Impacts Of Electricity On The Environment And Its Absence In Melbourne CBD

Electricity and Carbon Footprints

Discuss about the Simulation and Experimental Validation System.

Electricity accounts for major source of power in Melbourne area. Offices, commercial spaces, shops, stores and buildings are powered by electricity that is generated from thermal power and coal (Hajimirza et al., 2012). Failure in electricity at CBD area where major offices are located not only causes interruptions and loss in revenue, but generation of electricity causes significant air pollution. The scope of the current study encompasses formation of conceptual framework and developing methodology to arrive at a comprehensive understanding related to impacts of electricity on the environment and its absence in CBD, which has contributed to rise in solar panel installations around the place (Kinzig et al., 2013).

With global demand for electricity on the rise, governments and other authorities are promoting innovative endeavors that can substitute electricity. Electricity is known to the leading contributor of greenhouse gases, leading to creation of carbon footprints on the environment (Morgan, 2011). Electricity supply in CBD has been experiencing often power shortages and frequent power cuts, which have disrupted normal proceedings of businesses. Thus, the primary problem statement analysis the two main challenges associated with electricity along with scope for solar panel installations.  

In order that final findings related to the study is arrived at, the following aims and research questions has to be well defined. Following are some of the aims and questions that need to be catered to.

• Aim and Objectives 1: To understand rise in solar power installation across CBD due to electricity failure and shortage rates
• Aim and Objectives 2: To arrive at numbers of corporate offices which are installing solar panels
• Aim and Objectives 3: To understand environmental concerns of using electricity
• Research Aim and Objectives 4: To understand investments made by corporate offices in installing solar panels

The scope of this current study has enormous capabilities to generate positive outcomes. Electricity shortages and power cuts have been a matter of substantial importance in the recent time period across Melbourne. There have been various complaints from business places claiming loss of revenues due to power breaks and shortages (Capp & Driscoll, 2012). Though Australia is a leading producer of coal and exporter too, maximum amount of coal gets exported rather than being used for thermal power generation. Therefore, corporate offices need to figure out a manner in which they can get steady supply of electricity. Environmental and sustainability concerns have also impacted tremendously on businesses, who wants to adopt green sustainable energy. Solar panel installation provides green energy, which provides uninterrupted source of energy. Therefore through installation of the solar panels, sustainable energy can easily be developed and used.  

Electricity has been facing a number of challenges in order to keep pace with growing demand for electricity. The International Energy Agency gauges that 1.4% of worldwide Gross domestic product should be put into resources for generation of energy systems from 2010 till 2035, or $33 trillion more than 25 years. 66% of these speculations should be in rising and creating economies to fulfill the anticipated 2% yearly development in essential energy needs while the remainder ones will be required to supplant obsolete infrastructure in OECD nations (Kraemer et al., 2011). As far as petroleum products and the electricity production, a large portion of the energy infrastructure required to fulfill needs 25 years presently do not seem to be present. The size of the test cannot be downplayed given genuine and continuous vulnerability of the standpoint for the worldwide economy. Petroleum product costs and future ecological directions of electricity situation posed are vulnerable. These vulnerabilities have been underscored by the current emergencies – monetary (money related emergency of 2008, euro zone emergency), mechanical (Deepwater Skyline, Fukushima) and geopolitical (Bedouin Spring) which have impacted the world heavily (Grubb, Jamasb & Pollitt, 2008). 

Challenges Associated with Electricity

Another consideration is the ozone depleting substance (GHG) outflows. To have a half possibility of restricting the worldwide temperature increment to 2°C in connection to reducing carbon footprints worldwide emanations should be diminished half from now till 2050. The vitality segment is on the cutting edge, as 66% of worldwide GHG outflows are carbon emanations connected to that part (Paul  et al., 2012). Electricity accounts for carbon footprints which are greenhouse gasses that also depleted ozone layer. The third significant test is enormous urbanization, especially in rising and creating nations, where the pattern is especially obvious since urban areas, notwithstanding when they create in a moderately muddled manner, offer a superior possibility of getting away neediness than country territories. Urban development rates have achieved exceptional levels: it took 130 years for the number of inhabitants in London to ascend from 1 million to 8 million, however Bangkok saw a similar increment in 45 years, which further increased demands of fossil fuels as well as coal and subsequently electricity (Etacheri et al., 2011). By 2030, the urban populace will probably have multiplied from 2 billion to 4 billion around the world. Urban communities represent 66% of worldwide vitality utilization today and this will likely ascent to seventy five percent in 20 years (Benghanem, 2011). They are likewise in charge of 70% of worldwide vitality related CO2 emanations and a huge greater part of nearby air contamination. This has made vitality advancement a vital component to overseeing both social and ecological externalities of present day urban communities. To be proficient, this advancement should run as an inseparable unit with foundational and long haul arranging of “economical urban areas”.

In order to address these three difficulties all the while, power should assume a definitive part inside the vitality framework. The IEA has made the point that the power part is relied upon to represent 70% of the discharges diminishments expected of the vitality framework by 2030 to constrain the temperature increment to 2°C (Fettweis & Zimmermann, 2008). This may be conceivable with synchronous endeavors as far as request side administration, which the IEA situation expect will empower a 40% decrease in area outflows; huge diminishments in discharges from power age, with normal carbon content declining by 60% by 2030 and 90% by 2050; and, facilitate downstream, the supplanting of petroleum derivatives with low-carbon power for an ever bigger number of end-utilizes (transportation, industry and lodging).

Development of Sustainable Energy

Power right now represents 40% of carbon outflows delivered by the vitality area, or 25% of worldwide ozone harming substance emanations (Yang et al., 2012). An immediate connection can be followed between this present situation and the age blend used to stay aware of regularly expanding interest for power: 66% non-renewable energy sources (41% coal, 26% gas and oil) and 33% sans carbon sources (14% atomic, 16% hydroelectric, and 3% different renewables). Coal age produces around one ton of CO2 for each MWh contrasted and 450 kg for joined cycle gas turbine innovation (Strbac, 2008). The test may seem overwhelming yet is in no way, shape or form difficult. On the request side, innovations exist for an extensive variety of end-utilizes: warm protection in structures, effective lighting, more proficient electric engines, warm pumps, sunlight based fueled water radiators, and so forth. Vitality productivity will influence a key commitment in assisting the power area with reducing outflows (Ibrahim et al., 2011). On paper, the cost related with related measures could be moderately low, yet there is a need to screen exchange costs, which are for the most part covered up and can reflect uneven data, personal conduct standards, family unit spending requirements, or the interests of the concerned gatherings (e.g. surely understood issues that emerge in the vicinity of inhabitants and proprietors) (Osmani et al., 2013). Hydropower limit could be expanded three-to fourfold from the present level, chiefly in creating nations, at a focused cost. Since hydropower is capital-escalated, financing must be encouraged at all created economies. It will likewise be significant to screen the effect of dams on biodiversity, populace resettlement, and coordinated water asset administration.

On the supply side too, there are advancements that can convey bring down carbon power at a reasonable cost ($60-90 for every MWh in OECD nations) (Wassermann, Reeg & Nienhaus, 2015). Cases incorporate supercritical coal-terminated plants (efficiencies of up to 45%) and joined cycle gas turbines. Above all, sans carbon advancements like hydroelectric, atomic and wind control is accessible. Atomic power is likewise focused. Without prejudging the full aftereffects of investigations of the current Fukushima mischance, it appears to be evident that ventures will be subjected to more prohibitive and specific principles, with more accentuation put on recognition of the most noteworthy wellbeing models: this will mean plants which additionally lessen hazard notwithstanding extraordinary occasions, and national security experts and worldwide administration bodies (IAEA, WANO, WENRA) that have more power as far as controls, allowing and the sharing and execution of best practices (Razykov et al., 2011). These are key components for the innovation to be acknowledged. Acknowledgment additionally depends on clear and steady allowing and opens level headed discussion methodology for the whole cycle (from fuel to squander administration, with plant activity in the middle). For atomic energy to be aggressive, modern administrators must have the capacity to control costs and also development times, exploiting economies of scale and institutionalization (Dianshu, Sovacool & Vu, 2010). This was one of the principle reasons why numerous undertakings fared so well in Mainland Europe in the 1980s while monetary disappointments were found in the UK and US. These advances can have any kind of effect. The power frameworks of Sweden and France, where more than 90% of power originates from atomic and hydro plants, emanate under seven tons of CO2 for every capita, contrasted and more than 11 tons in Denmark and Germany, where coal makes up near half of the blend (Eurostat figures, 2008).

Three Major Challenges for Electricity

As respects wind control, arrive based turbines are quickly nearing development (10-30% more costly than officially aggressive age advances). In areas with plentiful breeze (over 3,000 hours, e.g. Texas), inland breeze can be focused as of now, if circuitous expenses coming about because of the irregular idea of the asset are all around oversaw (Nikoonahad, 2010). These backhanded expenses can be separated into three classifications: costs related with arrange extension to permit transmission and advancement in a bigger number of regions, cost of interests in extra offices to ensure that request can simply be met, and costs related with dynamic system administration to keep up the supply-request adjust for the time being. The IEA gauges the extra expenses for a framework drawing 15%-30% of its vitality from twist age at €15/MWh, or all the more, contingent upon the general vitality blend (Srivastava, Annabathina & Kamalasadan, 2010). The following two decades speak to a genuine window of chance: notwithstanding expecting huge productivity picks up, the IEA still activities that 5,000 GW of new limit will come online amongst now and 2030, which is more than current worldwide limit (introduced limit in 2008: 4,720 GW). These low-and no-carbon advancements should in this manner be sent greatly to abstain from locking the worldwide electric framework into a similar high-carbon way for a couple of more decades (Hertwich et al., 2015). Solar panel and wind energy creation has been seen to options that can help generate sustainable energy forms. These two forms especially solar panels by making use of solar energy charge up photovoltaic cells which are used to further provide power to light up offices and homes. It is an only sustainable form of energy that is made use across offices and cities in various countries.

In order to conduct the study and arrive at suitable findings related to the same, the following hypothesis needs to be attended (Kahrl et al., 2011).

Hypothesis 1	H0 Power failure does not affect businesses at CBD
H1 Power failure has negative impact on businesses in CBD
Hypothesis 2	H0 Corporate offices at CBD are not installing Solar Panels
H1  Corporate offices in large numbers across CBD are installing Solar Panels
Hypothesis 3	H0 Generation of electricity does not affect the environment
H1 Electricity Production has severe negative impacts on the environment

Any kind of qualitative and quantitative research requires a complete and thorough consideration of research methodology. Thus, research methodology is the heart of any scientific study. This is why adequate attention has to be paid when understanding the methodology of any research. In this report, the fine details of research methodology that can be used by the researcher are described (Roberts, 2013). Since every study has a different scope and different limitations, each study has to be devised and performed differently. Research methodology provides the minutest details that are required to understand whether the objectives of a particular study have been fulfilled or not; and whether the solutions to the research questions at hand have been arrived at. The underlying aspects of research methodology are discussed in the first chapter, followed by the critical analysis of incorporating the particular research methods in this study.

Efficiency and Costs of Electricity

The research philosophy of any scientific project or study will help in explaining and understanding the various aspects and details of the project. This is because the research philosophy examines each facet of the study in great detail. Thus, research philosophy defines the uniqueness and effectiveness of the results of any scientific study. Depending on the type of scientific research in question, the researcher may choose any of the four types of research philosophy- Rhetoric research philosophy, Epistemology research philosophy, Axiology research philosophy and Ontology research philosophy.

Rhetoric Research Philosophy is usually suited for studies that are aimed at detailed and complete understanding of the problems at hand and a thorough consideration of all possible aspects pertaining to the study before the results are arrived at.

Epistemology Research Philosophy is ideal for use in a study where the researcher wishes to pin point the specifics after breaking them down to the correct area.

Axiology Research Philosophy is a scientific study is based on a format that gives utmost importance to the ethical and aesthetical variables, then the axiological research philosophy is the ideal choice for the researcher.

Ontology Research Philosophy is where the researcher is carrying out a project or study that requires a replication and reconstruction of the actual state of variables, then ontology is the most commonly used research philosophy. For the purpose of this study epistemology research philosophy is selected.

Any scientific problem can be addressed by either an inductive/ deductive approach or a qualitative/ quantitative approach (Miller et al., 2012). The approach that has to be taken for a particular type of scientific study is crucial for the scope and significance of the output. Therefore, before selecting any research approach, it is vital to understand the details of these two types of approaches so that the researcher can choose the right approach and in doing so, make the study valid and informative.

Inductive/ deductive approach is if the researcher wants to take into account all the observations first, pursue them and then arrive at results to formulate theories that explain each of the outcomes; it is an inductive approach to the scientific problem. In contrast, a deductive approach is one where the researcher applies different theories to explain the results achieved.

Qualitative/ quantitative approach as the name suggests- qualitative approach involves use of parameters that cannot be assigned a numerical or fixed value, for example, feelings, grading and hierarchy. A subjective approach is then taken to interpret the observations and validate the respective outcomes. In contrast, quantitative studies always require variable to be quantified on a scale or have a definite numeric value (Richter, Gazke & Fuhrmeister, 2011). These values are then subjected to a series of statistical and mathematical tests to check their significance.

Renewable and Carbon-Free Sources of Energy

The success and scope of any scientific study depends to a large extent on the research design. Thus, we can say that the research design is the single most important element of good and efficient research. There are several kinds of research designs that researchers employ for their studies and their use is governed by the type of study that is being undertaken. The main types of research designs that can be employed for a study are explained in the following section.

Exploratory Research Design- When the study starts with limited information at hand and necessitates that detailed studies are made in order to arrive at conclusive results; the researcher chooses this type of research design.

Descriptive Research Design- This type is best suited to those studies that involve a detailed description of several variables and outcomes.

Explanatory Research Design- This is the design of choice by the researcher who is dealing with a study that involves building associations between several variables of the study.

Predictive Research Design- This research design is a direct extension of explanatory research design. It Involves prediction of upcoming results by interpretations of explanatory research. the scope of this current study will make use of descriptive research design by analysing variables in connection to the study.

In order to carry out any scientific research, the researcher needs to use certain tools. For example, the data and information collected from several reliable sources should be tackled in a way that the goals of the scientific study are achieved. The tools that a researcher uses for this purpose constitute the research methods. These can further be classified into two categories:

Relevant information that makes the starting points of the study can be collected from primary or secondary sources. Primary sources include the first-hand experience or experiment that provides conclusive answers to the question at hand, for example, questionnaires that are filled by participants in the study. Such questionnaires can be either handed over to the researcher physically and personally by the participant or be sent online. Another example of primary data sources are interviews of participants that are taken by the researcher. Such interviews are conducted personally by the researchers and the participants are required to have a private conversation with them. The participants are assigned a number or code to keep their identity anonymous. Their responses are generally recorded and analyzed at a convenient time by the researcher.

Nuclear Power and Safety Standards

Secondary sources include already published data that give the current study some kind of support or a new direction. Some examples of secondary data sources are published articles in scientific journals, book chapters, conference proceedings, newsletters, online publications, electronic and paper-based newspapers and periodicals of Government and private scientific institutions. These sources provide data that is directly or indirectly related to the current study and are recognized as a reliable source of information. The study will make the most use of secondary data source in order to conclude regarding its research findings.

Accurate analysis of data and information is as important as accurate measurement and procurement of data. The ultimate aim of data analysis is to churn out meaningful information out of the entire exercise of completing a scientific project. There are several tools that can be used for analysis of data generated in the study. Some of these tools are provided in the form of statistical packages and software, Microsoft Excel etc. Quantitative analysis can be done by choosing the most relevant and pertinent mathematical treatment to eliminate false positives. Quantitative analysis is done by descriptive analysis of the response given by the participants in questionnaires and interviews.

The scope of the study will remain limited within Sydney CBD area; hence its applicability is also limited. The study will suffer from reliability issues present in the secondary sources that have been taken into consideration.

The study will be organized in the following format as outlined below;

Chapter 1: Research Proposal

Chapter 2: Background of the study stating corporate Office description who has installed solar power panels

Chapter 3: Description of the Problem and research questions

Chapter 4: Literature Review

Chapter 5: Research Methodology

Chapter 6:  Findings and Analysis

Chapter 7: Recommendations and Conclusion

The study budget was ascertained to be at $ 3500 as outlined below.

Budgetary Heads	Estimated Amount (in $)
Literature Section	$500
Data Collection	$900
Data Analysis	$1000
Library Membership	$400
Miscellaneous	$700
Total Budget Spent	$3500

A time schedule for the project is outlined in the Gantt chart below.

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Wind Power and Indirect Costs

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