Total Sustainability: Beyond COP28's Vision

In this inaugural segment of our "Total Sustainability" weekly series, we embark on a journey to uncover the fundamental principles of achieving Total Sustainability in our energy systems. As we address the questions that have remained unasked for far too long, we recognize the prevailing influence of energy companies in shaping our understanding of energy, often prioritizing their interests over genuine sustainability.

Our goal is to connect with concerned readers who, like us, are in pursuit of the truth and in preserving a shared planet as we found them, if not better. We are committed to revealing the reality that energy is abundant and accessible to all. The control exercised by large energy companies, who employ experts to further their agendas, is a concern we share.

Through our weekly articles, we aim to shed light on how energy is ubiquitous and how open access is not only possible but also the path to a "totally" sustainable future. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery as we uncover the untold truths and empower individuals to harness energy for the benefit of all.

Introduction

The COP28 summit in December 2023 marked a watershed moment in the global energy landscape, underscoring a critical shift towards sustainable energy.

This move away from fossil fuels brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, particularly in the energy conversion from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC), which is central to mainstream energy utilization but fraught with significant inefficiencies.

At COP28, over 100 nations committed to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, showcasing a historic move towards reducing fossil fuel dependency. While promising, this transition presents both challenges and opportunities in adopting renewable energy globally where the collapse of the present electricity distribution system, unless significantly improved, appears both inevitable and imminent.

The Renewable Energy Transition

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind generate DC electricity. The transition from DC to AC to households necessitates the use of inverters, which unfortunately introduces significant energy losses. This conversion process typically results in energy losses ranging from 20% to as high as 60%, especially when inverters are oversized relative to the load.

The primary culprits behind these energy losses are inefficient switching mechanisms and heat generated by transistors. In the case of low-quality inverters, they may produce imprecise AC waveforms, which can disrupt sensitive electronic devices.

The inclusion of transformers in inverters adds bulk and cost to the system when implementing renewable systems for your homes or offices.

The Case for DC Power

A promising alternative lies in harnessing DC power, which currently fulfills approximately 32% of our total energy needs, a figure expected to surge to about 74%, particularly in households with electric vehicles and HVAC systems running on DC motors.

Devices like DC-powered LED lights exemplify inherent efficiency advantages over AC counterparts, with DC LEDs being about 75% more energy-efficient than traditional AC-powered incandescent lights.

Adopting DC power could therefore significantly reduce energy conversion losses and stimulate market demand for more efficient DC technologies.

The Inherent Flaws in Our Electrical Grid

1. Electricity is Destroyed if not Consumed Immediately

In our present electrical grid system, where over 80% of the energy is sourced from fossil fuels, there exists a critical inefficiency: electricity, if not utilized immediately, is effectively lost.

This loss stems from the grid's inability to store unused electricity, a capability that could be achieved through energy storage systems like batteries. However, the high costs associated with such battery systems deter their widespread adoption. Consequently, electricity companies often overlook this efficient storage solution, choosing instead to focus on immediate consumption to avoid the wastage of generated power.

2. The Irony of Renewable Energy Integration

Ironically, when renewable energy systems, which are inherently more efficient, get integrated into the grid, they paradoxically contribute to the grid's inefficiency.

The grid’s inability to store energy efficiently means that even the clean, renewable energy generated is partly wasted.

This inefficiency is not adequately accounted for in many economic evaluations, masking the true cost implications, including those related to climate change mitigation.

3. The Flawed Economic Model of Our Electricity Grid

The electrical grid has a flawed fiscal framework, similar to a business ledger that fails to account for critical liabilities.

Drawing parallels with infamous accounting scandals like Enron's, this grid operates in a manner that masks its inefficiencies and environmental impacts, often shifting responsibility to others.

Such negligence has significant global implications, particularly in climate change and pollution control, a topic highlighted in the recent COP28 discussions. The true economic and environmental costs of this system are becoming increasingly evident: while fossil fuel companies reap financial benefits, the general public bears the brunt through environmental degradation and health risks. This scenario underscores the urgent need for a more transparent and accountable approach in managing our collective energy resources where fossil fuel is a common property of the planet.

4. The Voltage Stability Dilemma

The grid's need to maintain voltage stability compels power companies to overproduce electricity.

In the absence of overproduction, voltage levels would fall, disappointing consumers accustomed to high-quality, consistent power.

This issue is particularly acute in countries like India, where supply often fails to meet demand, leading to voltage drops and the necessity for consumers to use voltage stabilizers to protect their appliances.

5. The Cost of Overproduction and Shutdowns

The excess production of energy results in significant wastage, particularly noticeable in less developed nations lacking advanced, demand-responsive systems. During times of crisis, such as the recent floods in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, this inefficiency becomes even more apparent, as the power grid struggles to manage fluctuating demands, leading to disruptions in the power supply.

With the impending climate change crisis, there is an anticipated surge in demand on the power grid, potentially pushing it beyond its capacity to handle this ongoing global challenge.

This situation has prompted the convening of COP28 and has gained support from world leaders who are committed to prioritizing sustainable energy systems.

During crises, the dilemma arises: we expect increased energy availability, but it becomes less accessible when we need it most to address the crisis. This presents a pressing issue that requires attention and resolution.

6. The Fossil Fuel Dilemma and Grid Inefficiencies

The issue of energy loss in fossil fuel-generated electricity is a critical one, with an estimated 65% loss for sources such as coal, oil, or natural gas.

This significant energy inefficiency is often attributed to thermal limitations and is a clear indication of a lack of innovation in the sector, despite fossil fuel companies' reliance on the laws of thermodynamics to justify these losses. This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that energy companies are more focused on maintaining consistent profits rather than pursuing innovative solutions.

In addition, the electricity transmission lines also contribute to energy loss. Despite superiority in AC for transmissions, a notable 5% to 10% of energy is still lost during transmission. This loss is even more pronounced in systems with older infrastructures and low-cost cables.

7. Health and Safety Concerns in Power Grid Operations

The power grid presents notable health and safety concerns, primarily due to the utilization of large transformers and transformer stations.

The AC facilities are known to emit high levels of electromechanical interference (EMI), posing risks to nearby residents. The placement of these installations often occurs in or near economically disadvantaged communities, leading to disproportionate impacts on these populations. This not only highlights a significant social justice issue in the distribution of energy resources but also reflects a systemic problem. Vulnerable groups tend to bear the brunt of health and safety risks associated with power grid operations, while the benefits predominantly favor large, influential energy companies. This imbalance in the energy sector underscores the need for more equitable and considerate practices in power grid management and infrastructure development.

8. Why Let the Tail Wag the Dog?

In the current energy landscape, our policies are primarily tied to fossil fuel-generated energy, which is problematic for several reasons.

First and foremost, fossil fuels are finite resources. They are extracted from increasingly inaccessible and remote locations on our planet because easily accessible reserves have been depleted over time. This extraction and transportation process incurs significant costs, which are expected to rise even further as resources become scarcer.

Moreover, the use of fossil fuels is not only finite but also highly inefficient and wasteful. A substantial amount of energy is lost during the extraction, refining, and transportation of fossil fuels. This inefficiency contributes to higher energy costs and environmental damage.

On the other hand, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are derived from infinite sources—natural elements like sunlight and wind that are continually replenished. This distinction is pivotal for shaping our future energy policies.

By continuing to prioritize finite and inefficient fossil fuel systems, we risk allowing a minor aspect to dictate our energy choices, while the vast potential of infinite renewable resources—remains underutilized.

To ensure a sustainable and efficient energy future, we must shift our focus towards renewable energy sources as the default choice. This means reconsidering the outdated practice of converting DC from renewable sources into AC when it's not necessary. Instead, we should harness the inherent efficiency of DC power generation from renewables. This shift will not only reduce wastage but also pave the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective energy landscape.

Conclusion: Charting a Path to Sustainable Energy Post-COP28

In the wake of COP28, the imperative for a refined approach to sustainable energy is clear. Key to this transformation is the adoption of DC power distribution, coupled with a concerted effort to rectify current grid inefficiencies and to foster innovation in the realms of energy conversion and transmission.

However, this shift extends beyond merely reducing our carbon footprint. It encompasses the creation of an energy system that is not only more efficient but also accessible for everyone as energy becomes a necessity in the 21st century. This change presents a unique opportunity for renewable energy enterprises to flourish, potentially disrupting the market dominance of traditional fossil fuel-based energy companies.

The hope is that all energy providers will progress towards fully embracing sustainable solutions, moving away from the stone-age practice of burning fossil fuels and destroying common planetary property.

This is a journey towards harnessing our collective resources responsibly, reflecting a shared commitment to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants where conservation ultimately favors rethinking the battery.

My next piece, "Total Sustainability: Rethinking the Battery," explores the advancements in battery systems, particularly in the context of the post-COP28 world.