This article aims to consider and analyze critically the topic of renewable energies. The focus in this consideration is set on Argentina, as it is one of the best-known model countries in the implementation of "Renewable Energy". This article examines Argentina’s energy policies and their efficiency. In addition, a short comparison with China is drawn up and the position of the UN is considered. In this context, the theory of global warming due to human caused CO2 emissions will also be discussed. At first, however, the article begins with the definition of renewable energies.
In order to properly explore the topic of “renewable energy supply in Argentina”, it is necessary to define the term of “renewable energy”. According to the webpage ScienceDaily a renewable energy is from an energy resource that is replaced rapidly by a natural process such as power generated from the sun or from the wind. At Wikipedia, we can read, that renewable energy is mainly collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat.
However, these general definitions do not consider the efficiency of so-called renewable energy power plants or a possible additional consumption of natural resources. These issues, as well as possible emissions from this type of energy production will be discussed subsequently in this article.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition
3. Energy Supply in Argentina
4. Comparison with China’s energy mix
5. Position of the United Nations (UN)
6. Critical Aspects
7. CO2-emissions
8. Conclusion
9. Sources
Objectives and Topics
This article critically analyzes the implementation and efficiency of renewable energy policies in Argentina, contrasting these with China’s energy strategy and the perspectives championed by the United Nations. The study aims to investigate whether current renewable energy transitions are economically sound and environmentally beneficial.
- Analysis of Argentina's current energy mix and supply sources
- Comparative study of energy strategies between Argentina and China
- Critical examination of UN policies regarding fossil fuel reduction
- Evaluation of the efficiency and technical limitations of renewable energy technologies
- Discussion on the scientific skepticism regarding man-made global warming
Excerpt from the book
6. Critical Aspects
Argentina promotes strongly so-called renewable energies.9 But legal subsidies are only necessary if there is no natural profitability. If a business model were profitable, in this case the ability to create energy out of "nothingness" like natural wind, it would automatically attract investors. Anyhow, if the costs of investment are higher than the expected profit a system is not efficient.
The reason for the high production costs of the so-called renewable or sustainable energies such as wind and hydro power lies in the difficulty of technical implementation. Solar panels and magnets of wind power plants need rare earths, hence very limited raw materials on this planet. Sun as well as wind power plants are very inefficient in energy production, have a short life time and finally must be disposed as toxic waste. Furthermore these technologies do not provide a constant supply voltage necessary for area-wide power grid.
For the construction of wind power plants gigantic concrete pedestals have to be set into nature which can never be removed again and change the landscape irreversibly. The wings of wind power plants shatter thousands of flying animals, such as birds or bats, everyday. It has been proven that the vibrations of wind power stations make people and animals in the area sick.
All these critical aspects are considered neither in the general definitions of the so called “Renewable Energies” nor by the UN and their drastically worldwide political policies.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the article, focusing on a critical evaluation of renewable energies in Argentina compared to China and the UN's global climate stance.
2. Definition: Provides a technical overview of what defines renewable energy according to common sources, while noting the limitations of these definitions regarding efficiency.
3. Energy Supply in Argentina: Contrasts various data sets regarding Argentina's energy mix, highlighting the inconsistency in reports on fossil fuels versus renewable integration.
4. Comparison with China’s energy mix: Describes China's reliance on coal and its influence on global raw material prices and energy policy.
5. Position of the United Nations (UN): Examines the UN's push for a drastic reduction in fossil fuel consumption to mitigate global warming.
6. Critical Aspects: Details the economic, technical, and environmental concerns regarding the implementation of renewable energy technologies.
7. CO2-emissions: Discusses the scientific debate and skepticism surrounding the theory of man-made global warming.
8. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that Argentina should prioritize efficient power systems over costly, subsidy-dependent alternatives.
9. Sources: Lists the academic and internet-based references utilized for the research.
Keywords
Argentina, energy efficiency, renewable energies, CO2 emissions, energy mix, sustainability, fossil fuels, global warming, hydropower, wind energy, economic policy, natural resources, climate change, industrial strategy, energy infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the implementation of renewable energy policies in Argentina through a critical lens, evaluating their economic efficiency and environmental impact.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The main themes include energy mix statistics, a comparative study with China's energy strategy, UN climate policies, and the technical drawbacks of sustainable energy technologies.
What is the central research question?
The research questions the validity and efficiency of the transition toward renewable energy, specifically whether these systems are truly sustainable or economically detrimental to nations like Argentina.
Which scientific methodology is applied here?
The paper utilizes a comparative and critical literature review, contrasting official data sources and international policy perspectives with technical and economic arguments.
What specific topics are explored in the main body?
The main body addresses the inconsistent data on Argentina's energy grid, the reliance of China on coal, the ideological stance of the UN regarding emissions, and the practical disadvantages of wind and solar power.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Argentina, energy efficiency, renewable energies, CO2 emissions, energy mix, and sustainability.
How does the author view the UN's climate policy?
The author expresses skepticism, suggesting that the UN's radical measures to reduce fossil fuel use are based on a contested theory of man-made climate change and ignore the economic costs.
What are the identified environmental problems with wind power?
The author highlights the destruction of landscapes through concrete foundations, the harm to local bird and bat populations, and the health issues caused by vibrations from wind stations.
- Quote paper
- Bernhard Pichler (Author), 2019, Renewable Energy Supply in Argentina. A Critical View, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/967707