Part 2: Non Fossil Fuel Energy Resources and Utilization of Underground Space
Notes by Prof. Dr. C.J. Spiers
Content:
The non-renewable nature of fossil fuels plus the environmental impact of their combustion are steadily forcing society towards more efficient use of fossil fuels, as well as forcing a shift towards other energy resources. Numerous alternative resources are available, such as geothermal, solar, hydroelectric, wind and nuclear energy. However, these alternatives display a complex range of advantages and disadvantages. The world's energy future is accordingly difficult to foresee. In Part 2, we shall briefly review the changing world energy picture.A related issue that will emerge is that significant space will be needed in future for the storage of fuels and disposal of energy production wastes. This leads to the whole question of space resources. As the world population grows, surface space will need to be conserved for agriculture, water resources, forestry, energy production and general environmental protection. So where will we construct our industrial and transport infrastructure, where will we store energy reserves and dispose of our wastes, where will we find space to build our cities? One answer is to utilize the upper few kilometers of the Earth's crust! In Part 2, we will consider the accessibility of this region, its properties and potential uses as an underground space resource, taking an Earth systems perspective. Attention will be focused on disposal of hazardous wastes and on storage of hydrocarbons in geological formations. Using rock mechanics principles, we will consider the effects on the geological environment, on groundwater and at the surface. In addition, we will briefly consider some futuristic ideas on underground transport infrastructure and underground urban development! So get your hardhats on!
Topics
- Accessible region, potential uses and geological prerequisites
- Disposal of chemical and radioactive wastes - pros and cons
- Storage of energy reserves - pros and cons
- Underground infrastructure and development
Reading and self-study:
- "Environmental Geology", Chapter 16
Assignment(s):
- Numerical study to evaluate the effects of 1) disposing of heat-emitting radioactive waste in rocksalt deposits, and/or 2) storage of hydrocarbons in sandstone formations. Effects on the geological and surface environment wil be considered.