Effects of Energy Conservation and Better Power Production Efficiency on Australia's Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

The thinning of the UV-absorbing ozone layer, and the global warming effects of the higher than sustainable levels of greenhouse gases in the stratosphere cause climatic changes of catastrophic global consequences if not controlled. In order to illustrate how greenhouse gas emissions can be abated, in this paper, using Australian energy production and consumption data for 1991–92, it is first described that the nation's annual energy consumption is about 4,000 PJ, and the total annual equivalent CO₂ emission (including the greenhouse effects of other gases such as CH₄, N₂O, SO₂, and R-11 and R-12) is 495 Mte. Then, by focusing on the Australian power production and residential sectors, the potential for reducing the greenhouse gas emission is estimated to be (a) 81 Mte per annum which could be realised by improving the efficiency of power generation facilities in the country, and (b) an additional 16 Mte per annum by conserving energy in the residential sector. The sum of these reductions in greenhouse gas emission is shown to be in excess of the 1988 Toronto Conference recommendations, and the Australian government's target of 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emission below the 1988 level by 2005. Such a drop in greenhouse gas emission would also exceed the more than generous limits set for Australia in the 1997 Kyoto Summit on Climate Change. It is argued that if similar methodologies can be devised for all energy consuming sectors of the society, this endeavour would help protect our environment and preserve life on earth not only for ourselves but also for our descendants.

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