Celebrate Global Energy Independence Day by embracing renewables

SHAH ALAM - July 10 marks Global Energy Independence Day, advocating for reduced reliance on non-renewable energy sources for electricity, transportation, and more.

Non-renewable energies are limited, and depletion is inevitable.

According to National Geographic, commonly used non-renewable energies include natural gas for home heating and appliances, coal for 40 per cent of global power generation (as seen in the United States since 1961), and nuclear energy, which powers turbines to generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas constitute up to 81 per cent of America's energy sources, contributing significantly to environmental pollution.

Understanding Energy Sources

A significant barrier to global adoption of renewable energy is the lack of education and research.

Although hybrid cars are becoming more prevalent, countries like Malaysia still favour non-hybrid vehicles, which release harmful gases like carbon monoxide, exacerbating environmental pollution.

Hybrid cars, while available, are often prohibitively expensive for middle-income households.

Therefore, it's crucial to educate the public about renewable energy benefits and take individual responsibility to promote awareness.

Making Renewable Energy Affordable

Education alone is insufficient. Accessibility and affordability must follow awareness.

For instance, Elon Musk's Tesla cars, with Autopilot assistance and zero emissions, are globally distributed.

Innovators should focus on creating technologies that minimise environmental harm by avoiding non-renewable energy sources.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Production

While renewable energy solutions like Tesla vehicles reduce operational emissions, their production, particularly EV batteries, emits significantly more emissions than conventional vehicles.

Bridging this gap requires further education to ensure production processes are eco-friendly and affordable.

Despite Tesla's starting price of USD 42,000 (approximately RM200,000 in Malaysia), it remains a costly option for those with a maximum monthly salary of RM5,000.

Saving and Planning for Energy Efficiency

With accommodations remaining costly, planning for an energy-efficient lifestyle is crucial.

In 2019, Malaysia's electricity sector relied heavily on fossil fuels (77.27 per cent or 23,518.10 MW).

Transportation accounted for nearly 70 per cent of carbon monoxide emissions.

The country's goal is to achieve 58 per cent solar energy capacity by 2050, with solar power dependence rising by 56 per cent from 2021 to 2022.

Embracing solar energy at home can significantly reduce Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

Consistency in Renewable Energy Use

Authorities must ensure a consistent supply of renewable energy, unaffected by external factors like weather.

Consumers also play a critical role by consistently using renewable energy and avoiding a switch back to fossil fuels, aiding in accurate consumption pattern studies and supporting energy-saving efforts across all aspects of life.

Happy practicing, and happy World Energy Independence Day!