20 Jan 2009
The case for switching to wind energy to cut carbon emissions is well known, but according to Ditler Engel, chief executive of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, there is another compelling environmental reason to invest in wind power - saving water.
Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Engel predicted that wind will become the dominant energy source over the coming decades, because unlike many alternative energy technologies it does not require large volumes of water to generate electricity.
He said that with climate scientists warning of increasingly severe water shortages and some economists predicting water could soon become a valuable traded commodity, technologies that rely on a large amount of water to produce power will become less competitive.
Engel said that for one household using five megawatts of electricity a year, burning coal to produce the energy uses around 10,000 litres of water, while nuclear power uses 12,000 litres and geothermal power 5,000 litres. In contrast, wind power uses just five litres.
"There will be a big water challenge in the future, and with wind we can ensure that water is not misused going forward," he said.
He predicted that as water becomes more scarce it will water costs will rise, making wind an attractive alternative to large scale steam- based technologies from both a cost and environmental perspective. "This makes even more of a compelling case for wind," he said.
Increased water scarcity could also help to give wind an edge over some alternative renewable technologies in those regions facing drought risks. Solar thermal systems, for example, can require large quantities of water, while run of river hydro systems could be at risk of disruption from lengthy droughts.
LATEST STORIES ABOUT TECHNOLOGY
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
LATEST JOBS
TODAY'S TOP STORIES
HIGHLIGHT
The best green companies in the UK should be preparing their entries for annual BusinessGreen Leaders Awards
INSIGHT
INSIGHT
The science and practical application of an improved method for the specification of power and cooling infrastructure for data centres
A look at alternative approaches to managing energy for cost and/or sustainability reasons in data centres
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Add your comment
cul green
Just an overview of progress on the Cl Green (www.culgreen.ie) initiative to make Croke Park (Ireland's largest sports stadium) carbon neutral. Since the launch of Cl Green in May 2008 and the completion of the energy efficient audit there have been several changes at the stadium. The first change saw Croke Park switching to a "green electricity" tariff with ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE), meaning that its electricity now comes from a 100% renewable source which has immediately cut its annual carbon emissions by two thirds. This means that all electricity needs at Croke Park; from special pitch maintenance lighting to its 140 square meter stadium screen will come from renewable energy provided by wind farms. Secondly fans are being encouraged to leave their cars at home when travelling to the stadium ? a "Park & Ride" scheme was introduced during the summer with several GAA clubs and it is being run for all major match fixtures and a Public Transport Guide with details of all public transport options for getting to the stadium was published. Thirdly, recycling initiatives have been developed at the stadium these include large recycling stations, wheelie bins for recycling plastic bottles, cardboard balers and a recyclable compactor. Plans are underway to further develop recycling facilities at the stadium with the introduction of plastic bailing and wet waste composting of food waste. Fourthly the environmental engineers are currently assessing sources of sustainable energy. They have installed wind monitoring equipment at the stadium to help them decide if wind energy is a realistic option for Croke Park given the wind energy generation technologies currently available. Finally monitoring systems providing data in real time on a web based interface that will enable the Operations Department at Croke Park to identify and eliminate unnecessary electricity, gas and water consumption. Particular attention is being paid to the identification of night time electricity loads and action is being taken to minimise wastage. Equally important has been the part played by the fans, there has been an excellent response from the public in supporting the Cl Green initiative with over 14,000 pledges made so far, amounting to over 1,500 tonnes of carbon saved. Although in its early stages Cl Green is effectively encouraging people across Ireland to reconsider their energy usage and helping them to form more carbon efficient habits. For more information visit www.culgreen.ie
Posted by cillian, 20 Jan 2009