Chapter 1: Embracing the Clean Energy Revolution

For a long time, I have felt a sense of inadequacy stemming from my high school physics experience, particularly regarding my understanding of electricity and energy systems. Physics never came naturally to me, but a recent purchase of an electric vehicle inspired me to delve into literature, articles, and videos about energy, motors, power plants, and more.

Three key realizations emerged from my exploration:

1. I am unlikely to become an electrical engineer.
2. Establishing a straightforward mental framework is the best starting point for grasping energy systems.
3. One doesn't need to be a physicist to form a coherent understanding of the energy landscape and develop informed opinions.

Among the resources I found useful, Bill Gates' book “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” stood out for its foundational insights. Another excellent recommendation is anything authored by Vaclav Smil. The main ideas from Gates' book can be summarized as follows:

• The future of clean energy can be categorized into five critical areas:
  1. What portion of the current 51 billion tons of annual emissions can each solution address?
  2. What strategy do we have for cement production, which alone is responsible for 10% of global emissions?
  3. How much power can any proposed solution generate at scale, and what are the associated costs?
  4. What are the spatial requirements for implementation? (For example, wind energy requires more land than nuclear for similar power outputs).
  5. What is the "green premium"? (This refers to the additional costs compared to conventional alternatives).

With these questions in mind, let’s briefly explore the various forms of energy and their high-level mechanisms (think of it as viewing from a million feet above).

Energy is often described inadequately as “the capacity to perform work.” In simpler terms, it is essential for virtually every action we take. While I don't remember all the intricacies of thermodynamics, a quick search online will clarify energy's properties. Plus, casually mentioning “The Second Law of Thermodynamics” at social gatherings might earn you some respect, even if such events have shifted to virtual platforms post-COVID.

To simplify, energy exists in numerous forms (nuclear, chemical, solar, heat, electrical, motion, light, gravitational) and can be transformed from one type to another (e.g., from chemical energy to heat). You don't need to know all the details of these processes—just understand that energy transformation is key.

Power, the measure of how much energy can be utilized or converted over a specified time, is crucial for comparing different energy sources. This is a fundamental concept for developing an effective mental model.

Power is everything. It is the driving force behind our world (no pun intended).

Chapter 2: Framework for Evaluating Energy Solutions

To effectively assess energy concepts, consider this structured framework (Note: This framework does not encompass all aspects, such as greenhouse gas removal but is still a valuable tool):

The power source begins as <type of energy>, producing <unit of power> per <unit of volume>, costing <dollars to produce>, with a <green premium of X>. The conversion method is <insert method of conversion>, with an efficiency of <percent efficiency>, and the emissions byproduct is <what emissions & heat>.

Once you grasp these foundational concepts, you can start to perceive energy systems as sequences of energy conversion strategies. Picture it like building with energy legos.

For instance, if I wish to charge an electric vehicle at a roadside station, I require electricity for its batteries. Here are several potential sources:

1. Connect to an electricity grid powered by a local coal facility.
2. Utilize solar energy to generate electricity for the charging station.
3. Employ numerous stationary bicycles ridden by volunteers to produce electricity.
4. Harness energy from a nearby hydroelectric dam if situated by a river.
5. Convert waste from local livestock into chemical energy and heat to generate electricity.
6. If near a hill with a reservoir, pump water uphill to create hydroelectric energy for charging the vehicle.

These examples illustrate the various energy conversion pathways leading to the necessary power. Ultimately, we must evaluate which technologies, energy sources, and their interconnections yield the electricity we need and their cost compared to current methods. If a technology or source appears to positively address any of Bill Gates’ five questions, it is likely worth considering.

A fascinating case study is Shenzhen, China, which successfully transitioned its 16,000 city buses to electric vehicles. When analyzing this situation, consider these questions:

1. What were the costs associated with converting from internal combustion to electric vehicles?
2. Who managed the conversion process, and what components were utilized?
3. What reduction in emissions was achieved?
4. What governmental policies facilitated this transition?
5. What does the total cost of ownership look like in terms of the green premium?
6. What power sources are used to charge the buses, and are they sustainable?
7. How does the maintenance cost compare to traditional vehicles?
8. What is the cost associated with battery replacements?

Questions 6 and 7 relate to the green premium but are worth discussing separately for clarity.

A particularly innovative example I encountered was during my visit to the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya in summer 2019. I met Dutch NGO workers introducing an affordable solar panel system, designed to provide enough light for a household at night, with a payment plan making it accessible for refugees (totaling around $80). This project exemplifies how not every renewable energy solution requires extensive infrastructure; it highlights the potential of creative energy solutions to generate substantial value in human capital. More light translates to more opportunities for learning and reading after dark, leading to a more educated population and improved economic prospects.

Since acquiring my electric vehicle, I have become increasingly aware of the significant energy transformation occurring globally. I hope this overview makes clean energy more approachable for those who may have felt disconnected from physics in school.