1. Non Renewable Energy Resources

2. A few things to understand before we begin 1.Net Energy Yield – Amount of usable energy provided – Takes into account the amount of energy needed to produce. 2.Energy Return on Investment – Energy obtained per unit energy used. 3.Subsidizing – Financial support given to energy sectors that have low net yield in order to compete in market.

3. Net energy yields of various energy sources Figure 15-2

4. Figure 15-3

6. COAL: Plentiful but dirty Where is it? – US, Russia, China, Australia, India Used for: – 43% of World Electricity – Industrial plants Used by: – China, United States, India, Russia, and Japan (5 leading nations, but China uses ~3x more than US)

10. Pros and Cons to Coal Pros Abundant supply United States wouldn’t need to depend on foreign nations Still relatively cheap Cons Most polluting form of nonrenewable energy H 2 SO 4 due to release of SO 2 into the atmosphere SPM and toxic pollutants #1 CO 2 emitter Slurry bonds can lead to water pollution Costs do not reflect environmental impact. Mining has negative environmental impact.

11. Coal to Synthetic Fuels (Synfuels) Known as a “cleaner” version of coal. – BUT Requires much more mining of coal to create Conversion puts up to 50% more CO 2 into atmosphere Requires a lot of water. Does not have as high of an energy content.