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The global energy problem is the problem of providing humanity with fuel and energy at the present time and in the foreseeable future.

The main reason for the emergence of the global energy problem should be considered fast growth consumption of mineral fuel in the XX century. On the supply side, it was caused by the discovery and exploitation of huge oil and gas fields in Western Siberia, Alaska, on the shelf of the North Sea, and on the demand side - by an increase in the car park and an increase in the production of polymer materials. The main environmental problems are the problem of the rapid depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels with an increasing rate of its consumption - the problem of the availability of oil, coal, natural gas, the growth of electricity consumption many times higher than its production.

It is believed that at the current level of production, the explored coal reserves should be sufficient for 325 years. natural gas - for 62 years, and oil - for 37 years. Today, the total consumption of thermal energy in the world is colossal - more than 1013 W per year (equivalent to 36 billion tons of fuel equivalent).

As for the prospects for nuclear energy, all known industrial uranium reserves will be depleted already in the first decade of the 21st century. Taking into account the costs of fuel extraction, neutralization, utilization and disposal of waste, conservation of spent reactors (and their service life is not more than 30 years), costs of social and environmental needs, the cost of nuclear power will be many times higher than any economically acceptable level. According to experts, only the costs of removal, disposal and neutralization of the accumulated Russian enterprises nuclear energy waste will amount to about $ 400 billion, to ensure the required level of technological safety - $ 25 billion. With an increase in the number of reactors, the likelihood of their accidents increases. Thus, nuclear energy does not have a long-term perspective.

The main ways to solve the global energy problem

An extensive way of solving the energy problem presupposes a further increase in energy production and an absolute increase in energy consumption. This path remains relevant for the modern world economy. World energy consumption in absolute terms from 1996 to 2003 increased from 12 billion to 15.2 billion tons of fuel equivalent. At the same time, a number of countries are faced with reaching the limit of their own energy production (China) or with the prospect of reducing this production (Great Britain). This development of events prompts the search for ways of more rational use of energy resources and the transition to non-traditional, alternative energy sources (AES). They are environmentally friendly, renewable, based on the energy of the Sun and the Earth.

Solar energy

based on the direct use of solar radiation to generate energy in any form. Solar energy uses an inexhaustible source of energy and is environmentally friendly, that is, it does not produce harmful waste. Advantages: Accessibility and inexhaustibility of the source and complete safety for environment... Disadvantages: Dependence on weather and time of day, As a consequence, the need to accumulate energy,

The high cost of the structure, The need for periodic cleaning of the reflective surface from dust, Heating of the atmosphere above the power plant.

This interesting world:

Agriculture structure
Agriculture consists of two main parts: crop production (farming) and animal husbandry. Crop production accounts for an average of about 40% of gross agricultural production. Crop production, in its turn, consists of the following subsectors: 1) FARMING - cultivates ...

Life and work
The cherished land of special glory, In whose reserved places From under the Eagle, from under Poltava, a folk dream was drawn ... (P. Komarov, 1947) ...

Economy
The economic structure of Dagestan was formed as part of the all-union market, in which the interests of the region were infringed upon. This especially affected the location of production. Backward agrarian-industrial specialization of the economy, strong isolation from the local market - these are the main features of the national ...

These are, first of all, the problems of reliable supply of mankind with fuel and raw materials. And it happened before that the problem of resource provision acquired a certain acuteness. But usually this applied to individual regions and countries with an “incomplete” composition of natural resources. On a global scale, it first manifested itself, perhaps, in the 70s, which is explained by several reasons.

Among them are the relative limitedness of proven reserves of oil, natural gas and some other types of fuel and raw materials, deterioration of mining and geological conditions of production, an increase in the territorial gap between the regions of production and consumption, the advancement of extraction and processing of mineral raw materials for ecological reasons, etc.

Consequently, in our era, as never before, it is necessary to rationalize the use of mineral resources, which, as you know, are depleted and not renewable. Huge opportunities for this are opened by the achievements of scientific and technological revolution, and at all stages of the technological chain. Thus, a more complete extraction of minerals from the bowels of the Earth is of great importance.

Example. At existing ways oil production coefficient of its extraction fluctuates in the range of 0.25-0.45, which is clearly insufficient and means that most of its geological reserves remain in the earth's interior. An increase in the oil recovery factor even by 1% gives a great economic effect.

The raw material problem is a global problem of providing mankind with raw materials.

The problem is caused by the following factors:

Depletion of mined deposits of coal, oil, iron and other ores;

The limited proven reserves of oil and natural gas;

Discovery and extraction of minerals in worse than previous conditions;

An increase in the territorial gap between the regions of production and consumption of minerals, etc.

The solution to the raw material problem consists in resource conservation and in the search for new technologies that would allow the use of previously inaccessible sources of raw materials and energy.

In order to consider the raw material problem and ways of solving it by developed and developing countries, it is necessary to clearly define which countries the modern economy classifies as developed and which countries are developing. It is also necessary to bring the concept of a raw material problem. Developed countries are those that ensure the development of the economy on the basis of a large accumulated amount of technically advanced capital and the availability of a highly qualified labor force. These include the USA, Canada, Japan, most European countries.

Developing countries are countries that, with significant natural resources at their disposal, lack the capital and entrepreneurial and technical expertise needed to develop them. Average per capita income and living standards in such countries are therefore significantly lower than in industrialized countries. Often referred to as the "third world", these countries receive support from various UN organizations, as well as from countries belonging to the Eastern and Western blocs, both of which are trying to influence their political development.

Developing countries, in which 70% of the world's population currently live, are characterized by significant poverty of their inhabitants, inadequacy and poor quality of nutrition, the prevalence of various diseases, high birth rates, overpopulation, underdeveloped education systems and, consequently, low literacy and agricultural dominance. Many of them depend on the production and export of one product and therefore are highly vulnerable in foreign markets. The "third world" includes most of the countries in Africa, most of Asia and many countries in Latin America.

Energy problem. This global problem is associated with the limited availability of the planet's most important organic and mineral resources. Scientists warn about the possible depletion of known and available for use reserves of oil and gas, iron and copper ore, nickel, manganese, aluminum, etc.

Conclusion: To solve the energy and raw materials problem, efforts of all countries are required in saving raw materials and energy, using new resource-saving technologies, using secondary resources, searching for new deposits and developing unconventional energy sources.

Ways to solve the raw material and energy problem:

Decrease in volumes;

Usage;

Alternative;

Sources of energy;

Solution Ways;

Increase in efficiency;

Extraction and production.

Reducing production volumes is very problematic because modern world more and more raw materials and energy are needed, and their reduction will inevitably turn into a world crisis. Increase in efficiency, incl. unpromising because for its implementation, large investments are required, and raw materials are not unlimited. Therefore, priority is given to alternative energy sources.

The global energy problem is the problem of providing humanity with fuel and energy at the present time and in the foreseeable future.

The main reason for the emergence of the global energy problem should be considered the rapid growth in the consumption of mineral fuels in the XX century. On the supply side, it is caused by the discovery and operation of huge oil and gas fields in Western Siberia, Alaska, on the shelf of the North Sea, and on the demand side - by an increase in the car park and an increase in the production of polymer materials.

One of the reasons for the energy problem is population growth.

Population growth is one of the main drivers of increasing energy consumption in the world. And it was the 20th century that was marked by a powerful population explosion. If in 1650 years since the beginning of the new era the population of the planet has increased by only 250 million people, then in less than 60 years of the XX century. its growth was 3 billion people.

An extensive way of solving the energy problem presupposes a further increase in energy production and an absolute increase in energy consumption. This path remains relevant for the modern world economy. World energy consumption in absolute terms from 1996 to 2003 increased from 12 billion to 15.2 billion tons of fuel equivalent.

On this basis, an intensive way of solving the energy problem receives an impetus, which consists primarily in increasing the production of products per unit of energy consumption. Energy crisis of the 70s. accelerated the development and implementation of energy-saving technologies, gives impetus to the restructuring of the economy. These measures, most consistently carried out by developed countries, have made it possible to significantly mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis.

46. ​​The concept of "biodiversity", the reasons for the decline and extinction of species. The importance of biodiversity for the sustainability of the biosphere.

Biodiversity is the diversity of life in all its forms. Also, biodiversity is understood as diversity at three levels of organization: genetic diversity (diversity of genes and their variants - alleles), species diversity (diversity of species in ecosystems) and, finally, ecosystem diversity, that is, the diversity of ecosystems themselves.

Reasons for reduction

The extinction of biological species is a normal process for the development of life on Earth. In the process of evolution, mass extinction of species has repeatedly occurred. An example is the Permian extinction, which led to the extinction of all trilobites.

Since the 17th century, human economic activity has become the main factor in the acceleration of extinction. In general terms, the reasons for the decline in diversity are the growing consumption of resources, neglect of species and ecosystems, insufficiently thought-out state policy in the field of the exploitation of natural resources, lack of understanding of the importance of biological diversity and the growth of the world's population.

The extinction of certain species is usually caused by habitat disturbance and over-harvesting. Many dozens of species have already died due to the destruction of ecosystems. About 100 species have disappeared only around the inhabitants of tropical forests. Game animals, especially those highly valued in the international market, suffer from over-prey. Rare species with collection value are under threat.

Other reasons include: the influence of introduced species, deterioration of the food base, targeted destruction in order to protect agriculture and fishing grounds. It is believed that 12 species of living things were destroyed by accident.

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1. ANALYSIS OF SECURITY OF THE WORLD ECONOMY WITH ENERGY CARRIERS

2 Natural gas

4 Nuclear energy

5 Hydroelectricity

CHAPTER 2. MAIN WAYS TO SOLVE THE GLOBAL ENERGY PROBLEM IN THE WORLD

CHAPTER 3. PROBLEMS OF THE RUSSIAN ENERGY AND WAYS OF THEIR SOLUTION

1 Problems of the Russian energy sector

2 Ways to solve the Russian energy problem

CONCLUSION

LIST OF USED SOURCES

APPENDICES.

INTRODUCTION

Energy is one of the basic sectors of the world economy, providing the necessary conditions for human life. Over the past decade, energy consumption has increased by 1/4, while the total gross domestic product has grown more significantly - by 42%, which reflects the qualitative progress in the production sphere - its energy intensity has decreased. It turns out that at the end of the decade, about 12% less fuel was consumed per unit of production than at the beginning of the 2000s. This process was especially noticeable in industrialized countries (the economy exceeded 16%), while in countries with developing and transitional economies, it was almost nominal (3-5%).

Energy is the fundamental basis for the evolution of civilization, and the 21st century poses serious challenges to the world energy sector to ensure sustainable development of mankind. The continuing population growth, together with the need for accelerated economic development in many regions of the planet, will undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in energy demand in the coming decades. Thus, the provision of the world economy with fuel and energy resources is one of the most important problems facing humanity.

The purpose of this work: to formulate the main ways of solving the global energy problem, and in order to achieve it, it is necessary to perform the following tasks:

· Analyze the provision of the world economy with energy resources;

· Study forecasts of production and consumption of energy resources.

The relevance of the topic "The main ways to solve the global energy problem" is quite obvious: the consumption of energy resources increases every year, while the planet does not have sufficient reserves to further meet the needs of mankind. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a competent strategy to solve the problem.

CHAPTER 1. ANALYSIS OF SECURITY OF THE WORLD ECONOMY WITH ENERGY CARRIERS

1.1 Oil

The world's total oil reserves are estimated at 181.7 billion tons. Of these, North America accounts for 10.2 billion; to Central and South America - 28.5; to Europe - 18.5; to the countries of the Middle East - 102.0; to Africa - 16.9; for the countries of the Pacific region - 5.6.

At the current level of consumption, which is about 4 billion tons per year, oil reserves will last a little over 40 years. And although in 2009 compared to 2008 oil consumption fell by almost 2%, according to forecasts by 2030 it will exceed 4 billion tons.

There are different points of view regarding the long-term prospects for the development of the world oil-extracting industry in connection with its provision with natural reserves. There are also radical assumptions that it will significantly lose its position already in the first third of the 21st century and, in general, the current century will be the century of gas and coal. Indeed, the world's proven geological reserves and predicted gas resources significantly exceed the oil resource potential. However, the specific features of the use, in particular of coal, from the standpoint of environmental problems, as you know, significantly narrow the scope of its application. The prevailing opinion today is that oil will continue to play the leading role as the most convenient and highly efficient energy carrier for many decades to come.

The key point in this problem is the answer to the question: will the emergence of new more efficient technologies methods of prospecting, exploration and production lead to a noticeable increase in the volume of available oil reserves. According to pessimistic estimates, the oil industry has already spent billions of dollars on innovations, and today it is difficult to imagine some new highly efficient technology that would fundamentally influence the volume of oil production towards their significant increase. However, according to more numerous optimists, the innovative revolution in oil production is still just beginning. In fact, the existing technologies still make it possible to extract from the field only about 30-35% of the total volume of oil available in it. Analysts-optimists, not without reason, expect that within the next decade technologies will appear that will make it possible to extract up to 50-60% of its total volume everywhere.

1.2 Natural gas

The total world gas reserves are estimated at 187.5 trillion. cub. m. Of these, North America accounts for 9.16 trillion. cub. m .; to Central and South America - 8.06; to Europe - 63.09; in the Middle East - 76.18; to Africa - 14.76; for the countries of the Pacific region - 16.24.

At the current level of consumption, which is about 3 trillion. cub. m. gas reserves will last for almost another 65 years. And although the growth in consumption is becoming more moderate every year, according to forecasts by 2030 it will amount to about 13 billion cubic meters. m / day

In 2009, the degree of natural gas supply remained high in countries producing this energy carrier, such as (%): Turkmenistan - 77, Azerbaijan - 68, Algeria - 60, Iran - 58, Russia - 55, Argentina - 53, Great Britain - 39 , USA - 27. It is significant that the needs of the states of the Near and Middle East were met by 51% of oil and 47% of natural gas. Natural gas (including LNG) is of great importance in energy consumption and a number of countries supplied from external sources, such as Belarus - 61, Ukraine - 38, Hungary - 41, Italy - 39, Germany and Spain - 24.

The traditional consumers of natural gas are industry, agriculture, services, transport, household and energy sectors. The dynamics and scale of demand for natural gas from individual consumer groups are different. While one group of consumers increases the share of gas in covering their energy costs, another gives preference to competing energy carriers. In connection with this, changes are taking place in the structure of consumption, which are determined, in addition to the competitive supply in the energy market, also by technological factors, environmental requirements, and government regulation.

Structural changes are also taking place within large gas consumers: the most gas-intensive industries and sectors are emerging, the most stable and stable consumers are being formed. In different countries, this process proceeds in different ways, depending on the characteristics of industrial production, the state of infrastructure, and the nature of electricity production. The massive construction of highly efficient combined-cycle power plants, begun a few years ago, has sparked a rapid increase in the use of natural gas in the power industry. The use of natural gas will also increase in other sectors of the world economy.

1.3 Coal

The world's total coal reserves are estimated at about 826 billion tons. Of these, North America accounts for about 246 billion tons; to Central and South America - 15; to Europe - 272.246; to the countries of the Middle East and Africa - 33.4; for the countries of the Pacific region - 259.3.

At the current consumption level, which is 3.3 billion tons. BC, the reserves will be enough for about 120 years, and by 2030, according to forecasts, the demand for coal will amount to 4.5 billion tons of oil equivalent. e.

Coal demand declines in OECD countries (-1.2% p.a. in 2010-2030

years), but this decline is more than offset by growth in non-OECD countries (2% per year). In China and India, the phase of rapid consumption growth will end around 2020; in the rest of the non-OECD countries, coal demand will continue to grow steadily.

Coal has been an important factor in China's recent rapid economic growth. China today accounts for 47% of global coal consumption and is likely to rise to 53% by 2030. China's contribution to the growth of global coal demand in 1990-2010 was 80%, and it is expected to be 77% in the period until 2030.

China is clearly aware of the need to free the country from its heavy dependence on coal. Environmental constraints (air pollution and climatic considerations), as well as the rising cost of domestic coal resources, are expected to contain the growth of coal consumption in China.

The timing of this transition to less carbon-intensive growth is still uncertain. Coal consumption in China is projected to stabilize by 2030, while global coal consumption growth will average only 0.3% per year from 2020 to 2030.

1.4 Nuclear energy

The total world consumption of nuclear energy in 2009 amounted to 610.5 million tons of oil equivalent. BC, of ​​which North America accounts for 212.7 million tons of oil equivalent. e .; to Central and South America - 4.7; to Europe - 265.0; to the countries of the Middle East - 0.0; to Africa - 2.7; for the countries of the Pacific region - 125.3.

A number of economies with very limited local energy resources rely on atomic energy... In the energy balance of France, it accounted for 38%, Lithuania - 30%, Sweden - 28%, Finland - 22%, Switzerland - 21%, Ukraine - 17%, Belgium - 15%, Republic of Korea - 14%, Japan - 13% , Germany - 11%. World power generation at nuclear power plants peaked in 2006 and has been gradually declining since then (by 4% by 2009). As of March 2009, 436 power units with a total capacity of 370 GW were in operation in the world, of which 27% were concentrated in the United States. In addition to the United States, France, Japan and Russia are also the largest nuclear power producers. With some restraint of individual countries regarding the plans for the development of nuclear energy, 14 states (including Russia, China, and the Republic of Korea) are currently constructing 44 power units with a total capacity of 39 GW, which is approximately 10% of the total world nuclear power plant capacity. In addition, there are the necessary approvals and agreements have been concluded for the construction of 90 new power units.

Nuclear power is used exclusively for the production of electricity. If you calculate the daily electricity demand of the world's population, whose number is approaching the 7 billion mark, this figure, in all likelihood, will cause you considerable surprise. A myriad of products are produced every day in the world. Mainly automatic production is carried out.

1.5 Hydroelectricity

The total world consumption of hydropower amounted to 740.3 million tons of oil equivalent. BC, of ​​which North America accounts for 158.3 million tons of oil equivalent. e .; Central and South America - 158.4; Europe - 182.0; the countries of the Middle East - 2.4; Africa - 22.0; countries of the Pacific region - 217.1.

Hydroelectricity will play a major role in the transition of the world economy to a safer, more reliable and sustainable development path. Its potential is unconditionally huge, but the pace of participation in meeting global needs largely depends on the strength of government support aimed at increasing the competitiveness of hydropower compared with other types of energy resources.

CHAPTER 2. MAIN WAYS TO SOLVE THE GLOBAL ENERGY PROBLEM IN THE WORLD

The city brought a series of man-made and natural disasters and, for the first time, unprecedented climatic anomalies that shifted the course of relatively established development and caused great damage in important sectors of the global energy sector. Following a major accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, an offshore platform disaster occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, resulting in massive oil spills and huge environmental damage to the region, and in October, a large leak of toxic chemicals in Hungary, causing large transboundary damage. A volcanic eruption in Iceland permanently disrupted flights in Western Europe (and affected fuel consumption). The stable and record high-temperature anticyclone that settled in central Russia and caused massive fires and damage, contrasted with devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, India and Pakistan. According to telegraphic agencies, the melting of the Alpine glaciers has accelerated (up to 1% per year), bringing the water shortage in the region closer, and the level of the World Ocean began to rise by almost 1 cm every three years. All this disrupted the traditional way of life of millions of people, the activities of many enterprises and affected the energy sector.

The global energy problem is a problem of reliable provision of humanity with fuel and energy. The main ways of its solution: these are traditional, having a predominantly extensive character, as well as newer and more intensive ones. The most traditional way is to further build up the mineral fuel resources. However, this path is contrary to the energy conservation policy. Society needs new solutions to achieve scientific and technological progress. Firstly, this refers to the development of nuclear power, where a new generation of nuclear reactors is already starting to operate. Secondly, work is underway to directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy using MHD generators. Thirdly, the foundation was laid for the creation of a cryogenic turbogenerator, in which the effect of superconductivity is achieved by cooling the rotor with liquid helium. Fourth, great value has the use of hydrogen as a fuel. And most importantly, this attempt to carry out a reaction of controlled thermonuclear fusion. The coordination of countries under the IAEA can serve as an example of the consolidation of the forces and ideas of different states in the name of one goal.

The main ways to solve fuel, energy and raw materials problems:

Establishing national ownership of all natural resources. This event will, to a certain extent, weaken the process of plundering the fuel, energy and raw materials of the developing countries.

Study of reserves of all resources using the latest achievements of scientific and technological revolution. As you know, currently explored relatively shallow layer of the earth's crust - up to 5 km. Therefore, it is important to discover new resources in the depths of the Earth, as well as at the bottom of the World Ocean.

A significant change in the pricing mechanism for natural resources in underdeveloped countries, which is essentially determined by the giant transnational corporations (TNCs) that control natural wealth. According to UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) experts, three to six companies control 80-85% of the copper market, 90-95% of the iron ore market, 80% of the market, cotton, wheat, corn, cocoa, coffee and grapefruit. 70-75% of the banana market, 60% of the sugar market. TNCs use the "divide and rule" policy to achieve inconsistency between the countries - exporters of natural resources.

Opposing the combined force of developed countries with the strategy of actions of the countries - exporters of fuel, energy and raw materials. This strategy should concern both the volumes of extraction of all types of resources and quotas for their sale to foreign markets. Due to the lack of such a strategy, highly developed countries and TNCs are striving for low oil prices on the world market, which enables them to accumulate huge reserves of resources for next to nothing. Yes, in the United States, the total stock of crude oil and its refined products reaches over 1 billion bar. In addition, these reserves do not include additional over 500 million bar. oil, which is the government's strategic oil reserve.

The use of alternative energy sources, i.e. energy of the sun, wind, water, thermonuclear fusion and other sources.

The sun as a source of thermal energy is an almost inexhaustible source of energy. It can be used directly (through capture by technical devices) or indirectly through the products of photosynthesis, the water cycle, the movement of air masses and other processes that are caused by solar phenomena. The use of solar heat is the simplest and cheapest way to solve individual energy problems. In Cyprus, in 90% of cottages, many hotels and apartment buildings, the problems of heat supply and hot water supply are solved by solar water heaters. In Israel, the share of dwellings powered by solar energy is close to 65%. In other countries, the purposeful use of solar energy is not yet large, but the production of various types of solar collectors is rapidly increasing.

Converting solar energy into electrical energy is possible through the use of photovoltaic cells, in which solar energy is induced into an electric current without any additional devices. The efficiency of such devices is not high, but in cases where a small amount of energy is required, the use of photocells is already economically feasible. As examples of such use, he names calculators, telephones, televisions, air conditioners, beacons, buoys, small irrigation systems, etc.

Harnessing solar energy through photosynthesis and biomass. The simplest way to harness the energy of photosynthesis is by direct combustion of biomass. More justified, however, is the processing of biomass into other fuels, such as biogas or ethyl alcohol. The first is the result of anaerobic (without oxygen), and the second is aerobic (in an oxygen environment) fermentation. Large energy resources are also concentrated in sewage sludge, garbage and other organic waste. Bio-based alcohol is increasingly used in internal combustion engines. Various organic raw materials are used to obtain alcohol. The limiting factors for the use of alcohol as an energy carrier are the lack of land for obtaining organic matter and environmental pollution during the production of alcohol (burning fossil fuels), as well as the significant high cost (it is about 2 times more expensive than gasoline). The main advantage of this resource is its constant and quick renewal, and with proper use, inexhaustibility.

Wind, like moving water, is the most ancient source of energy. For several centuries, these sources have been used as mechanical sources in mills, sawmills, in systems for supplying water to places of consumption, etc. Wind energy is widely used in Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and other countries. In addition to the inexhaustibility of the resource and the high environmental friendliness of production, the advantages of wind turbines include the low cost of energy obtained from them. Here it is 2-3 times lower than at TPPs and NPPs.

Hydro resources continue to be an important potential source of energy, provided that more environmentally friendly methods of obtaining it are used than modern ones. Currently, there are turbines that make it possible to obtain energy using the natural flow of rivers, without the construction of dams. Such turbines can be easily mounted on rivers and, if necessary, moved to other places. Although the cost of energy obtained at such installations is noticeably higher than at large hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants or nuclear power plants, the high environmental friendliness makes it expedient to obtain it.

The water masses of the seas and oceans possess large energy resources. These include the energy of ebb and flow, sea currents, and temperature gradients at different depths. Currently, this energy is used in extremely small quantities due to the high cost of production. However, in addition to the high cost of energy, power plants of this type cannot be classified as highly environmentally friendly. During their construction, dams overlap the bays, which dramatically changes the environmental factors and living conditions of organisms. In ocean waters, temperature differences at different depths can be used to generate energy. Difficulties are associated with the cumbersomeness of the structures and their high cost. The possibilities of using geothermal resources are incomparably more real. In this case, the source of heat is the heated water contained in the bowels of the earth. In some areas, such waters are poured onto the surface in the form of geysers (for example, in Kamchatka).

Geothermal energy can be used both in the form of heat and to generate electricity. Currently, individual cities or enterprises are supplied with energy from geothermal waters. This, in particular, applies to the capital of Iceland - Reykjavik.

Fusion energy. Modern nuclear power engineering is based on the splitting of atomic nuclei into two lighter ones with the release of energy in proportion to the loss of mass. The source of energy and decay products are radioactive elements. They are associated with the main environmental problems of nuclear power. An even greater amount of energy is released in the process of nuclear fusion, in which two nuclei merge into one heavier one, but also with a loss of mass and the release of energy. The initial elements for the synthesis are hydrogen, the final element is helium. Despite some positive results in the implementation of controlled nuclear fusion, it is believed that in the near future it is unlikely to be used to solve energy and environmental problems. This is due to the unresolved issues of many issues and the need for colossal costs for further experimental, and even more so industrial development.

Biofuel is a fairly broad concept that encompasses a number of different fuels obtained in a special way from biomass.<#"659298.files/image001.jpg">

Figure 1. Global consumption of energy resources.

Figure 1. The ratio of oil reserves by region.

Appendix 2

Figure 2. Oil production by region.

Appendix 3

Figure 3. Oil consumption by region.

Appendix 4

Figure 4. Ratio of natural gas reserves by region.

Appendix 5

Figure 5. Natural gas production by region.

Appendix 6

Figure 6. Consumption of natural gas by region.

Appendix 7

Figure 7. Production and consumption of coal by region.

Appendix 8

Figure 8. Nuclear energy consumption by region.

Appendix 9

Figure 9. Consumption of hydropower by region.

Global energy problem- this is the problem of providing humanity with fuel and energy at the present time and in the foreseeable future.

Local energy crises also occurred in the pre-industrial economy (for example, in England in the 18th century due to the depletion of forest resources and the transition to coal). But as a global problem, the lack of energy resources manifested itself in the 70s. XX century, when the energy crisis broke out, which manifested itself in a sharp increase in the price of oil (14.5 times in 1972-1981), which created serious difficulties for. Although many of the difficulties of that time were overcome, the global problem of providing fuel and energy remains significant today.

The main cause of global energy problem should be considered rapid growth in the consumption of mineral fuels in the XX century... On the supply side, it was caused by the discovery and exploitation of huge oil and gas fields in Western Siberia, Alaska, on the shelf of the North Sea, and on the demand side - by an increase in the car park and an increase in the production of polymer materials.

The increase in the extraction of fuel and energy resources entailed a serious deterioration in the environmental situation (expansion of open-pit mining, offshore production, etc.). And the growth in demand for these resources has increased the competition as countries - exporters of fuel resources for Better conditions sales and between importing countries for access to energy resources.

Provision of the world economy with fuel and energy resources

At the same time, there is a further increase in mineral fuel resources. Influenced by the energy crisis large-scale exploration work intensified leading to the discovery and development of new energy deposits. Accordingly, the indicators of the provision of the most important types of mineral fuel have also increased: it is believed that at the current level of production, the explored coal reserves should be enough for 325 years. natural gas - for 62 years, and oil - for 37 years (if at the beginning of the 70s it was believed that the provision of the world economy with oil reserves did not exceed 25-30 years; proven coal reserves back in 1984 were estimated at 1.2 trillion tons, then by the end of the 90s they increased to 1.75 trillion tons).

As a result, prevailing in the 70s. pessimistic forecasts of the global economy's supply of energy resources (for example, at that time it was believed that oil reserves would last no more than 25-30 years) were replaced by optimistic views based on relevant information.

The main ways to solve the global energy problem

Extensive solution path energy problem involves further increase in energy production and an absolute increase in energy consumption. This path remains relevant for the modern world economy. World energy consumption in absolute terms from 1996 to 2003 increased from 12 billion to 15.2 billion tons of fuel equivalent. At the same time, a number of countries are faced with reaching the limit of their own energy production (China) or with the prospect of reducing this production (Great Britain). This development of events prompts the search for ways of more rational use of energy resources.

On this basis, gains momentum intensive solution path energy problem, which consists primarily in increasing the production of products per unit of energy consumption. Energy crisis of the 70s. accelerated development and introduction of energy saving technologies, gives impetus to the structural restructuring of the economy. These measures, most consistently carried out by developed countries, have made it possible to significantly mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis.

In modern conditions, a ton of energy saved as a result of conservation measures is 3-4 times cheaper than a ton of additionally produced. This circumstance was a powerful incentive for many countries. improving the efficiency of energy use... Over the last quarter of the XX century. the energy intensity of the US economy has decreased by half, and in Germany - by 2.5 times.

Under the influence of the energy crisis, developed countries in the 70-80s. carried out a large-scale structural restructuring of the economy in the direction of reducing the share of energy-intensive industries. So, the energy intensity of mechanical engineering, and especially 8-10 times lower than in the fuel and energy complex or in metallurgy. Energy-intensive industries were phased out and transferred to developing countries. Structural restructuring in the direction of energy saving brings up to 20% savings in fuel and energy resources per unit of GDP.

An important reserve for increasing the efficiency of energy use is the improvement of technological processes for the functioning of apparatus and equipment. Despite the fact that this direction is very capital-intensive, nevertheless, these costs are 2-3 times less than the costs required for an equivalent increase in the extraction (production) of fuel and energy. The main efforts in this area are aimed at improving engines and the entire process of using fuel.

At the same time, many countries with emerging markets (Russia, Ukraine, China, India) continue to develop energy-intensive industries (ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical industry, etc.), as well as use outdated technologies. Moreover, in these countries, one should expect an increase in energy consumption both in connection with an increase in living standards and changes in the lifestyle of the population, and with the lack of funds in many of these countries to reduce the energy intensity of the economy. Therefore, in modern conditions, it is in emerging markets that the consumption of energy resources is growing, while in developed countries consumption remains at a relatively stable level. But it must be borne in mind that energy saving has manifested itself to the greatest extent in industry, but under the influence of cheap oil in the 90s. has little effect on transport.

At the present stage and for many years to come, the solution to the global energy problem will depend on the degree of reduction in the energy intensity of the economy, i.e. from energy consumption per unit of GDP produced.

Thus, the global energy problem in its former understanding as a threat of an absolute lack of resources in the world does not exist. Nevertheless, the problem of providing energy resources remains in a modified form.