challenges
1 Energy Storage 2 Smart Grids
Developing large-scale Smart grids improve
energy storage solutions energy efficiency and
is key to addressing the enable better integration
intermittent nature of of renewable sources into
solar and wind power. the energy grid.
A Glimpse into the Future of Energy
Hydrogen Fuels AI for Energy Management
Hydrogen fuel technology is gaining momentum as a Artificial intelligence can optimize energy
clean and versatile energy source. consumption, enhance grid stability, and promote
renewable energy integration.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Government Policies Industry Innovation
Governments can play a Industries are driving
crucial role in fostering a innovation in renewable
favorable environment for energy technologies,
renewable energy materials, and
development. manufacturing processes.
Community Engagement
Engaging communities is
essential for fostering
local support for
renewable energy
projects.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Global Warming
1
Addressing global warming is crucial for protecting our planet and future generations.
Renewable Energy Solutions
2 Renewable energy sources offer a path toward a sustainable and clean
energy future.
Mitigation Strategies
Transitioning to renewable energy requires a multi-
3
faceted approach, including policy changes,
technological advancements, and public awareness
campaigns.
A Call to Action
Adopt Energy-Saving Practices Support Renewable Energy Initiatives
Reduce energy consumption at home and in your daily life. Invest in renewable energy projects or support
organizations working to promote clean energy.
Advocate for Climate Change Policies Educate Others
Support policies that address climate change and Share information about sustainable energy
promote renewable energy. solutions and encourage others to make positive
changes.
Thank You!
