Smart Electricity Usage For Cleaner Air

Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity is a major source of air pollution, which has a significant impact on the health of those living nearby and hundreds of miles downwind. Fossil fuels such as coal, gas, oil, and biomass release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and heavy metals such as mercury. These emissions contribute to climate change, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses.

However, careful use of electricity can help reduce air pollution by decreasing the demand for electricity generation and the amount of fuel needed, thereby lowering the emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. This can be achieved through improved energy efficiency, such as the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power, which generally do not contribute to climate change or local air pollution. Additionally, mandatory building standards, retrofits, and improvements in industrial and transport efficiency can significantly reduce the need for power generation and air pollution.

Using renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources emit little to no greenhouse gases and are readily available and, in most cases, cheaper than coal, oil, or gas. They are provided by nature, including the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth, and are replenished by nature.

Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, even when considering their life cycle emissions that occur through each stage of the technology’s use. In contrast, fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of carbon dioxide emissions.

Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal are two of the safest and most common types of renewable energy.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy as wind turbines do not affect air pollution emissions directly and do not need water for cooling. Wind turbines can be placed anywhere with high-speed winds, including hilltops and open water.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is also very clean as it does not produce air pollutants or contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Solar or photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity. However, the process of manufacturing solar panels may produce some emissions.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy relies on the heat produced within the Earth. Water injected deep underground is heated by the Earth's molten interior and returns as hot water or steam, which is used to power a turbine to generate electricity. Geothermal energy produces only one-sixth of the carbon dioxide of a natural gas power plant and little to no NO2 or SO2 pollution.

By increasing the supply and use of renewable energy, we can replace carbon-intensive sources like fossil fuels and lower the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released.

Improving energy efficiency

Green Buildings and Infrastructure

Designing and constructing "green" buildings is a crucial aspect of improving energy efficiency. Green buildings incorporate energy-efficient principles in their design, construction, and operation. For example, strategically placing windows to maximise natural sunlight during winter can reduce the need for artificial heating. This approach is especially important for rapidly developing countries and cities, as expansion without green design can be extremely wasteful.

Efficient Fossil Fuel Power Plants

Improving the efficiency of fossil fuel power plants, which are among the biggest air polluters, can significantly reduce air pollution. Carbon capture and storage technology can be employed to reduce carbon emission levels per unit of electricity generated. Additionally, smart combustion unit design can improve efficiency by utilising the thermal heat from one unit to power others, minimising heat loss and reducing the need for combustion.

Renewable Energy Sources

Drawing power from renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, is an extremely energy-efficient approach. Once installed, renewable energy plants require less investment to operate and produce power from natural sources. For example, solar power harnesses energy directly from the sun. Investing in renewable energy sources is an excellent long-term strategy for reducing air pollution.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Scaling up the use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting can substantially reduce electricity demand and, consequently, air pollution. Mandatory building standards and retrofits that decrease energy consumption within buildings can significantly lower the need for power generation. Similar improvements in industrial sites and transportation can also lead to notable reductions in emissions from fossil fuel-based power generation.

Electric Vehicles

The transition from conventional vehicles to electric ones can help reduce local urban air pollution. Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts, although it is essential to consider the source of electricity in the overall assessment of their impact on air pollution. Policies that encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, such as phasing out gasoline or diesel vehicles, can accelerate this shift.

Reducing the use of fossil fuels

The careful use of electricity can reduce air pollution by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the most common fuel type for electricity production and are a leading source of air pollution. They produce harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and heavy metals such as mercury. These emissions contribute to climate change, air pollution, and negative health impacts.

To reduce the use of fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental and health impacts, several strategies can be implemented:

• Transition to Clean and Renewable Energy Sources: Switching to clean, renewable, and non-combustion sources of electricity, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power, is crucial. These sources produce little to no emissions and can significantly reduce air pollution and health risks associated with fossil fuel use.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Producing and using electricity more efficiently reduces the amount of fuel needed and the resulting emissions. This can be achieved through technological advancements and improved energy infrastructure.
• Embrace Decarbonization Technologies: Combining new renewable energy sources with existing emission-free sources, such as nuclear and hydroelectric power, can help decarbonize the electricity sector. Additionally, exploring technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power plants.
• Fuel Switching: Power plants can switch from higher-emitting fuels to lower-emitting alternatives, such as natural gas or renewable sources, to lower their environmental footprint.
• Implement Pollution Control Technologies: Various pollution control technologies can be employed to reduce emissions from power plants. These include fluidized gas desulfurization (FGD) for SO2 and PM reduction, selective catalytic and non-catalytic reduction (SCR and NSCR) for NOx reduction, bag houses and electrostatic precipitators for PM reduction, and activated carbon injection for mercury reduction.
• Enhance Energy Storage: As renewable energy sources like wind and solar depend on weather conditions, enhancing energy storage technologies can help balance the power grid and ensure a stable supply of electricity. This includes the use of batteries, pumped storage, and hydroelectric dams.
• Policy and Regulatory Measures: Governments can play a crucial role in reducing fossil fuel use by implementing policies and regulations that promote clean energy, improve emission standards, and provide incentives for the adoption of renewable energy sources.

By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, mitigate air pollution, and protect both human health and the environment.

Using energy-efficient appliances

Energy efficiency is a critical tool in the fight against air pollution and waste. Using energy-efficient appliances can help avoid or reduce energy waste, allowing you to perform the same tasks but using less energy. This has the added benefit of reducing costs for the consumer.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an Energy Star label to help identify more energy-efficient appliances, buildings, and equipment. The EPA estimates that the program has reduced carbon pollution by 4 billion metric tons and saved $500 billion on household energy bills.

Energy-efficient appliances can save families hundreds of dollars a year on utility bills. For example, a newer fridge with the Energy Star label uses 35% less electricity than an older model. Energy Star washing machines use a quarter less energy and a third less water than standard models.

The average US household spends around $900 a year on heating and cooling, but investing in Energy Star-labeled heat pumps, air conditioners, and central air-conditioning units can cut those energy bills by over $160. Super-efficient electric heat pumps are a cleaner and more affordable option for heating and cooling, especially in areas that typically use oil and propane furnaces.

Water heaters are another area where energy efficiency can make a big difference. Heat pump water heaters are more effective and cleaner than gas and propane heaters, emitting zero greenhouse gases or toxins like nitrogen oxides.

By using energy-efficient appliances, you can reduce your environmental footprint and save money on utility bills.

Investing in clean energy

Reducing Air Pollution and Improving Health Outcomes

Clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, generally do not contribute to air pollution since they do not involve the combustion of fuels. By transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, we can significantly reduce the emission of harmful pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. This has a direct impact on improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with air pollution, such as respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and lung cancer.

Combating Climate Change

Non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, are the primary drivers of climate change due to their high greenhouse gas emissions. Clean energy, on the other hand, produces little to no greenhouse gases, helping to reduce global temperature increases, biodiversity loss, and the severity of climate disasters. By investing in clean energy, we can work towards decarbonizing the power sector and mitigating the worst effects of climate change.

Economic Benefits

Renewable energy has become increasingly affordable, with technological advancements driving down costs. Investing in clean energy creates more jobs and strengthens local and state economic development. Additionally, it can reduce consumer energy bills and lower healthcare costs associated with air pollution-related illnesses.

Energy Security and Resilience

By diversifying our energy sources and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, renewable energy enhances energy security. Furthermore, clean energy infrastructure is often less vulnerable to extreme weather events compared to traditional fossil fuel infrastructure, as evidenced by renewable energy projects withstanding Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Policy Support and Global Initiatives

Governments and organizations worldwide are recognizing the importance of investing in clean energy. The United Nations, through its International Day for Clean Air and Blue Skies, advocates for global investment in solutions that tackle climate change and air pollution. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also promotes the reduction of environmental impacts through the use of clean energy and provides resources for individuals and communities to make more informed choices.

Frequently asked questions