Renewable Energy Should Replace Fossil Fuels Essay

Abstract

This article looks at the current Asia energy problem and the spread of renewable energy in Asia. First, a brief introduction to the article is provided. In the second part, the main ideas of the authors are summarized. Likewise, the papers are also evaluated for academic features. These articles have advantages, which are concerned with the sustainable development of developing countries.

Introduction.

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature text and estimate the usefulness of the research on the topic of renewable energy spread in Asia. There are two papers under consideration: Paper 1 is Renewable energy diffusion in Asia: Can it happen without government support? By Dulal, H., Shah, K., Sapkota, C., Uma, G., Kandel, B.; Paper 2 – The future of renewable linked by a transnational Asian grid by Taggart, S., James, G., Zhao, D., Russell, C.

There are many problems with renewable energy diffusion; both papers are mainly about economics, logistics, environment, and technology. Now, with the rapid growth of Asia, many energy demands are mostly dependent on fossil fuels, and they need more focus on renewable energy, like wind and solar, instead of fossil fuels. Replacement of fossil fuels is a big challenge; Asia needs renewable energy to meet the increasing demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These two papers talk about how to fund and how to solve technical problems.

Summary of Dual et al. article

Dual et al.'s paper shows information on renewable energy diffusion in Asia, which needs government assistance. They say that Asian countries are worried about the dramatic growth of energy demand. In particular, the increased use of fossil fuels, which can increase demand is leading to high emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG). They explain that some problems hinder emission pathways from high to low, so the government should assist in the widespread diffusion of grid-based renewable energy.

They quote the word “locked-in” to explain the topic that is the main problem of higher emission pathways in Asia. The next issue is about the increasing demand for fossil fuel, Dual et al. assert that governments are increasingly burdened with public health and environmental costs, which result in a loss of economic competitiveness, especially since they note that fossil fuel price hikes.

Dual et al. reveal that many countries in Asia have invested an amount of money in the development of renewable energy. There are some reasons why China and India are in a bright future of renewable energy. First, China has recently assumed a higher profile of renewable energy laws and regulations. Also, in India, electricity generation is mostly based on hydropower.

The fifth section of the Dual et al. article focuses on problems with the diffusion of renewable energy. First, they claim that the most significant barrier is coal which is cheap and accessible. Also, up-to-date technologies are limited in developing countries, even if they are accessible, technologies are very expensive. The absence of frameworks for legislation and regulation. Also, the lack of economic incentives limits the spread of renewable energy. They also mention that a lack of understanding of the advantages, expenditure, and uses of renewable energy is one of the significant problems to overcome.

The article next moves to government assistance: one of the critical goals of the government is economic growth and poverty mitigation. Therefore, they state that sustainable development must be pursued by pursuing rapid profit through energy generation. Enormous renewable energy costs require government intervention, and many global corporations have recently invested in Asia. They talk that in India, which is government-funded mainly hydropower projects, and in China, the private sector is gradually stepping in with government help.

The last section of Dual et al.’s article focuses on ways for systematic government intervention. They present that strategy showing the fiscal incentives for RETs, showing that the government promotes tax benefits and applies them to both homes and businesses. In countries where agencies are not available to facilitate the spread of RETs, existing co-operatives can be used to promote RETs. Dual et al. also insist that insurance companies and pension funds will invest heavily in renewable energy projects. In terms of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), they show that REC has many promotional advantages such as reduced tax, power generation incentives, and funds subsidies for renewable energy. The final way for systematic government intervention is through cross-subsidization. They confirm that there is success in the grid electrification model in Laos for rural electrification projects.

After detailing the barriers to the diffusion of renewable energy, they claim that governments should have to reduce institutional and regulatory risks for renewable energy investments. Moreover, governments should be aware of changes in energy demand and economy, and regularly assess the effect and results of each model.

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Summary of Taggart et al. article

Taggart et al. paper shows information on the Pan-Asian energy structure grid. In the introductory section, they examine international connectivity and show storage alternatives.

The next section considers the Asian energy needs and supply. First, Taggart et al. explain that Asia’s rapid economic growth has led to an increase in Asian electricity consumption (6%) each year. Second, they insist that Asia has many renewable energy sources (wind energy in China and solar energy in Australia). Moreover, they show the three most abundant renewable energy resources that can meet the Asian energy demand. Ocean energy technology has not been fully developed. Solar energy has two types of solar radiation, such as Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), which are intermittent energy sources, but both are suitable for meeting grid needs because they can store electricity. Also, Wind energy can meet the increasing rates of power demand.

The third section is about Pan-Asian energy infrastructure. Taggart et al. explain that a future networked scenario has two logical transit routes (by land and sea). Looking at the international connectivity, there are three things. First, the DESERTEC Industrial Initiative (DII) shows that it can be connected to the European power network, and the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) says that the electric grid of Six Arabian Gulf nations is interconnected. Finally, ASEAN power grid plans are interconnected between national electricity and natural gas pipelines. They point out that current national energy systems in Asia are fossil energy and alternative energy. Moving on to the benefits of a Pan-Asian grid, the connection between borders can prevent Asia from relying on primary power such as coal and natural gas, because renewable energy can meet demand. This paper shows that intermittency can be met with hydropower and natural gas. Furthermore, the amount of renewable energy is high; it can use the capacity of hydrogen and natural gas as reserve power, which can reduce coal and carbon prices in the coal market. Nevertheless, coal is still useful for the future grid as a source of confidence in a reserve capacity for some reasons. They say that coal power supply can meet seasonal energy needs (winter cold in Russia, summer heat in Northeast Asia). Coal can also help with supply emergencies which, meet the supply gap caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Finally, future demand forecasts are uncertain, which can meet the intermediate supply gap.

Taggart et al. demonstrate the price effects of the interconnections in the Asian market. They use software modeling to estimate the uncertain benefits of delivering renewable energy and energy from existing energy sources. For these reasons, they conclude that as the capacity of grid structures increases, the price and emission will be decreased. Moreover, Taggart et al. said that there should be restrictions on exports to prevent local costs from increasing. (e.g. Australia-Indonesia exports). Lastly, as they mentioned before, the grid will reduce emissions and price, but each country must achieve its transport network and renewable power production portfolio through domestic policy and funding.

The authors look at the practicalities; Taggart et al. reveal some obstacles. The first is about the effect of HVDC cables and natural gas pipeline connections on seismic wires. Second, natural losses can occur in the wind and solar and can be lost by transmission from remote sites. Third, they need to reform regulations around the common carrier. Fourth, in a Pan-Asian grid structure, a single cable structure has many failures risk. Finally, they give estimates of the cost of two systems: the sea-based system ($8.7 trillion) appears to cost three times more than the land-based system ($ 2.6 trillion).

After detailing the future of the Pan-Asian grid, Taggart et al. finally say that Asian countries need to finance projects until 2025, with proven advantages of the cost of appropriate electricity price, and strategic, political, and social benefits. Furthermore, fourteen Asian countries together is a way to get a profit in the economy, environment, and results.

Comparisons

The main similarity between the two articles is about renewable energy diffusion in Asia. The difference is in their goal. The two articles are looking at the environmental issues, which arise from the massive greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) due to the increased use of fossil fuels. Similarly, both Dulal et al. and Taggart et al. reveal energy demand and supply, increasing demand for fossil fuel and renewable energy. However, there is a difference that Dulal et al. explain how the government helps renewable energy diffusion and the future prediction of government support. On the contrary, Taggart et al. explain how to build the Pan-Asia grid structure and future energy prospects in Asia.

The second difference is the way, Dulal et al. describe the current energy system and demand. After that, they show the need for renewable energy and explain the importance of government support. For this reason, it is easy to understand because of logic and examples, which can support the topic. Taggart et al. show a simple outline and contain lots of scientific words and examples that could be difficult about the Pan-Asia grid.

To sum up, the two articles are well-written, Dulal et al.’s article has more information and thoroughly explains the current issues.

Evaluation.

According to accuracy, both articles have been peer-reviewed and appear in reputable journals. Their reliability can be trusted. In the case of renewable energy, currency can be the most important thing, considering its topicality. Taggart et al. paper is from 2012, and Dulal et al. is from 2013 so they can be considered current. In terms of authority, the authors of the article speak about the need for government support; they have lectured at the university or supported by a prominent institution. Both have extensive publications and have been quoted in other research. About objectivity, both articles explain partial views of renewable energy spread: Dulal et al. explain the importance of government support and Taggert et al. show the transnational grid project. Although, two articles inform their points of view, which do not stand to gain money. Both articles describe logical and well-researched arguments, and both are fit as academic resources. Moreover, they mention coverage, both articles are easy to understand, and both have more extensive support data. Lastly, accessibility is relevant to the article of the Taggart, which is more complicated and technical. The conclusion of both articles contains useful information on essays about sustainable development.

References

1. Dulal, H. B., Shah, K. U., Sapkota, C., Uma, G., & Kandel, B. R. (2013). Renewable energy diffusion in Asia: Can it happen without government support? Energy Policy,59, 301-311. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2013.03.040
2. Taggart, S., James, G., Dong, Z., & Russell, C. (2012). The Future of Renewables Linked by a Transnational Asian Grid. Proceedings of the IEEE,100(2), 348-359. doi:10.1109/proc.2011.2159089