Currently, and according to the International Energy Agency, the world consumption of fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) is of a 80% of the total produced. This is relevant for two reasons: because of its limited nature and because it is an imported resource in many regions. Between 2004 and 2030, world energy consumption is also expected to increase by 57%, largely due to the influx of emerging economies.
On the other hand, it is necessary to take into account the increase in the CO2 concentration and greenhouse gases emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels, influencing the climate change. While the existence of natural climate variability is true, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, half of these effects are man-made.
Denver International Airport generates 6% of its own electricity demand by sustainable means.
All this makes us seriously consider energy saving, energy efficiency measures and increased use of renewables. Although all these energies require a considerable initial investment, they are decreasing thanks to the adjustment of manufacturing costs in recent years. If we add to this the foreseeable rise in electricity prices, the use of these energies will be more competitive and we will be able to see a decrease in dependence on fossil fuels.
And if we are going to implement the use of renewables, what are we going to do?what better place than airports, those giants of electricity consumption? A quick trip around the world can illustrate some interesting proposals in this regard:
Our first stop is Germany, which has just over half the irradiation of Spain (2,970 Wh/m2/day annual average compared to 4,820 Wh/m2/day) and is characterised by the use of large-scale photovoltaic installations at airports. Examples? The Düsseldorf International Airport, which, with 8,400 photovoltaic panels, obtains 2 MW power total installed capacity. Or Terminal 2 in Munich, which annually generates about 445,000 KWh, equivalent to the amount of energy needed by about 155 households.
Not far from there, Zurich Airport has around 5,000 solar panels in use, providing the terminal with 270,000 KWh of electricity per year. And if we cross the Atlantic, we find one of the largest solar parks in the USA in the Denver International Airport. It has a power output of about 8 MW and generates around 7,000 MWh annually. This installation allows to satisfy approximately 6% of airfield electricity demand.
In these rooms, which are characterised by continuous energy consumption, it is also interesting to use the technique of the cogeneration. The amortisation of this equipment is rapid and generates substantial energy savings. Barajas, Fiumicino, Toronto, JFK... The list of airports with cogeneration installations is extensive.
The trip comes to an end, and we land in a place famous for hydrocarbon exploitation: Abu Dhabi. Paradoxically, the small emirate is investing heavily in the renewable sector, taking advantage of its enormous solar potential. Proof of this is the inauguration of Shams 1 in March 2013, the largest parabolic trough solar power plant in the world.
The example of Abu Dhabi brings us face to face with a crucial facet of the world's energy problem, which is none other than time. What provides us with energy today will most likely no longer be able to do so in the future, and tomorrow's investments have to be projected today.
Rising CO2 emissions, energy dependence, the expiry of fossil fuels and sudden market fluctuations seem more than enough reasons to continuing to invest in green energy. Whatever energy policy is chosen, the next few years will be decisive in answering this question: Will we be able to pass on a more sustainable energy model to future generations?
