Green and alternative energies

 

The introduction and Impacts of conventional fuel

Malaysia is known to be one of the rapid developing  country in the world with  statistic showing a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) real growth rate of 4.20%, 5.20%, 7.10%, 5.20%, 5.90%, 6.30% and 4.60% from the year 2003 until year 2009. The country’s Gross National Income per Capita for 2009 is RM23.841. This has indicate the current trend of good development throughout the years for the country. As the growth of economy enhanced the national income, there are certain substance of the economy which should be monitored. Ushering the next few years would be crucial by  ensuring the country a sustainable economic growth and a well supplied of resources to fuel up the industries.

Nevertheless, one of these resources which would likely be easily increased in comparison to other resources (human, natural, etc) would be the energy resources. This crucial entities which have powered up the country has come to a limit where it substantially need to be increased. In accordance to the country’s National Energy Policy, among the objectives are:-

To this date (based on international statistic and relevant information), the standing of energies in Malaysia are as shown on this table (extracted from Malaysia Energy Situation; a presentation for COGEN 3: A Business Facilitator)

Table A: Primary Commercial Energy Supply  Source (%)

SOURCES                                    1995                      2000                     2005

Crude Oil &

Petroleum Products                       54.3%                    53.1%                    50.8%

Natural Gas                                 35.5%                    37.1%                    39.9%

Hydro                                         5.0%                      4.4%                      3.4%

Coal & Coke                                 5.2%                      5.4%                      5.9%

 

Table B: Final Commercial Energy

SOURCES                                     1995                      2000                       2005

Petroleum Product                         72.8%                    68.9%                     67%

Natural Gas                                  8.8%                      10.3%                    10.9%

Electrical                                     15.2%                    17.6%                     18.8%

Coal & Coke                                  3.2%                      3.2%                      3.3%

 

On year 2000, the following sectors consumed the energy demand; Industrial 37.1%, Transport 36.2%, Residential and commercial 12.7%, Agricultural 1.8% and non-energy sector consumed12.2%. From this particular trend we can see that most of the energies are consumed by the industrial sectors.

Reviewing the electricity generation could assist us in determining the type or methodologies in generating electricity supplies nationwide. It rather interesting to see that the other methods which are alternative energies only provide 1.8% in year 2000 a dip of 1.1% in comparison to 2.9% in year 2005. This also clearly indicates that 38% reduction on these methods in generating energy. This figure was belittled by Oil 37.1%, Coal 36.2%, Gas 12.7% and Hydro 12.7% which make up the total generation  of 10.67GWh with peak demand of 10.67GWh where 37% of the generation are by the Independent Power Provider (IPP) and the rest are by TNB.

This clearly showed that the country will run into an energy crisis when Petroleum which powering the electricity generation depleted totally in the nearest 50 years (as estimated by American Petroleum Institute).  Malaysia only have a limited of 4 billion plus barrels reserve which are not only for local usage but also for export. From a graph released by United States Energy Information Administration on Malaysia’s Oil Production and Consumption up to 2009, the deficits or gap between consumption and production has closing in by years from a generous  +400 thousand barrels per day in 1990 to +200 thousand barrels per day.

Aside from that, some might say that the Natural gas supplies are in abundant. Although there are  supplies of 83 trillion cubic feet of gas which situated predominantly offshore Sarawak. Nevertheless, based on the trend today Malaysian has top the world chart as the second largest exporter of LNG in the world. One have to understand the production will have to increase in order to catch up with the market and economic situation where this priceless resources has been viewed as one of the cleanest form of energy where the constant import from Japan and other environmental-friendly countries.

Probably we may say that we are content with the 200 years of coal supply to powered the industry, bear in mind that not all Malaysian are comfortable with coal generators.  It is easy for us to understand why since coal in Malaysia has generated 34.32 Million metric ton of Carbon Dioxide and it is visible with those dark clouds from the generator’s chimney.

In an Environmental Impact Study for a Coal Reactor which generates 4 x 75MW by an IPP at Sabah it would be a significant lost for many if it is to be constructed and operating. Among the impact would be;

These are studies based on given simulation and calculation; what if these provisions and consideration are not taken care by unscrupulous operators who are purely capitalist with no regards for the law and environment?

What have been the question for Malaysian would be, how much energy produced and how much of pollution generated?

Based on 2008 survey and energy database released (by US EIA), Malaysia has been thirsty for energy and gulped a substantial amount of 97Million Btu per person which contributed to a mind blowing 162.4 Million  Metric tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions. Not to mention the other dioxide gasses as well which are hazardous. Probably this would make you think  if you still are aligned with the current energy generation methods or would you consider of switching?

National Energy Direction

It is sad that there are still organizations which are really technology-mundane if not uncivilized enough to proposed such methodologies in generating powers which to be resell to TNB or it’s subsidiary such as SESB. The electricity of scenario in Sabah specifically has been worsen with power shortage and where the reserved does not enough to cover the demand when there are incidents at the reactors and plants.

 

The shutting down of Tenom Hydro plant, Steam turbine and Gas Turbine in one time which reduced the state’s demand by 120MW (18.5% of 650MW) has thrown the state into confusion and economical losses. This paired with the lack of risk management for crisis, SESB the countrymen have no options but to accept this unplanned disaster. Whether it is deliberate or out of possible tangible risks (marked by the Management), it is no exception in continuous supply of electricity to consumers.

Perhaps the 5th Fuel Policy where spelled out guidelines “To supplement the conventional supply of energy, new sources such as renewable energy will be encouraged.  In this regard, the fuel diversification policy which comprises oil, gas, hydro and coal will be extended to include renewable energy as the fifth fuel, particularly biomass, biogas, municipal waste, solar and mini-hydro. Of these, biomass resources such as oil palm and wood waste as well as rice husks, will be used on a wider basis mainly for electricity generation. Other potential sources of energy will include palm diesel  and hydrogen fuel”.

How is this possible? These are Green energies or alternatives energies which could help to reinstate a cheaper option of reusable energies for a substantial supplies nationwide. Aside from that, these energies could transform from from one form into another form thus reduce the losses instead ensure circle of energy transformation.

For more options, please contact MCS for assistance in preparing initial proposals.