Sustainable use of Fuel and Power

Sustainable use of fuel and power

Exploitation refers to the use of resources to gain advantages, while power is the rate at which electrical energy is converted into other forms, such as motion or heat. Energy is the capacity to do work.

Uses of energy

1. Energy is crucial in running machines in industries.
2. It is used for cooking and heating purposes.

Classification of energy

Energy resources can be classified into:

1. Renewable Resources: These can be replenished after use and are sustainable. Examples include Hydroelectric Power (HEP), tidal energy, solar energy, and biogas.
2. Non-renewable Resources: These are finite and once exhausted, cannot be replaced. Examples include coal, petroleum, natural gas, fuel wood, and nuclear energy.

Non-renewable energy

Coal is a black or brown rock consisting mainly of carbon. It forms from the remains of plants that are compressed under heat and pressure over millions of years.

Types of coal

1. Peat: The initial stage of coal formation, it is a brownish, fibrous substance with low carbon content and a low heating value.
2. Lignite: A more compact form of peat with a higher carbon content but still retains a brownish appearance. It gives moderate heat.
3. Bituminous Coal: A hard, black coal with carbon content between 40-85%. It has a high calorific value and is further categorized based on use (e.g., cooking coal).

Coal mining methods

1. Open-Cast Mining: Involves removing the surface soil to extract coal from shallow seams. It is the most economical method.
2. Shaft Mining: Involves sinking vertical shafts to reach deeper coal seams, followed by horizontal tunnels.
3. Adit or Drifting Method: Used to extract coal from gently sloping seams, typically in mountainous regions.

Advantages of coal

1. Coal can be converted into other fuels (e.g., oil, gas).
2. It promotes industrial development (e.g., iron and steel production).
3. It supports transportation infrastructure (e.g., railways, roads).
4. Coal mining creates employment.
5. It is a significant source of energy for domestic activities.

Disadvantages of coal

1. Coal is non-renewable and cannot be replaced once exhausted.
2. It contributes to air pollution, emitting carbon dioxide (leading to global warming) and sulfur dioxide (leading to acid rain).
3. Mining disrupts land spaces.
4. Coal is bulky and expensive to transport.
5. It requires substantial capital investment.

Coal in China

China ranks third in both coal production and reserves. Major coal fields include:

1. Shanxi and Shaanxi: These areas account for over 47% of China's coal reserves.
2. Inner Mongolia: Accounts for 25% of China's coal reserves, with mining centers such as Fenhe Valley and Ningwu.
3. Manchurian Coal Field: Supports industries like steel and machinery.
4. Sichuan Basin: Known for deeper coal deposits, supporting industries in Chengdu and Chongqing.

Factors facilitating coal use in China

1. Large coal deposits across provinces.
2. Heavy industries requiring vast amounts of power.
3. Mechanized extraction techniques.
4. Coal deposits near the surface in some regions.
5. Availability of labor due to China's large population.

Importance of coal mining in China

1. Stimulates industrial development.
2. Provides employment.
3. Contributes to government revenue.
4. Supports transportation infrastructure.

Problems in coal extraction in China

1. Deeper deposits increase extraction costs.
2. Faulted or folded coal seams complicate mining.
3. Scattered coal deposits make extraction inefficient.
4. Coal extraction poses health risks.

Coal in Tanzania

Tanzania has significant coal resources, particularly in the Ruhuhu Basin and the Mchuchuma area. There are active mining operations in Songwe-Kiwira to supply coal to industries, including cement production.

Importance of coal mining in Tanzania

1. Promotes industrialization, especially in iron and steel production.
2. Creates employment opportunities.
3. Enhances transportation networks.
4. Provides energy for domestic use and local industries.

Challenges in Tanzanian coal mining

1. Lack of sufficient capital for large-scale mining.
2. Low industrial demand for coal.
3. Poor transport infrastructure.

Decline in coal demand

While coal once accounted for a significant portion of the world's energy, its demand has decreased due to:

1. Low calorific value compared to other energy sources.
2. Environmental problems, such as pollution.
3. High extraction and transportation costs.
4. Competition from cleaner and more efficient energy sources like HEP (Hydroelectric Power).