Natural Sciences: Solar Energy - Report Example

Natural Sciences: Solar Energy Student Name Institutional Affiliation Executive Summary There is an unprecedented increase in energy consumption across the world and particularly in Abu Dhabi (Al-Alili et al. 2008). The UAE receives abundant sunlight that can be used to produce solar power for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses (Griffiths, 2013). Among the uses of solar energy are water heating, space heating, space cooling, crop drying, crop ripening and industrial heating among others. The leading drawback in the generation and utilization of solar power across the world is the rather inhibiting initial investment that has tended to translate to higher prices for solar electricity (Griffiths, 2013). This has tended to make solar electricity uncompetitive relative to other sources of energy such as that from fossil fuels (Mokri, Ali & Emziane, 2013). Solar energy has been known to have a number of benefits relative to other sources of energy. These include the desire to reduce overreliance on fossil fuels with the aim of enhancing energy security through diversification into other energy sources (Nugent & Sovacool, 2014). In addition, conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels have been known to have greater greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to a higher carbon footprint and climate change (Mokri, Ali & Emziane, 2013). Besides, fossil fuels have a limited availability, possibility of exhaustion and concentration in certain geographical regions which curtails their attractiveness, reliability and sustainability (Nugent & Sovacool, 2014). As such, the potential of and desire to tap into solar energy is at an all-time high. In an effort to enhance production and consumption of solar energy for domestic and industrial applications, there is need for various interventions and policies particularly by the government in an effort to enhance the utilization of the potential for solar energy. This report presents an analysis of solar power in the UAE focusing on various types of technologies used in generating solar power; the advantages and disadvantages of solar power and various challenges experienced in instituting solar power projects. Recommendations on how to enhance solar power generation in the UAE are also presented. It is noted that government policy and interventions is needed in an effort to enhance solar energy utilization in the UAE. List of Figures Figure 1: Masdar Special Projects: Abu Dhabi Solar Rooftop Programme (Courtesy of Masdar Clean Energy Figure 2: Shams 1 2.5 km2concentrated solar power installations in West Abu Dhabi Figure 3: Parabolic mirrors at the Shams 1 solar project, West Abu Dhabi (Courtesy of Masdar Clean Energy). Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 List of Figures 4 Figure 1: Masdar Special Projects: Abu Dhabi Solar Rooftop Programme (Courtesy of Masdar Clean Energy 4 Figure 2: Shams 1 2.5 km2concentrated solar power installations in West Abu Dhabi 4 Figure 3: Parabolic mirrors at the Shams 1 solar project, West Abu Dhabi (Courtesy of Masdar Clean Energy). 4 Introduction 6 Development of solar energy from sunlight 7 Literature Review 8 Uses of solar energy 8 Benefits of using solar energy 10 Disadvantages of solar energy 11 Alternatives to solar energy 12 Solar Energy in the UAE 14 Conclusion & Recommendations 18 References 19 Introduction Solar energy refers to the heat and light that we normally receive on the earth as a result of the sun’s radiation (Mahaney 2007). Human beings have relied on solar energy since the beginning of time to support various life sustaining activities (Solangi et al. 2011). Through technological advances, human beings have expanded the scope and effectiveness of solar energy in various day to day applications (Solangi et al. 2011). Solar energy is clean and has no compromising effects on the environment (Solangi et al. 2011). In addition, it is readily available and cheap in most parts of the world further adding to its continued preference and reliance (Lewis 2007). Its eco friendliness and economical attractiveness coupled with the diminishing fossil fuels and hazards associated with nuclear energy has expanded interest in and the attractiveness of solar energy (Davies, 2012). As a consequence, the demand for and preference for solar energy is expected to increase into the near future (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Moreover, there is a tendency towards increased preference for carbon-neutral sources of energy due to the desire to reduce emission of greenhouse gases in an effort to contain and reduce global warming and its associated outcomes (Lewis, 2007). Sunlight as the source of solar power is available across most parts of the world (Das, 2014). Even in temperate areas of our planet, sunlight can easily be harnessed to generate solar energy regardless of its intensity (Lewis, 2011). For instance, the sun has the ability to provide in excess of 2500 terawatts of solar energy across several regions of the earth surface (Hernandez et al. 2014). Solar energy dominates all other renewable sources of energy as well as fossil-based energy resources in terms of availability, accessibility, sustainability as well as eco friendliness (Lewis 2007). In addition, generation of solar energy does not necessarily require sophisticated installations and (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). The implication is that sunlight can be harnessed into solar energy using the simplest of devices fitted into houses and other gadgets such as mobile phones and calculators (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). In addition, in most cases, solar energy does not require connectivity into the grid for one to access it thus implying that it is readily accessible to anyone regardless of their location (Solangi et al. 2011). The availability, eco-friendliness, economic and sustainability of solar energy makes it one of the most attractive alternative renewable sources of energy (Das, 2014). Development of solar energy from sunlight According to Goetzberger & Hoffmann (2005), there are various mechanisms and materials that have been utilized in an effort to convert sunlight into solar energy and finally into electricity for various commercial and domestic uses. Nonetheless, practically all solar energy production devices use semiconductor-based technologies (Goetzberger & Hoffmann, 2005). The idea to use semiconductors in the conversion of sunlight into useful solar energy is based on the fact that such semiconductors have movable electrons that move when the bonds holding them together are broken down due to thermal heat from the sunlight (Goetzberger & Hoffmann, 2005). Solar energy can be developed either directly or indirectly from sunlight. Direct conversion of sunlight to solar energy is carried out using photovoltaic technology whereas indirect conversion is achieved through solar concentration technologies (Hernandez et al. 2014). Solar energy is normally produced through the conversion of the sun’s heat and light either using distributed photovoltaic systems or central solar thermal power stations (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Distributed photovoltaic systems use photovoltaic technologies to convert light from the sun into electricity (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). This is through use of photovoltaic cells fitted with silicon semiconductors specially adapted to release electrons that are the basis of electricity generation (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Photovoltaic cells have two layers of silicon semiconductors with one being negatively charged while the other is positively charged. When the sun’s rays shine on the semiconductors, it causes an electric field to be created such that electricity is created and it begins to flow (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). These include flat-plate solar energy collectors, compound parabolic collectors, (Tiwari, 2006). The flat-plate solar energy collector also known as the evacuated tubular collector is a popular solar energy collection device adopted widely due to the fact that it is economical to install and run (Tiwari, 2006). It absorbs and converts solar energy into heat which it transfers to a stream of gas or liquid for various domestic and industrial applications (Tiwari, 2006). On the other hand, solar thermal energy is developed using solar energy concentrating collectors that include parabolic trough collectors, Fresnel collectors, parabolic dish collectors and heliostat field collectors (Kalogirou, 2013). Concentrating solar power devices have reflective surfaces that are used to focus sunlight so as to form a beam that is used to heat a special conducting fluid contained in an energy receiver where it is transferred for use in various areas (Hernandez et al. 2014). Literature Review This literature review presents various uses of solar energy, its advantages and disadvantages, the challenges of developing and utilizing solar energy as well as alternatives to solar energy. According to Reddy (2012), 80% of the global PV systems are located in Europe, 16% in the USA and 4% in Asia. Other regions across the globe have minimal installations of PV systems (Reddy, 2012). Uses of solar energy According to Mahaney (2007), solar energy has traditionally and continues to be used for a number of purposes that directly and indirectly support life on earth in general. Uses of solar energy range from industrial process applications, agriculture and domestic uses (Gordon 2013). In order for solar energy to be usable, it must be converted either to solar thermal energy or solar electricity for industrial and domestic uses. For industrial uses, solar thermal is preferred over solar electricity with the later mostly preferred in light industrial and domestic uses (Mekhilef, Saidur & Safari, (2011). For instance, solar thermal has been utilized in heavy industrial applications such as chemical processing, space heating, food processing and textile manufacturing among others (Mekhilef, Saidur & Safari, 2011). In light industrial utilization, solar electricity is used in water desalination, operation of telecommunication equipment, business premises lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration and water heating among others (Mekhilef, Saidur & Safari, 2011). In agriculture, solar energy is useful for supporting plant life through the process of photosynthesis (Gordon 2013). Agricultural uses of solar power include enhancement of greenhouse production through the use of solar liquid based desiccant systems (Davies, 2005). Besides, solar energy plays a vital role in other agricultural processes such as fruit ripening (Gordon 2013). Fish farmers also rely on solar energy to carry out fish preservation processes such as open-sun drying (Gordon, 2013). In addition, farmers employ solar heating systems to carry out space heating of livestock and other agricultural structures (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). This is achieved through specially designed roofing systems fitted with air-heating solar collectors (Lewis, 2007). Farmers also use solar energy to dry agricultural produce such as grains and other crops (Tiwari, 2006). Solar energy is also increasingly being relied upon to carryout industrial water heating as well as water desalination, detoxification and disinfection (Tiwari, 2007; Gordon, 2013). This achieved through the reliance on processes such as photolytic detoxification, photo catalysis (photocatalytic oxidation) (Gordon, 2013). Photacatalytic oxidation is also used in the treatment of industrial waste (Gordon, 2013). Solar energy is also used in a number of multi-effect desalination water distillation, reverse osmosis as well as electrodialysis processes particularly in many arid areas (Gordon, 2013). In distillation, solar energy is normally used to heat water after which it is condensed and separated from its mineral contents for various uses (Gordon, 2013). In addition, solar energy is used in cold storage systems using solar refrigeration technologies (Gordon, 2013). This is particularly prevalent in peripheral health facilities in many rural areas which are not connected to the electricity grid (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Domestic uses of solar energy include bath water heating, cooking as well as heating of swimming pools (Tiwari, 2006). Others include air conditioning and refrigeration (Mekhilef, Saidur & Safari, 2011). Benefits of using solar energy Solar energy is increasingly being preferred to other energy sources due to a number of advantages that are normally experienced as a consequence of its use. These include environmental conservation as well as economic benefits. For instance, solar energy is normally regarded as a clean and eco-friendly source of energy (Tiwari, 2006). This is because it is normally not associated with issues of depletion or exhaustion of natural resources or solid waste substances during its production or use (Tsoutsos, Frantzeskaki & Gekas, 2005). Besides, solar energy has been found to result in the emission of negligible greenhouse gases and any other air emissions (Tsoutsos, Frantzeskaki & Gekas, 2005). Economically, solar energy has been found to enhance both regional and national energy independence, diversification and energy security (Tsoutsos, Frantzeskaki & Gekas, 2005). Besides, solar energy production and distribution creates significant employment opportunities as well as acts as an alternative source of energy in rural areas not yet connected to the national or regional electricity grids (Hernandez et al. 2014; Tsoutsos, Frantzeskaki & Gekas, 2005). The latter has tended to result in accelerated rural electrification and thus accessibility to energy supply to support various domestic and commercial undertakings (Solangi et al. 2011). According to Goetzberger & Hoffmann (2005), unlike other sources of energy, production of solar energy is not limited to certain geographical regions. This makes it the only source of energy with great potential due to its availability and accessibility. Although there are challenges presented by the intermittent nature of sunlight in some regions, the problem is normally addressed due to availability of seasonal storage devices (Goetzberger & Hoffmann, 2005). Solar energy production facilities can be located in desert lands that have no other economic value thereby making them economically valuable (Gobaisi et al. 2010). In addition, solar energy has been found to provide an effective protection against price volatility normally associated with fossil fuels (Gobaisi et al. 2010). Reddy (2012) adds that solar energy generation is readily and easily modulated since PV installations have the capability to be expanded when needful. Disadvantages of solar energy The disadvantages of solar energy are largely localized and site specific and have been found to be minimized through adoption of various mitigation technologies (Solangi et al. 2011). Generally, the environmental effects of solar energy occur from construction, operation and decommissioning of solar power production facilities (Hernandez et al. 2014). Nonetheless, it is generally recognized that generation and consumption of solar energy has negligible impacts on the environment (Nugent & Sovacool, 2014). For instance, large solar power generation installations involve clearance of vegetation, grading of soil, landscaping and fragmentation of land that typically creates a barrier to the free movement of various species be it plants or animals (Hernandez et al. 2014). For instance, solar energy has been associated with routine as well as accidental emission and release of poisonous gases to the environment (Solangi et al. 2011). In addition, solar energy devises fitted on roof tops are normally associated with loss of aesthetics due to visual intrusion (Solangi et al. 2011). Furthermore, large industrial and commercial solar energy production plants require extensive land area where centralized solar energy production systems can be installed. This has normally resulted in reduction of available land area for agricultural production as well as other commercial ventures (Solangi et al. 2011). Other disadvantages of solar energy include use of toxic materials and substances during installation of solar energy production systems, noise during installation, loss of habitat as well as destruction of the local ecosystem where there is large scale solar production systems (Solangi et al. 2011). Alternatives to solar energy According to Das (2014), humans are turning to renewable sources of energy as alternatives to the relatively cheap and readily available fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal. This is based on the desire to reduce the carbon footprint by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions that have been largely blamed for global warming and its related negative outcomes (Solangi et al. 2011). This shift to renewable sources of energy is also explained by the fact that there are predictions that most fossil fuels are expected to be exhausted in the coming years (Das, 2014). For instance, there are predictions that in the next 250 years, coal is likely to be depleted, natural gas in 70 years and oil in the next 40 years (Das, 2014). As such, many countries including the UAE are reconsidering alternative sources of energy that are regarded as clean, eco-friendly, finitely available and thus sustainable. These renewable sources of energy include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass energy as well as hydro and ocean power (Das, 2014). In the recent past, many countries are considering the development of nuclear power as a source of energy to address the depletion of fossil fuels that stand out as the leading source of energy for both commercial and domestic uses (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Nonetheless, there are reservations concerning the disadvantages of nuclear power such as hazardous waste during production, substantial production system installation costs as well as up and downstream facilities required for effective nuclear power generation (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Furthermore, there are concerns about the sustainability of nuclear energy generation due to the potential for the depletion of uranium which is a key element in nuclear energy production (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Other concerns range from the potential for terrorist attacks on nuclear power plants that can be substantially catastrophic (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Other sources of renewable energy that stand out as alternatives to solar energy include wind power, biomass energy, geothermal energy and hydropower (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Wind energy is generated using wind turbines that capture and convert wind energy into usable energy (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Biomass energy is energy produced from various plant derived materials including food crops, municipal organic waste and other agricultural residues (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Geothermal energy is derived from the earth’s heat that is normally found in underground hot water and steam reservoirs located in the earth’s mantle close to the earth’s surface (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Hydropower is produced from flowing water that is captured in dams and water reservoirs where it is used to turn large machinery to produce mechanical energy which is then converted to electric energy (Meisen & Hunter, 2007). Solar Energy in the UAE According to Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015), the UAE receives a significant amount of sunlight per day which is averagely 10 hours. This translates to an average of 6.5 kWh/m2/ day of solar energy with a solar radiation that ranges between 4-6 kWh/m2/day with the latter being dependent upon the geographical location as well as time of the year (Alnaser & Alnaser, 2011). In the UAE, both PV and CSP technologies are utilized in generation of solar power although PV technology is preferred to concentrated solar power technologies (PWC, 2012). The UAE, just like in other countries across the globe continues to experience a rapid increase in electricity consumption (Al-Alili et al., 2012). The annual growth rate for electricity demands in the UAE is approximately 10% compared to the 3% global average (Al-Alili et al., 2012). The demand for electricity in the UAE is particularly greater during the summer when industries and residential houses require more air conditioning. The renewable energy sector in the UAE has seen tremendous growth in the past few years (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). This is based on the fact that the government and other stakeholders recognized the need for rethinking on the sources of energy, particularly the desire to substitute reliance on fossil fuels in favour of renewable sources of energy (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). Solar energy as one of the renewable sources of energy has the greatest potential relative to all the other sources of renewable energy (Hernandez et al. 2014). To this end, the UAE government commissioned and completed Shams 1 solar project in Abu Dhabi as well as established the Masdar Institute as an institution that will champion development of clean energy in the country (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). Due to a combination of factors such as government subsidies and technological innovations in the solar sector, the price of solar PV panels has declined considerably with Kalogirou (2013) noting that the price was $30 per Watt three decades ago with the current price averaging $3/Watt. Besides, costs of solar power generation particularly the photovoltaic based solar energy have recently subsided dramatically with local photovoltaic device installations declining from $ 7 per watt to a historic low of $ 1.5 per watt as at 2011 (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). This represents a 75% decline over the period under consideration. As such, PV installation costs are no longer a major hurdle in solar energy production in the UAE, making it a viable and attractive source of energy. Nonetheless, the cost of solar power is still comparatively higher compared to other conventional sources of power such as natural gas and oil. Notwithstanding, solar energy has proved to be an economically viable venture as can be evidenced from a number of solar projects such as Shams 1, Masdar City solar PV project, Abu Dhabi Solar Rooftop programme, Murawah Island PV plant and the Um Al Zomul off-grid PV plants (Masdar, 2015). This is made possible by the fact there are a number of PV and CSP systems that are commercially available and utilized in the production of solar energy (Reddy, 2012). The figure below represents a photograph of solar PV panels installed on rooftops in Abu Dhabi. Figure 1: Masdar Special Projects: Abu Dhabi Solar Rooftop Programme (Courtesy of Masdar Clean Energy. According to Masdar Institute/IRENA (2015), solar energy as a renewable and alternative source of energy is a relatively new phenomenon in in the UAE. Notwithstanding, it stood out from other renewable sources of energy due to its ability to result in the reduction of health and environmental costs borne out of the use of fossil fuels. Coupled with its ready availability, solar energy stands out as holding the UAE’s potential for the provision of base load power (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). With government regulations in some emirates requiring that all new buildings that are under construction should be fitted with solar energy production equipment, there is great potential for further generation and utilization of solar energy in the UAE. For instance, all hotels and new buildings in Dubai as well as government funded constructions of houses in Abu Dhabi are required to be fitted with solar energy production equipment (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). Currently, Shams 1 at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has a 100 MW PV installation to supplement the day to day energy needs in the UAE (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). It is among the world’s largest CSP power plant occupying a 2.5 km2 land area. The project has parabolic trough thermal collectors with parabolic mirrors connected to a central tube that is used to collect heat. The figures below show photographs of the concentrated solar power devices and parabolic mirrors at the Shams 1 solar installation in Abu Dhabi. The heat is used to produce steam that is directed to a conventional turbine for generating electricity (Masdar Clean Energy, 2015). The Shams 1 project is part of UAE’s initiative of producing 7% of its energy from renewable sources as the country aims to diversify its overall energy source mix as well as minimize its carbon foot print (MAsdar Clean Energy, 2015). Other solar power projects across the UAE include the Masdar City solar PV project, Abu Dhabi Solar Rooftop programme, Murawah Island PV plant and the Um Al Zomul off-grid PV plants (Masdar Clean Energy, 2015). Figure 2: Shams 1 2.5 km2concentrated solar power installations in West Abu Dhabi Figure 3: Parabolic mirrors at the Shams 1 solar project, West Abu Dhabi (Courtesy of Masdar Clean Energy). Challenges to the UAE’s solar energy sub sector There are a number of challenges that are presenting a major hindrance to the development of solar energy in the UAE. These include lowly priced electricity due to government subsidies (PWC, 2012). As a result of government subsidies, solar energy seems to be artificially expensive relative to electricity (PWC, 2012). Other challenges include issues to do with accessing financing to fund solar energy generation projects (PWC, 2012). This is as a result of the fact that many financial institutions in the UAE have a greater perception of risk associated with solar energy thus unwilling to advance credit facilities to investors in the solar generation subsector (PWC, 2012). Another challenge facing solar energy production in the UAE is the lack of a well-coordinated solar energy policy and regulatory framework (Kazim, 2007). In order to address these challenges, the government needs to take decisive actions such as guaranteeing the financing of solar energy production projects as well as developing an elaborate policy and regulatory framework to guide solar energy production (PWC, 2012). In addition, although recent efforts are in support of the development of adequate human capital, greater and sustained efforts should be focused on research and development in the field of solar energy aimed at enhancing efficiency, innovation and technical know-how associated with solar energy (PWC, 2012). Another challenge facing solar energy production in the UAE arises due to the frequent and widespread dust storms as well as high humidity that results in reduced direct irradiance and soiling of PV panels and mirrors for CSP installations (Masdar Institute/IRENA 2015). Conclusion & Recommendations Solar energy stands out as the least tapped renewable energy resource with great potential due to its infinite availability, sustainability and eco-friendliness (Kazim, 2007). It is notable that although a lot has been achieved in the recent past regards solar power generation and consumption, these achievements are below expectations thus presenting an untapped potential in the UAE. The current challenges of generating and utilizing solar energy can be addressed by instituting various mechanisms. These include greater focus on research and development, government incentives and interventions (Kalogirou, 2013). For instance, there is need for the government to formulate and implement feed-in laws, provide more research and development grants aimed at developing innovative technologies in both PV and CSP installations (PWC, 2012) alongside other policies and incentives so as to encourage greater investments in the solar energy subsector (Masdar Institute/IRENA, 2015). Enhanced research will result in new technological innovations capable of reducing solar power production costs considerably thus make it a competitive source of energy (Reddy, 2012). In addition, a sound and effective regulatory framework needs to be instituted so as to ensure a desirable level of certainty among investors in the solar sector (PWC, 2012). In addition, the government should enhance accessibility to a source of finance to fund various solar energy investment projects. 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