Wolkite University Energy Phy.

College of Natural and Computational Science

Department of Physics

Energy Physics
Phys 4624
By: Fikru Abiko (Ph.D)
E-mail: fikreabiko@gmail.com; fikru.abiko@aau.edu.et

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 Energy Phy.
Outline of the course
1. Introduction to energy resources
2. Global Energy Scenario
3. Ethiopian Energy Scenario
4. Energy, sustainability & the environment
5. Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable energy
6. Introduction to Renewable Energy
7. Solar Energy and solar radiation:
8. Wind Energy
9. Nuclear energy:
10.Geothermal energy:
11.Bio-Energy
12.Energy Storages
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 2.Global Energy Scenario
❖Scenarios are alternative views of the future which can be used to
explore the implications of different sets of assumptions and to
determine the degree of robustness of possible future, developments.

❖The global energy scenario refers to the current state and trends in the
production, consumption, and distribution of energy resources
worldwide.

❖It encompasses various aspects such as the sources of energy, energy

demand, energy policies, technological advancements, environmental
considerations, and the transition towards sustainable energy systems.

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 Cont…

❖The global energy scenario is a complex and dynamic landscape that

involves various energy sources, consumption patterns, and
environmental impacts.

❖Key factors include the transition from fossil fuels to renewable

energy, advancements in technology, energy efficiency, and
geopolitical considerations.

• Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are

gaining importance, while efforts to reduce GHGs emissions are
crucial.
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 Cont…

❖ Energy policies, investment decisions, and international cooperation

play pivotal roles in shaping the future of global energy.

❖ The global energy scenario is undergoing a profound transformation

as the world seeks to balance energy security, economic growth, and
environmental sustainability.

❖ The transition to a more sustainable energy future requires

coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, communities, and
individuals to accelerate the shift towards cleaner, more resilient
energy systems.
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 Cont…

2.1 Energy consumption in various sectors

➢The global energy scenario encompasses various sectors, each

contributing differently to energy consumption.
1. Transportation
2. Industrial Sector
3. Residential Sector
4. Commercial Sector
5. Electricity Generation
6. Agriculture
7. Miscellaneous: Other sectors such as mining, construction etc.

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 Cont…

❖ Efforts to reduce energy consumption and transition to cleaner

energy sources are increasingly important to mitigate climate change
and ensure sustainable development.

❖ This includes improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of

renewable energy sources, and implementing policies to promote
sustainable energy practices across all sectors.

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 Cont…
2.2. Projected energy consumption for the next century
➢Predicting energy consumption for the next century involves numerous
uncertainties due to factors like technological advancements, economic
development, policy changes, and shifts in societal preferences.

1. Population Growth and Urbanization:

2. Economic Development:

3. Technological Advancements:
✓ Advances in energy efficiency technologies, renewable energy
sources, energy storage, and smart grid systems could mitigate the
growth in energy demand.

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 Cont…

4. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:

➢ Government policies and international agreements aimed at

reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable
energy may influence the trajectory of energy consumption.

5. Shifts in Energy Sources:

➢ The composition of energy sources is likely to evolve, with a

gradual transition away from fossil fuels towards renewables like
solar, wind, and hydropower.

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 Cont…
6.Energy Access and Equity:

❖ Efforts to improve energy access in developing regions may lead

to increased energy consumption, especially in rural areas where
access to modern energy services is limited.

7.Climate Change Mitigation:

o Mitigating climate change requires significant reductions in

GHGs emissions, which could impact energy consumption
through measures like energy efficiency improvements and
transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.
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 Cont…

➢ The projections made by IEA and IPCC are continually updated as

new data and developments emerge, helping policymakers,
businesses, and researchers anticipate and plan for future energy
challenges and opportunities.

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 Cont…

2.3. Exponential growth of energy consumption

➢The concept of exponential growth in energy consumption within the

global energy scenario is complex.

1.Historical Trends:

o Over the past century, global energy consumption has exhibited

exponential growth, driven primarily by population growth,
industrialization, urbanization, and increasing standards of living.

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 Cont…
2.Population Growth:
o Population growth is a fundamental driver of energy demand.
o As the global population continues to increase, so does the
demand for energy to meet the needs of growing communities.
o However, population growth rates are slowing in many regions,
which could moderate the rate of energy consumption growth in
the future.
3.Economic Development:
o Economic growth is closely linked to energy consumption, as
industries expand, infrastructure develops, and living standards
improve.

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 Cont…

4.Technological Advancements:

❖ Technological innovations can enhance energy efficiency,

allowing more economic output with less energy input.

5.Resource Constraints and Environmental Concerns:

o Environmental concerns, particularly regarding climate change

and air pollution, necessitate a transition toward more sustainable
energy sources and practices, which may temper the pace of
energy consumption growth.

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 Cont…

6. Policy Interventions:
❖ Government policies, such as energy efficiency standards, carbon
pricing, renewable energy incentives, and emissions regulations,
can influence the trajectory of energy consumption growth.
❖ Strategic planning and policy interventions aimed at decoupling
economic growth from energy consumption are essential for
achieving sustainable development goals..

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 Cont…

2.4.Energy resources-coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power,

hydroelectricity and other renewable sources

➢ In the global energy scenario, various energy resources play crucial

roles in meeting energy demand, each with its own advantages,
limitations, and environmental impacts.
➢ In the global energy scenario, diversifying the energy mix,
increasing energy efficiency, and transitioning to low-carbon and
renewable energy sources are essential for addressing climate
change, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable
development.

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 Cont…

2.5.Impact of exponential rise in energy consumption on global

economy

➢ while exponential growth in energy consumption can stimulate

economic activity and drive progress,
➢ It also poses challenges related to resource constraints, environmental
sustainability, energy security, and social equity.
➢ Thus, balancing the need for energy access and economic
development with environmental consideration and long-term
sustainability is essential for fostering a resilient and prosperous
global economy.

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 Cont…

2.6.Future energy options

• Energy scenarios provide a framework for exploring future energy

perspectives, including various combinations of technology options
and their implications

• Future energy options on a global scale include a diverse range of

sources and technologies aimed at meeting the growing energy demand
while reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

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 3.Ethiopian Energy Scenario

➢ The Ethiopian energy scenario is characterized by a mix of

commercial and non-commercial forms of energy, with efforts
focused on expanding access to modern energy services,

Commercial Energy:
➢ Electricity: Ethiopia has been investing significantly in expanding
its electricity generation capacity through hydropower, wind,
solar, and geothermal resources.

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 Cont…

➢ The country's major hydropower projects include the Grand

Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Gilgal Gibe III Dam, and
the Koka Dam.
➢ Petroleum: Ethiopia imports petroleum products for transportation,
industrial, and household use.
➢ The country is exploring domestic oil and gas reserves to reduce
reliance on imports and enhance energy security.
➢ Coal: Ethiopia has limited coal reserves, and coal is not a major
contributor to the country's energy mix.
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 Non-Commercial Energy:

➢ Biomass: Biomass is the primary source of energy for cooking and

heating in rural areas of Ethiopia.
➢ Traditional biomass fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and agricultural
residues are widely used, leading to deforestation and indoor air
pollution issues.
➢ Animal Dung: Animal dung is also used as a fuel for cooking and
heating in rural households.
.

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 Cont…

➢ Solar Energy: Solar energy is increasingly being utilized for lighting,

water pumping, and off-grid electrification in rural and remote areas
where grid connectivity is limited.
➢ Wind Energy: Ethiopia has vast potential for wind energy
development, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of the
country.
➢ Wind turbines are being deployed for both grid-connected and off-grid
applications

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 Cont…

3.2. Energy consumption pattern and its variation as a function of

time,
➢The energy consumption pattern and its variation over time depend on
various factors, including economic development, technological
advancements, government policies, population growth, and
changes in lifestyle.
➢Energy consumption patterns are dynamic and influenced by a
complex interaction of economic, technological, social, and
environmental factors.
➢Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers,
businesses, and individuals seeking to promote sustainable and resilient
energy systems for the future.

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Cont…

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 Cont…

3.3. Energy resource available in Ethiopia

➢ Ethiopia has abundant renewable energy resources and has the
potential to generate over 60,000 megawatts (MW) of electric power
from hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal sources.

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 Cont…

3.4.Urban and rural energy consumption

Urban Energy Consumption:
1. Electricity
2. Cooking Fuels
3. Transportation
4. Industrial and Commercial Energy Use: Urban areas are centers
of economic activity, with industries, businesses, and commercial
establishments requiring energy for manufacturing, services, and
operations.
5. Electricity, diesel generators, and other fuels are used for industrial
processes, commercial activities, and infrastructure development

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 Cont…

Rural Energy Consumption:

1. Biomass:

2. Off-Grid Electricity:

3. Agricultural Energy Use:

4. Transportation

5. Energy Efficiency: Due to limited access to modern energy services,

rural communities often practice energy-saving measures and rely on
low-energy technologies for cooking, lighting, and other household
activities.
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 Cont…

➢ In Ethiopia, energy plays a crucial role as a factor limiting growth

and development, particularly in sectors such as industry, agriculture,
transportation, and households.
➢ The country faces various challenges related to energy access,
reliability, affordability, and sustainability,
➢ These hinder economic productivity, social progress, and
environmental sustainability.

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 Cont…

➢ Here are some key points highlighting the importance of utilizing new
and renewable energy sources to address Ethiopia's energy challenges
and support its growth agenda:
1. Energy Access:
2. Economic Growth: competitiveness.
3. Sustainable Development
4.Energy Security
5.Rural Development:
➢ Harnessing new and renewable energy sources is imperative for
addressing Ethiopia's energy challenges, unlocking its growth
potential, and advancing sustainable development objectives.

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 4.Energy, sustainability & the environment

4.1.Environmental degradation due to energy production and utilization,

4.2. primary and secondary pollution, air, thermal and water
pollution, Bacha’s
4.3.Depletion of ozone, global warming: biological damage due to
environmental degradation,
4.4.Pollution due to thermal power station and their control, Akalu’s
4.5.Pollution due to nuclear power generation, radioactive waste and its
disposal,
,

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 Cont…

4.6.Effect of hydroelectric power station on ecology and environment.

Addisu’s
4.7.Greenhouse gas emissions, impacts, mitigation;
4.8.Sustainability-Energy systems and sustainability metrics: Energy
from a systems perspective, systems analysis approaches, mathematical
representation and indicators of sustainability, drivers of societal
change, Bereket’s
4.9.General principles of sustainable development.
4.10.Future energy systems, Clean energy technologies, Fratol’s

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.

for your attention

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