ENERGY RESOURCES

TOPIC CONTENT

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS
2. CLASSIFICATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
I. PRIMARY ENERGY RESOURCES
a. NON-RENEWABLE RECOURCES – NUCLEAR POWER,
HYDROELECTRIC POWER, FOSSIL FUEL POWER
b. RENEWABLE RESOURCES – SOLAR, WIND, HYDROGEN
FUEL CELLS, BIOMASS, OCEAN WAVES, TIDAL ENERGY,
GEOTHERMAL, SMALL SCALE HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEMS
AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
II. SECONDARY ENERGY RESOURCES
3. ENERGY CONSUMPTION
4. ENERGY CONSERVATION
5. EMERGING ENERGY ISSUES
6. KENYAN SITUATION

3.1 DEFINITION OF TERMS

ENERGY

Energy is essential for life. It is embodied in everything we use. To compare

sources of energy effectively, we need to understand what it is and how it
works.
Energy is power or ability to do work. In physics, energy refers the
attributes of a matter that can be transferred to other objects or can be
transformed or converted to a different form. Energy is used to produce
heat, give power to life, move objects, to generate electricity among
other uses.

There are many different categories of energy depending on the context of

emphasis at any given time. The different ways of categorizing energy are
according to:

I. Source of energy - renewable and nonrenewable sources.

II. Form/type of energy –thermal energy, electromagnetic energy among
others.
III. Use/ storage – There is kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic
energy does the work. Light, heat, motion, and sound are examples of
kinetic energy. Potential energy is energy stored in an object.
Chemical, mechanical, nuclear, gravitational, and electrical are all
stored energy.

Laws of Energy

Forms of energy can be changed from one to another. This property of

energy’s ability to be converted from one form to the other gives rise to the
law of conservation of energy (the first law of thermodynamics), which
states that, “energy can neither be created nor be destroyed, but can
be changed from one form to another.”

Energy varies in quality, which is the ability to do useful work. Foe example,
the chemical potential energy concentrated in a lump of coal and
concentrated heat energy at very high temperatures in a turbine are forms
of high-quality energy. In contrast, dispersed heat energy at low
temperature is low quality form of energy. During the conversion of energy
from one form to the other, some energy is lost, and the energy is degraded
to a more dispersed and less useful form, usually in form of heat energy at a
low temperature. This is the second law of energy “the law of energy
degradation” or the second law of thermodynamics. For this reason,
energy is not recyclable.

ENERGY RESOURCES

On the other hand, Energy resources are not the same as forms of
energy, but rather they are the wealth of a given area, region or
country to support generation of energy. Thus, energy resources are
the opportunities an area, region or country offers to produce heat, give
power to life, move objects, or to generate electricity depending on its
natural conditions and circumstances. Energy resources refer to anything
that can be tapped to produce energy,

Energy is a key element in the production process; and it is directly linked

to economic growth and development of a country. Thus, it is important to
assess and understand the energy resources of a given area and how they
can be tapped in a sustainable way.

3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES

What are the Sources of Energy?

There are two broad categories of energy sources; Primary and secondary.

i) The Primary energy sources – This is whereby energy is created,

sourced or tapped directly from the actual natural resource. In
this category there are two further sub categories; nonrenewable
and renewable energy resources.
ii) Secondary energy sources – Energy that is derived or converted
from primary sources. Secondary sources of energy are used to
 store, move, and deliver energy in an easily usable form. For
Example, electricity.

The use of energy from the various sources in the world is shown in the
figure below:

From the above figure, it is evident the world is heavily reliant on the non-
renewable energy sources, which makes countries economically dependent
since not all countries are endowed with natural energy sources. This fact of
dependency is a major threat to world peace as it is leads to political
instabilities, wars and terrorism in the world. These sources are also not
sustainable, hence the need to venture into the renewable energy sources.

In this course, our main focus is the primary energy resources.

Non-Renewable Energy Resources – This refers to energy resources that

cannot be replenished, or made again, in a short period of time. Examples
include: oil (petroleum), natural gas, coal and uranium (nuclear). Oil,
natural gas and coal are called “fossil fuels” because they have been formed
from the organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals.

Renewable Energy Sources – Energy that comes from a source that’s

constantly renewed, such as the sun and wind, can be replenished naturally
in a short period of time. Because of this we do not have to worry about
them running out. Examples include: solar, wind, biomass and hydropower.
Currently, about 20% of the world’s electricity comes from renewable
resources.

*There is a global debate as to whether geothermal energy is renewable or

nonrenewable.

3.2.1 Non-Renewable Energy resources

These are the natural energy resources that are available in the earth,
mainly from the ground in limited or finite supply. They occur either in the
form of gas, liquid or solid. The non-renewable energy resources cannot be
readily naturally or artificially replenished, replaced or made again in a
meaningful or short period of time once used up, and may run out of stock
one day. Thus, they present serious sustainability challenges because they
cannot be replenished on a level or rate that matches the rate of their
consumption; or within reasonable human time frames. The most traditional
source of non-renewable energy is the fossil fuels; including coal, crude oil,
natural gases; and uranium (Nuclear Energy).

3.2.1.1 Fossil Fuels

According to science, fossil fuels contain carbon as the major component,

and they have accumulated on the earth surface for over three hundred
million years. The process of formation of fossil fuels is as follows;

The process began with the setting of dead organic water organisms, plants
and animals on the ocean floor and in the porous rock material. This organic
matter had accumulated energy within themselves that they had trapped
through photosynthesis during their lifetime. With time, sand and other
porous sediments settled on top of this organic matter, leaving spaces and
pockets that would later form the coal, oil and natural gas wells. The
natural earth movements of weathering and tectonic forces cause cracks
and spaces beneath the earth surface that force the energy to accumulate
and settle in well-defined areas or traps. This energy is what is commonly
referred to as crude oil or fossil oil, and is tapped through drilling by use of
specialized technology.

The main advantage of crude oil is the fact that it is less costly to produce
and that’s why it has very high demand. However, it mainly constitutes of
carbon, which when burnt, produces a lot of carbon compounds and
greenhouse gases that bear environmental hazards such as air pollution,
water pollution, land pollution and depletion of the ozone layer in the
atmosphere.

The fossil fuels can be obtained from:

Coal – Coal is a combustible brown or brownish - black sedimentary rock

whose main constituent is carbon or hydrocarbons derived from long dead
plants and animals that existed in swampy areas experiencing warm but
moist climates. Examples of coal containing rocks include anthracite, peat,
bituminous coal, lignite and sub-bituminous coal.

Coal is formed through the carbonization process whereby these dead

plants and animals are subjected to natural chemical and organic reactions.
The longer the carbonization process, the better the quality of coal.

To generate electricity, the solid coal is milled into fine powder which is
subjected to very high temperatures in a boiler’s combustion chamber. The
temperatures convert the water in the boilers into steam, which is then
subjected to very high pressures, passed onto turbines and generators
containing some magnetic fields which produce electricity. The electricity
produced is sent to the transformer where it is regulated and sent through
cables to homes.
Use of coal to produce energy causes many problems, usually on a greater
scale than the use of oil or gas. These problems include acid rain, emission
of dangerous gases like sulfur oxide and carbon dioxide, land degradation,
hazardous waste among others.

Crude Oil – crude oil is also called petroleum, but the latter is broader
because it includes all petroleum compounds including crude oil itself.
Petroleum products are the end products of refined crude oil. These are
energy resources found in underground areas below the earth’s surface or
below the ocean beds called reservoirs, and are discovered by prospecting
specialists. Crude oil occurs in liquid form in yellowish –black colour. The
main components of crude oil are. Oil drilling entails the construction of a
structure called “derrick” that has pipes going down to the reservoir and
bringing oil to the earth’s surface. The renowned oil producing countries in
the world are Saudi Arabia, Russia, China and Iran.

Uses of crude oil include generation of electricity for domestic and

industrial use; production of gasoline used in the cars; and in the production
of a host of products including beauty products such as oil and nail polish,
water pipes, shoe polish, wax and crayons, roofing products, vitamin
capsules and many other items.

However, crude oil has it’s environmental cost like the harming of aquatic
life and ground water in cases of oil spills; the emission of carbon into the
atmosphere is insurmountable.

Natural Gas – Natural gas is also obtained from fossil fuels. It is a

colorless, shapeless and odourless gas. Natural gas unlike the other fossil
fuels is eco-friendly because it emits lower levels of potentially harmful
byproducts into the air. The main constituents of natural gas are methane
(which is the key ingredient). Methane has one carbon atom and four
hydrogen atoms. Thus, its chemical formula is CH4. Others constituents of
natural gas are ethane, propane, butane and pentane. This gas provides
about 24% of the world’s energy. It is extracted by drilling wells into the
ground. There are two main sources of natural gas:

 Conventional source – tapped from permeable sandstone reservoirs

 Non-conventional source- Found in coal deposits for example shale
gas and coal steam gas. Shale gas is gaining popularity especially in
America which is the leading producer of this shale gas, and is mainly
being harvested through a process called Hydraulic fracturing or
Fracking. It has the environmental advantage of being half cleaner
than coal in terms of carbon emission.

Electricity is produced from natural gas using the same principle as that
applied in other fossil fuels of using pressurized gas to spin turbines that
are connected to magnetic generators which are ultimately connected to
transformers and the eventual supply system.

Apart from methane, propane is another constituent of natural gas (though

it is also found in crude oil). It is a rich energy resource as it has three
carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms (C 3H8). It mainly supplies LPG
(Liquefied Petroleum Gas). It is mainly used for domestic and institutional
heating and cooking processes. It has several advantages over other fuel
sources as listed here below:

 It produces no harmful or dangerous waste

 When burned, LPG produces less CO2 than coal and oil
 It burns cleanly with no soot and very few SO2 and NOx emissions
 LPG has no ground water and surface water pollution hazards
 It delivers significant fuel cost savings, and is approximately 50%
cheaper than diesel
 LPG is a by-product so there is no wastage, but rather, recycling is
incorporated.
 LPG boilers are cheaper to install than oil boilers and less expensive
to maintain
  It can be used alongside renewable technologies

3.2.1.2 Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is sourced from Uranium, which is a heavy metal that is

naturally obtained in most rocks, soil and even in the ocean. It is called
nuclear energy because it is found in the nucleus of the uranium atom.
Uranium was discovered by a German Scientist called Martin Klaproth in
1789. It obtained its name from the planet Uranus which is believed to be
the main source of heat inside the earth.

The process of obtaining nuclear energy is similar to that of fossil fuels

whereby they use heat to turn turbines to generate electricity. Uranium is
the main source of power for the nuclear power plant, whereby uranium
pellets are combined into large fuel assemblies and placed into a reactor
core. In that core, the uranium atoms are either made to separate or to fuse
in a process called nuclear fission, and these processes produce heat,
which is harnessed to make steam and generate power.

Nuclear energy is increasingly becoming popular in the world, and by 2013,

about Four hundred and thirty (430) nuclear plants had been set up in 30
different countries in the world and many more are expected to be built.

Advantages of nuclear Energy

I. Nuclear is a zero-emission clean energy source. Nuclear energy is

environmental friendly because the CO2 emissions are very low, even
lower than hydro power. This means that it has less greenhouse
effect. “According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the United
States avoided more than 476 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
emissions in 2019. That’s the equivalent of removing 100 million cars
from the road and more than all other clean energy sources combined.
It also keeps the air clean by removing thousands of tons of harmful
 air pollutants each year that contribute to acid rain, smog, lung
cancer and cardiovascular disease.”
II. Nuclear consumes less space on the land

Despite producing massive amounts of carbon-free power, nuclear

energy produces more electricity on less land than any other clean-air
source. A typical 1,000-megawatt nuclear facility in the United States
needs a little more than 1 square mile to operate. NEI says wind
farms require 360 times more land area to produce the same amount
of electricity and solar photovoltaic plants require 75 times more
space. To put that in perspective, you would need more than 3 million
solar panels to produce the same amount of power as a typical
commercial reactor or more than 430 wind turbines (capacity factor
not included).

III. Nuclear energy produces minimal waste

Nuclear fuel is extremely dense; thus, it produces less waste. For

example, all of the used nuclear fuel produced by the U.S. nuclear
energy industry over the last 60 years could fit on a football field at a
depth of less than 10 yards. That waste can also be reprocessed and
recycled. Some advanced reactors designs being developed could
operate on used fuel.

However there are several environmental, safety and health concerns

associated with nuclear power as enumerated here below:

The main concern is exposure to its highly dangerous radiation from the
plant itself and the radio- active by products, and is highly associated with
cancer and physical malformations. Excess exposure to very high levels of
radiation also leads to Radiation sickness, which is associated with skin
burns, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hair loss, general weakness and
possibly death. An example of this hazard is the March 2011 Tsunami in
Japan that led to leakage of radioactive waste from the Fukushima plant.
Radioactive waste is taken care of by being disposed in very deep
underground where geological conditions are very stable and far from
human or environmental exposure. The leakage of radioactive elements is
also controlled by ensuring that the process is carried out in controlled
conditions whereby the right proportions of uranium are used. However, the
disposal of radioactive wastes has not reached its threshold in terms of
research and treatment; and is still a great challenge.

A further risk associated with nuclear power is the melt down, which is a
severe overheating of the nuclear reactors, resulting in the melting of the
reactors core. This can release radiation to the environment. Melt downs
are avoided by ensuring regular maintenance of the reactor plants; and by
limiting thermal conditions within the allowed limits.

In addition to personal health concerns, there are also environmental health

concerns associated with nuclear power generation. Nuclear power plants
use water from local lakes and rivers for cooling. Local water sources are
used to dissipate this heat, and the excess water used to cool the reactor is
often released back into the waterway at very hot temperatures. This water
can also be polluted with salts and heavy metals, and these high
temperatures, along with water pollutants, can disrupt the life of fish and
plants within the waterway.

The construction of the nuclear power reactors is also very costly which can
be addressed by proper planning of the available resources.
Another risk is the potential of the nuclear plants to be targets for terrorist
attack, a concern that gained weight since the 2001 New York attack. This
is addressed by building containment walls which surround the nuclear
reactors that are typically constructed of an inner steel lining surrounded
by two to five feet of reinforced concrete. Further, nuclear plants are
exposed to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes
among others. This can be averted by use of advanced construction
technology.

Due to the high risks associated with the radioactive by products of nuclear
energy, there are international laws that ensure compliance with the safety
rules and to protect the misuse of the nuclear energy to produce nuclear
weapons.

3.2.2 Renewable Energy resources

All energy is freely available in nature, but while non-renewable energy

resources get depleted, the renewable energy resources never get depleted.
They exist in infinite supply. They were not formed by any process and they
will never run out. The other name is green energy. The renewable energy
resources have the following characteristics:

i. The source cannot run out (like the sun) and where it can run out, it
can easily be replaced (like wood, as we can plant trees to use for
energy)
ii. Their sources are carbon neutral. This means they do not produce
Carbon compounds (such as other greenhouse gases).
iii. They do not pollute the environment (air, land or water)

With the exception of geothermal energy, which takes advantage of the heat
beneath the earth’s surface, the main driving force and king post of all
renewable power (energy) is the sun. The sun set winds going, provides the
heat we need, provides the light needed for green plants to produce food
(energy) and store them, and plays an extraordinary role in the water cycle.
Renewable energy includes energy from Solar, Hydro (water), Wind,
Geothermal, Biomass, and Hydrogen. Renewable energy can be converted
to electricity, which is stored and transported to our homes for use.

3.2.2.1 Biomass/Natural Material/Bio gas

Biomass is energy derived from vegetative matter. Biomass fuels come

from things that once lived and later died including wood products, dried
vegetation, crop residues, aquatic plants and even garbage. Like fossil fuels,
the primary source of energy from biomass is the sun. Before plants die,
they use up a lot of the sun's energy to make their own food through the
process of photosynthesis. They also store up food in form of chemical
energy in their lifetime. After they die, the trapped energy is released by
combustion, thus yielding biomass energy. A major source of biomass is
wood fuel which is constantly renewed by planting more trees; and it
is indeed widely used as a source of energy because it is available in
relatively plenty amounts and is cheap. It accounts for almost 15% of the
world’s total energy supply and about 35% in developing countries mostly
for cooking and heating.

Biomass is converted into energy in different ways: This may be by direct

burning; or to produce electricity by heating water into steam that is
directed into turbines, generators and transformers. Biomass can also be
converted into energy through decomposition, whereby decomposable
matter like garbage, human and animal waste, dead animals can be
subjected to some conditions that will accelerate the rotting in order to
release methane gas. Animal waste can also be converted into methane
using a machine called Anaerobic digester. Methane can be tapped by a
machine called micro turbine which is able to convert it to electricity or it
can be used directly for heating. Another way in which biomass may be
converted into energy is by fermentation (gasification), a process that uses
enzymes to produce ethanol from crops with lots of sugars, like corn and
sugarcane.

Biogas is critiqued as a non-sustainable form of energy because it may

contribute to desertification. Burning of trees also produces gases that
contain particulate matter that may lead to air pollution. Methane gas
which is a product of biofuels is an ozone depleting gas. However, the
proponents of biomass energy argue that it does not have as much harmful
emissions as Fossil Fuels. Further, plants and animal waste used in this way
will reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill.

Many biomass plants use crop and forest residue like perennial grasses,
straw, corn stalks, rice husks, and leftover soya bean plants to produce
energy Biomass accounts for over 10% of global primary energy supply and
is the world’s fourth largest source of energy (following oil, coal, and
natural gas).

3.2.2.2 Marine/ Ocean Energy

The oceans have vast potential for energy and power, but it has not been
fully tapped. United Kingdom is the leading player in the marine energy
technology. The main sources of marine energy are wave energy and tidal
energy.

Wave Energy

Wave energy (WE) harnesses the kinetic energy in the up-and-down

movement (waves) of water in the ocean. The waves are caused by wind
action, and wind action is caused by the sun heating the surface of the
waters, generating air pressure. This means as long as there is the sun,
there will be wind and waves, even though its intensity may vary.
Wave Energy locations are best where there are strong winds traveling over
very long distances. This makes places like the west coast of UK a great
point, because of the winds over the Atlantic. Wave Energy is captured by
devices called Wave Energy Devices.

There are several types of Wave Energy Conversion devices including the
following:

A. Point Absorber: This floating structure moves up and down and in all
directions. With some conversion mechanisms inside it, power is converted
and stored in a hub at the base.

B. The Attenuator: This floating device also rides the waves, flapping like
the wings of a bird, a movement caused by the pounding waves. The kinetic
energy in the movement is converted into potential energy and stored.

C. The Oscillating Wave Surge Converter: This device extracts energy from
the waves of the water. It is installed below the water surface, but the
current is strong enough to cause it to oscillate.

Tidal Energy

Ocean tides are caused by the earth’s rotation, as well as the combined
gravitational fields of the earth, sun and moon. This combination shapes the
gravitational pull on the earth’s oceans. The oceans tidal stream is even
more powerful when wind air pressure systems get involved.

Disadvantages of marine energy include:

i. Unpredictable changes in wave patterns (extreme tides to very calm

waters can cause huge structural damage.
ii. It can also cause overload operation problems.
iii. There is also lack of data and information on this new area, thus many
investors shy off from these ventures.
iv. Then there is also the environmental concerns such including changes
in wave hydrodynamic caused by marine energy plants, creation of
artificial habitats, effect on marine animals and plants and noise.

3.2.2.3 Wind Power

Wind is caused by huge convection currents (convection is heat transfer in

liquids and gases) in the atmosphere, driven by heat energy from the Sun.
This means as long as the sun shines, there will be wind. The earth's surface
has both land and water. When the sun comes up, the air over the land
heats up quicker than that over water. The heated air is lighter and it rises.
The cooler air is denser and it falls and it replaces the air over the land. In
the night the reverse happens. Air over the water is warmer and rises, and
is replaced by cooler air from land.
The moving air (wind) has huge amounts of kinetic energy, and this can be
transferred into electrical energy using wind turbines. The wind turns the
blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes
electricity. The electricity is sent through transmission and distribution
lines to a substation, then on to homes, business and schools.

Wind turbines are usually sited on high hills and mountain ridges to take
advantage of the prevailing winds. Just like a windmill, wind energy
turbines have been around for over 1000 years. From old Holland to farms
in the United States, windmills have been used for pumping water or
grinding grain. In deed the first power-generating turbine was constructed
in Ohio during the late 1800's and was used to charge batteries, and one
wind turbine can produce enough electricity to supply about 300 homes.
Wind energy is the fastest growing sector in the renewable energy sources.

However, wind energy has some peculiar shortcomings. First, it is only

successful in locations with stable winds, even though engineers are
working on new blade designs and models that can still be effective during
low winds. Thus Wind turbines cannot work if there is no wind, or if the
wind speed is so high it would damage them. Too much wind also causes
problems of breaking the fans. Spinning blades from wind energy farms are
also a concern, as they pose a danger to wildlife and disrupt landscapes. But
the advantages far outweigh the problems and make it a worthwhile
recourse to have.

III.2.2.4 Water power/ Hydro power

Hydro power is the oldest power generating technology and it was used in
Greece to mill flour. Moving water has kinetic energy. This can be
transferred into useful energy in different ways. Hydroelectric power
(HEP) schemes store water high up in dams. The water has gravitational
potential energy which is released when it falls. As the water rushes down
through pipes, this stored energy is transferred to kinetic energy, which
turns electricity generators. The Dam is built to retain the water. More
electricity is produced if the water is more in the reservoir. Water is
released through pipes that pass through Sluice Gates which are small
openings that can open and close to regulate the amount of water that is
released into the pipes. Potential energy in the retained water is transferred
into kinetic energy by water flowing through the pipes with high speed. The
force and high pressure in the water turns a series of shafts in a generator.
Spinning shafts in the generator charges millions of coils and magnets to
create electricity, this is regulated by a transformer. This is then
transported via cables to homes and factories.

To build a dam there has to be valleys and rivers that flow all year round.
This will help with the building and success of the dam. This way, the fullest
effect of the waters kinetic energy can be tapped. Hydropower installations
come in various sizes, but classified in 3 major sizes:

i) Micro Hydro Power: Capacity of up to 100kilowatts, usually

installed to power homes or farms
 ii) Small Hydro Power - Capacity of 100kilowatts up to 30 megawatts.
iii) Large Hydro Power-Capacity of more than 30 megawatts

Hydro energy is renewable in the sense that the water will not run out as
long as water cycle exists. It is also renewable because it has no carbon
emissions in its production. However, it is known to have some negative
impact on water life and plants in the water, and also, there are specific
places along the river that can be dammed.

Unlike solar energy, water energy installations may not be available to

countries with no fast flowing water. China is the largest producer of
hydroelectricity, followed by Canada, Brazil, and the United States.
Hydropower is the most important and widely-used renewable source of
energy.

3.2.2.5 Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy, one of the renewable forms of energy today is one that
takes advantage of heat beneath the earth’s surface. Deep down in the
earth’s crust, there is molten magma (melted rocks) resulting from extreme
heat. This heat is able to heat up air spaces and underground water
reservoirs.

Geothermal installations come in two ways. One is smaller and simpler in

nature, also known as ‘Direct Use’, where tubes are drilled down to the
water table to tap hot water that is used in homes and offices. In some
cases, pumps are used to pull the hot water that is used to warm power air
heating systems in colder climates. The other way is a bit larger in scale,
where water is sent deeper into the ground in tubes.
As the water passes through a network of underground tubes, it is heated
up and the steam is tapped to turn turbines to generate electricity. This
kind is more successful in areas with hotter underground temperatures,
especially in active or geologically young volcano areas. These areas tend to
have more fault lines and shallow tectonic plates, which allow more heat
from the deep underground to get to the surface.

Geothermal-generated electricity was first produced in 1904, at Larderello,

Italy. In Europe, Iceland, Italy, Turkey and France are the leaders in the
technology.

It is still debatable whether geothermal energy is a renewable source of

energy because it is dependent on the volcanic processes.

III.2.2.5 Solar Energy

“Solar” is Latin word for sun. As long as the sun is in the sky, there is
potential for solar energy. This technology is not new, as it has been used
many centuries ago. In many places in Asia and Africa, solar energy is used
in its simplest form, where the heat from the sun is used to dry and
preserve foodstuffs such as fish, corn, and cassava that is spread out in the
sun.
Energy from the sun is phenomenal. In many parts of the world today,
people install rectangular panels made of silicon. This kind is commonly
known as Solar Photovoltaic (PV). As sunlight hits these mirror-like
rectangular materials, the electrons set into motion, away from the atoms in
the material. The flow of electrons is directed to a power inverter, which
converts the flow into current.

There are other types of solar systems, where the heat (thermal energy)
from the sun are absorbed by conductors and used to heat water for use in
homes and public places. On a wider scale, curved mirrors, in the form of
parabolic troughs are used to direct the sun’s rays to one area made of
rods. The rods usually contain liquids that hold heat well. The heated liquid
in the rod is used to heat water to produce steam, used in turning shafts in
a generator for electricity conversion. This kind is known as Concentrating
Solar Power (CSP). CSP technology is also varied with variations including
Towers, Dishes, Linear Mirrors and Troughs.

Solar cells are devices that convert light energy directly into electrical
energy. In these cells, there are semiconductors (silicon alloys and other
materials). You may have seen small solar cells on calculators or some
mobile phones. Larger arrays of solar cells are used to power road signs,
and even larger arrays are used to power satellites in orbit around Earth.
Solar cells are also called photovoltaic cells or PV devices.

Solar energy is also clean energy. It is a natural source of energy,

considered renewable because it does not harm the environment at the
production stage or even by producing harmful by products. It is also easier
to maintain because it has no moving parts. It is increasingly becoming a
main source of employment for a host of people working in the
manufacturing plants that produce the panels and the rods and in the
energy plants.

However, the sun is not available in the night, and in some days, clouds and
rains and other natural conditions prevent the sun's powerful rays to reach
us. This means that it is not always available. For this reason, we cannot
rely on solar energy alone.

A representation of energy use from various sources in the world

3.2.2.7 Criteria for selecting energy sources:

Many alternative sources of energy are still being researched and tested.
Technologies are continually being developed and enhanced to improve
energy sources. Not all energies are ready for mass consumption, so the
criterion for energy source selection is as follows:

 Is it a renewable or nonrenewable source?

 What are the capital and setup costs?
 What are the ongoing operating costs?
 What size of energy storage is required?
 How efficient is it to produce one unit of energy?
 Can it be produced on a large scale?
 What will it cost to the consumer?
 What impact will it have on the environment?

3.3 ENERGY CRISES

With the continued rise in population which yields more demand for energy,
serious problems arise in relation to the balancing of demand and supply of
the energy resources. Major energy crises are:

Declining Energy Resources: The increased rise in population and

urbanization places demand for energy resources against a depleting supply
particularly of the non-renewable energy resources.

Energy Policy Crisis: Most countries, particularly the developing countries

have no energy policy, and where it exists, it may be weak. The energy
policy should constitute plans to promote energy conservation, energy
efficiency and use of environmentally friendly energy resources so that
excessive energy use will not over pollute the environment.
3.4 ENERGY SAVING (REDUCTION) MEASURES

Energy saving results in use of less energy such that the energy resources
do not get depleted or wasted unnecessarily. It is achieved through energy
efficiency, energy conservation and recycling.

4.3.1 Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is also known as efficient use of energy. It is the use of

minimum energy to do work or to produce goods and services. It is
achieved by incorporating appropriate technology in the production process
or by ensuring minimal energy losses if at all in the production process. It is
the use of manufacturing techniques and technology to produce things that
use less energy to achieve the same result. For example, if a heater is
designed to warm your home with less energy than regular heaters, that
would be an energy efficient heater. If your washing machine uses less
energy to do the same job as other washers that is an energy efficient
washer.

A key consideration in the design of energy systems is efficiency. This is

because systems convert energy at various rates of efficiency. Water
turbines, for example, are very efficient, while combustion engines are not.
Engineers and physicists constantly work to develop systems with high
energy-conversion efficiency.

Benefits of incorporating energy efficiency in the production process

include cost saving for the producer and the consumer, environmental
protection through the reduction of emission of greenhouse gases and the
overall reduction of energy needs, thus promoting sustainable energy
management.
Simple examples of energy efficiency measures include insulating buildings
and appliances, use of energy efficient bulbs, use of renewable energy
sources; whereas complex measures may include design of green buildings
and adoption of appropriate technologies.

In the 21st century, energy efficiency has grown such that homes built after
2000 are about 30% bigger, but they use less energy than older homes.

4.3.2 Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is reducing energy consumption through using less of
an energy service as opposed to energy efficiency which is use of less
energy for a constant service. Thus energy conservation is the practice of
using less energy, and it can form part of human culture till it becomes a
way of life. For example putting off lights is energy conservation, but use of
energy efficient bulbs is energy efficiency; driving through a shorter route is
energy conservation, but driving the same distance using energy efficient
engines is energy efficiency. Both energy efficiency and energy conservation
are energy reduction measures.

4.3.3 Recycling
This is the use of waste material to make new products; which may even be
of a totally different nature and use from the original waste product.

4.3.4 Examples of Energy Saving Measures

There are various energy conservation measures that can be applied at all
levels of human activities from right from the domestic level to the
industrial level. Some of these measures include:….class discussion

At the domestic level

Industrial level
Relevance of energy conservation to the real estate practitioner
ENERGY REDUCTION MEASURES IN GREEN BUILDINGS
Generally, a combination of energy reduction measures in the building
technology include:

Design of houses should be such that it allows for functioning of the “work
from home’’ concept.

I. Use of energy dash boards - Energy Dashboards combine smart

metering and Internet technologies to provide real-time data on
energy use. This will help the users to carry out evaluation and
audits with regard to energy use.
II. Insulation - Insulation decreases thermal losses in cold climates and
thermal gains in hot climates thus reducing HVAC loads. Insulation
allows the homeowner to reduce heating and cooling energy while
maintaining a comfortable temperature within the home.
III. Lighting – Whenever natural lighting is not in use, energy efficient
bulbs should be the only option.
IV. Water – use of water saving measures in the building.
V. Transportation – Incorporate walk ways and cycle paths especially in
towns and in large mixed user developments and gated communities.
VI. Use of energy conserving and energy efficient appliances – For
property and facility managers, use of use of energy conserving and
energy efficient appliances is not an option, but mandatory. This may
incorporate use of energy efficient lights for the common areas,
stoves, dish washers, clothes dryers, water heating appliances,
recycling of waste water and other water saving measures.
VII. Incorporation of green building technology – Even the way a
building is designed can help improve energy efficiency. For example,
the use of skylights or structural features that reflect light into a room
can provide abundant lighting while reducing the need for electric
 lights. Windows may be designed to be large enough to allow use of
natural lighting.

Another example is use of passive solar building design, in which

windows, walls, and floors are made to collect, store, and distribute
solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in
the summer. This is called passive solar design or climatic design
because, unlike active solar heating systems, it doesn't involve the use
of mechanical and electrical devices. The key to designing a passive
solar building is to best take advantage of the local climate. Elements
to be considered include window placement and glazing type, thermal
insulation, thermal mass, and shading. Passive solar design
techniques can be applied most easily to new buildings, but existing
buildings can be retrofitted. Design should also incorporate the
recycling of waste water and incorporation of smart taps and flushing
units in the plumbing system.

4.3.5 Benefits of Energy Saving

Some benefits of energy saving are:
i. Increased environmental quality,
ii. Promotion of national security,
iii. Promotion of economic development through creation of employment
iv. Promotion of research and development in the energy sector
v. Increased personal financial security and higher savings,
vi. It is a measure for sustainable energy management
vii. It also lowers energy costs in the long run by preventing future
resource depletion.

Questions for discussion

1. Role of built technology professionals in energy management

2. How can the government encourage reduction in use of energy?
4.3.6 KENYAN SITUATION

In Kenya, the energy sector has been growing over time. We have largely
been depending on nonrenewable energy resources such as crude oil; which
we have been importing from overseas.

Just until recently the country lacked significant domestic reserves of fossil
fuel. The country has over the years had to import substantial amounts of
crude oil and natural gas. This might change with the discovery of oil
reserves in Kenya, which relied on oil imports to meet about 42 percent of
its energy needs in 2010. Connectivity to the national grid in Kenya
currently stands at 28%. In mid – 2012 oil was discovered in Kenya. This
came after a long time of disappointing exploration activities in Kenya. The
reserves became commercially viable after it was confirmed that there were
around 300 million barrels worth of reserves. As of January 2014, Tullow
Limited said Kenya's Northern Basin could have an excess of 1 billion
barrels of oil. Kenya's deposits may top 10 billion barrels.

Another main source of energy in Kenya has been fuel wood. Fuelwood
demand in the country is 3.5 million tons per year while its supply is 1.5
million tons per year. The massive deficit in fuel wood supply has led to high
rates of deforestation in both exotic and indigenous vegetation resulting in
adverse environmental effects such as desertification, land degradation,
droughts and famine.

With regard to nuclear energy, in September 2010 the Energy Ministry

announced that Kenya aims to build a 1,000 MW nuclear power plant using
South Korean technology between 2017–2022 whose estimated cost is
US$3.5 billion. For Kenya to achieve middle-income status nuclear energy
has been determined to be the best way to produce safe, clean, reliable and
base load (constant supply) electricity.
Kenya is currently the largest producer of geothermal energy in Africa. It is
one of two countries in Africa that produce geothermal energy, the other
being Ethiopia. In 2010, geothermal accounted for almost 20 percent of
Kenya's total electricity generation. The country has the potential to
produce 10,000 megawatts of geothermal-powered electricity, according to
Kenya's state-owned Geothermal Development Company. Total renewable
energy capacity is at 60%. With most of that coming from Hydro-Power.
However, there is rising use of the renewable power sources from solar and
wind.

The table below shows the energy resources in Kenya:

Energy Resources in Kenya

Ran Perio
Resource Value Units Source
k d

Wind Area(km²) Class 3-7

0 129 1990 NREL
Potential Wind at 50m

Solar 1,857,790,
MWh/year 46 2008 NREL
Potential 042

Unavailabl
Coal Reserves Million Short Tons N/A 2008 EIA
e

Natural Gas CIA World

0 Cubic Meters (cu m) 159 2010
Reserves Factbook

CIA World
Oil Reserves 0 Barrels (bbl) 165 2010
Factbook

INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN KENYA

The institutional structure of the energy sector in Kenya comprises the

Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (MoEP), Energy and Petroleum
Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Kenya
Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Kenya Power Company Limited,
the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), Kenya Electricity Transmission
Company (KETRACO), Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Kenya
Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB), National Oil Corporation of Kenya
(NOCK), Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited, private sector actors and
energy service users/customers.

In Kenya, power generation is done by Kenya Electricity Generating

Company (KenGen) together with other private companies such as
Westmont, Iberafrica, OrPower4 (Kenya) subsidiary of Ormat Technologies,
Tsavo Power Company (TPC),Aggreko and Africa Geothermal International
(AGIL).

With regard to power distribution, there are plans by the government to end
the monopoly] of the electricity distribution market but until that happens,
this function is only held by one company; The Kenya Power Company
Limited through various programs and subsidiaries for example REA Rural
Electrification Authority. Construction of Transmission grid is done by
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company. (KETRACO).

With a view to lowering the electricity generation and transmission cost in

the country, Kenyan government entered into an agreement with Burundi,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan,
Tanzania, Libya , Djibouti and Uganda and formed the East African Power
Pool(EAPP). The objective of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) is to
increase the volume and reduce the cost of electricity supply in Kenya; and
to provide revenues to Ethiopia through the export of electricity from
Ethiopia to Kenya.

In the first phase the Kenyan grid was connected to the Ethiopian grid. In
the second phase, Kenya was connected to the South African grid in 2015
through Tanzania which is also part of (SAPP)
ENERGY POLICY IN KENYA

The law that guides energy management in Kenya is the Energy Act, 2006.
The body that enforces and dispenses the policy guidelines is the Energy
and Petroleum Regulatory Authority which was established under the
Energy Act, 2006.Following the operationalization of the Energy Act, 2006,
with effect from July 7 2007, the Electricity Regulatory Board (ERB)
became Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority with the following
objectives and functions:-

 Regulate the electrical energy, petroleum and related products,

renewable energy and other forms of energy.
 Protect the interests of consumer, investor and other stakeholder
interests.
 Maintain a list of accredited energy auditors as may be prescribed.
 Monitor; ensure implementation of, and the observance of the
principles of fair competition in the energy sector, in coordination
with other statutory authorities.
 Provide such information and statistics to the Minister as he may from
time to time require; and
 Collect and maintain energy data.
 Prepare indicative national energy plan.
 Perform any other function that is incidental or consequential to its
functions under the Energy Act or any other written law.