Current and Future Energy Resource Exploitation
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Describe how coal is formed.
• Millions of years ago terrestrial plants where partially decomposed into DOM. • High temperatures and pressure converted this into coal.
Is coal renewable or non-renewable?
Non-renewable
Does coal have a high or low energy density?
High- can mine a small volume of coal and get a large amount of energy from that coal
Does coal have a high or low abundance?
High- but not all is extractable as it is very deep.
Does coal have a high or low intermittency?
Low- mined at a constant rate so provides a predictable supply
Does coal have locational constraints for its extraction?
Yes- as it can only be extracted where it is profitable to mine.
Does coal have locational constraints for its use?
No- as it can be transported easily to where it is needed.
Describe what happens in trial drilling.
Drill multiple bore holes in an area to get physical samples of the rocks.
Name 2 properties we are hoping to find out from trial drilling.
Chemical composition of mineral. Depth of ore. Grade of ore.
Name 3 things we would need to consider when deciding if a new mining site will be profitable.
• COOG for the mineral being extracted • Chemical form of the mineral • Overburden depth • Overburden hardness • Overburden stability • Hydrology of the site • Transport infrastructure • Land use conflicts
How is coal processed before it is combusted?
The coal is milled to grind it into a powder, so it has a larger surface area: volume ratio. This means it burns quicker.
Give 2 negative impacts on the environment from coal combustion.
• Greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. • Smoke particles which decrease the light reaching plants so decreases the rate of photosynthesis.
How is coal processed after it is combusted?
Flue gas desulphurisation
What is flue gas?
The gases released from a power station after combustion of the fuel.
What is flue gas desulphurisation?
Gases produced in combustion of coal are passed through calcium carbonate which reacts with any sulphur dioxide before it can be released into the atmosphere.
What negative impact will sulphur dioxide have on the atmosphere?
Acid rain
Name 2 new technologies linked to coal.
• Coal gasification • Coal liquifaction
Why is coal gasification needed?
To extract coal that is too deep to mine.
What occurs in coal gasification?
Coal is combusted underground to produce a mixture of gases (H2, CO and CH4) which are used to produce more natural gas (CH4)
Why is coal liquifaction needed?
To produce a liquid fuel from solid coal.
What occurs in coal liquifaction?
Methane from coal gasification is dissolved in a solvent.
Describe how oil is formed.
Dead, buried marine plankton decomposes anaerobically. Under high temperature and pressure it becomes oil.
What is natural gas also known as?
Methane or CH4
Describe how natural gas is formed.
Anaerobic decomposition of plankton, at low temperature and pressure.