Use of Solar Technology as a Viable Option for Zero GHG Emission and Abatement of the Earth’s Environmental Pollution
[1]
Rufus Chigozie Nwankwo, Department of Physical Sciences, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Nigeria.
[2]
Paschal Ikenna Enyinna, Department of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
In this research work, the various energy resources available for electric power generation with emphasis on how clean these energy resources are in relation to the environment are discussed. The theoretical method is used to compute the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission from 3 types of non- renewable energy resources namely; petrol generators, diesel generators and coal power plants. In carrying out the computation, the default GHG emission factors are used to compute the magnitude of CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions from these stationary combustion sources. The total CO2 Equivalent emission (CO2T) from these power sources are also computed. Results obtained showed that CO2T varied from 21.1 to 79.24 pounds/8 hours for petrol generators and 291.63 to 582.65 pounds per 8 hours for diesel generators. Total CO2 Equivalent emission from coal power plants averaged at 1946.61 Pounds of CO2T/MWh and is about 94.66% above the regulatory limit of 1000 Pounds of CO2T/MWh. These sources of electricity generation with high total CO2 Equivalent emission contribute to global warming and when compared to solar electricity technology with zero CO2T, it can be inferred that solar electricity technology is a viable option for abatement of environmental pollution.
Solar Technology, GHG Emission, Abatement, Pollution
[1]
US EIA (2017), Retrieved from www.eia.gov/energyexplained on 15/03/2018.
[2]
World Energy Council (2016), World Energy Resources Hydropower: Retrieved from www.worldenergy.org on 19/03/2018.
[3]
National Geographic Societyb (2018), Geothermal Energy: Retrieved from www.nationalgeographic.org on 24/04/2018.
[4]
AZoCleantech (2016), Solar (PV) Panel Comparison for Efficiency, Material, Voltage.
[5]
Sharma, C., Bohidar, S. K and Sen, P. K. (2005), Study of Solar Energy and its Application in Daily Life. International Journal of Advanced Research in Sience and Engineering, Vol. 4 (1), pp 272-278.
[6]
Klaus, J., Olindo, I., Arno, H. M. S., Rene, V. S. and Miro, Z. (2014), Solar Energy Fundamentals, Technology and Systems. Delft University of Technology.
[7]
Hardcastle, J. L. (2013), Environmental Leader, News and Best Practices for Commercial and Industrial Environmental Professionals. Retrieved on 20/03/2018 from www.environmentalleader.com.
[8]
Plumer, B (2013), Everything You Need to Know about EPA’s Carbon Limit for New Power Plants. Retrieved from www.washingtonpost.com on 20/03/2018.
[9]
Chepkemoi, J. (2017), Coal Power Plants in United States of America. Retrieved from www.worldatlas.com on 28/03/2018.
[10]
United States Environmental Protection Agency- EPA (2016), Greenhouse Gas Inventory Guidance, Center for Corporate Climate Leadership: Retrieved from www.epa.gov/climate leadership on 18/03/2018.
[11]
Galetovic, A. and Munoz, C. (2013), Wind, Coal and the Cost of Environmental Externalities, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development. Freeman Spogil Institute for Intl. Studies, Standford University, California. Retrieved from pesd.stanford.edu on 20/03/2018.
[12]
Chmielewski, A. G. (2001), Environmental Effects of Fossil Fuel Combustion, Interactions: Energy/Environment, Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology Warsaw, Poland and Poland University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
[13]
Saritha, K. R. (2014), Environmental Effects of Burning Fossil Fuels in ‘’National Seminar on Impacts of Toxic Metals, Minerals, and Solvents Leading to Environmental Pollution’’, Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
[14]
Frederica, P (2017), Pollution from Fossil Fuel Combustion is the Leading Environmental Threat to Global Pediatric Health and Equity. Solutions Exist. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
[15]
Bjorn, P., Norbert, K., and Paula, R. H. (2009), the Impact of Fossil Fuels – Greenhouse Gas Emission: Environmental and Socio-economic Effects- Final Report, Energy Research Architecture (ERA).
[16]
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) (2017), Science for a Healthy Planet and Safer World, 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge: Retrieved from www.ucsusa.org/globalwarming on 20/03/2018.
[17]
Enyinna, P. I. (2013), Background Noise and Radiation Levels’ Perturbation within Rumuodara Residential Area, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. JurnalFizik Malaysia Vol. 34, Issue 1, pp. 01001-01007.
[18]
National Academy of Sciences (2018), 500 Fifth St, NW/ Washington DC. 20001: Retrieved from www.nationalacademies.org on 02/04/2018.
[19]
Federal Register, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2009): Source Retrieved from www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental protection agency.
[20]
Ohijeagbon, I. O., Jekayinfa, S. O., and Waheed, M. A. (2012): Assessing the Emission Factors of Low-pour Fuel-oil and Diesel in Steam Boilers: Internaional Journal of Development and Sustainability, Vol. 1, No. 3, P688-700.
[21]
World Heritage Encyclopedia: Retrieved from www.brighthubengineering.com on 27/03/2018.
