INTRODUCTION

In 2012, a pipe rupture led to a catastrophic explosion at the Chevron Richmond Refinery in California. This released a large volume of hot LGO to grade which partially vapourized and formed a big cloud of toxic smoke containing large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, both greenhouse gases (GHG). The emissions from the explosion were equivalent to the emissions of about 350,000 cars over a year, according to estimates. The incident resulted in 15,000 people seeking medical attention for respiratory problems caused by the toxic smoke, in addition to environmental and property damage. It also led to multiple lawsuits and penalties for Chevron, as a lack of maintenance and safety protocols had caused the explosion. The disaster was an eye-opener that triggered several conversations on the impact of GHG on the environment during energy production.

Energy production is the cornerstone of modern society, powering our homes, businesses, and industries. On average, the world consumes 17,400,000,000,000 watts of energy each day. However, traditional energy production methods, such as burning fossil fuels, have a significant negative impact on the environment and contribute to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, sustainable means of energy production are gaining traction, and significant investments are propelling their growth. This e-book explores the key concepts of sustainability in energy production, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the use of renewable power sources, reducing carbon footprint, and creating a circular economy.

ENERGY PRODUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION—TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN:

The role of energy in the modern word in undisputed.

It is one of the drivers and essential forces for powering economic activity and fueling economic growth. Across industries, energy is needed to power transportation, manufacturing, and other sectors. Access to reliable and affordable energy is a key factor in the upliftment of societies and in tangible economic growth.

The global energy market is valued at nearly $6 trillion, with steady growth expected in the upcoming years. However, energy production has a significant impact on the environment, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. 

The burning of fossil fuels for energy production is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions and a significant contributor to climate change. As the global population growth explodes and economies continue to expand, the demand for energy is increasing. Without significant changes in the way we produce and consume energy, the release of greenhouse gases will continue to rise, and the effects of climate change will become more severe.

WHAT DRIVES GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS?

Greenhouse gas emissions come from a variety of industries and human activities. Energy production from burning fossil fuels, transportation, agriculture, industrial processes, buildings, waste management, and deforestation are some of the main contributors. The energy sector is responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, with electricity, heat generation, and transportation being the largest sources. Agriculture contributes through livestock production and synthetic fertilizers, industrial processes through activities like cement and steel production, construction through materials used in building, waste management through the combustion of solid wastes, and more.

MANAGING EMISSIONS ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a widely-used global standard for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It provides a framework for organizations to identify, quantify, and manage their greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain. The GHG Protocol has three emission scopes:

CHECKPOINTS IN THE RACE TO NET-ZERO

Most organizations today are striving to reach a target that is the pinnacle of sustainability: net zero. Achieving net-zero emissions requires a combination of reducing emissions from all sectors, such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and industry, as well as increasing the use of renewable energy sources and implementing carbon capture and storage technologies.

 

Additionally, it requires reforestation, afforestation, and changes in land use to sequester more carbon. It is essential to have a comprehensive plan and commitment from governments, businesses, and individuals to take action and make necessary changes toward a sustainable future.

VISION NET -ZERO BY 2050

Reaching net -zero emissions of carbon dioxide from the energy industry by 2050 is a significant challenge that requires massive investment in low -carbon technologies and moving away from fossil fuels. This will involve a combination of measures such as increasing the use of renewable energy sources (wind and solar power), improving energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture and storage technology. Governments and private sector organizations must work together to provide funding and incentives for research and development and to implement regulations and policies that encourage the transition to a low -carbon energy system. Additionally, consumers and businesses must be willing to adopt low -carbon lifestyles and technologies. Achieving net -zero emissions by 2050 will require a comprehensive and collaborative effort from all sectors of society.

 

Eight initiatives for net-zero CO2 emissions from the energy industry by 2050

 

 

WHERE ELECTRIFICATION AND CARBON REDUCTION MEET

Reducing the carbon footprint has become integralto organizational strategy. The focus has shifted to implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes electrification (exploring alternative energy/electricity sources such as wind and solar), improving energy efficiency, implementing sustainable practices in operations, and investing in low-carbon technologies. Organizations are also committing to ambitious science-based targets for reducing emissions to meet the Paris Agreement climate change goals, with sustainability reports providing full disclosure of their participation in carbon offset programs. These efforts toward achieving a zero-carbon economy are driven by a growing concern for the environment, a recognition of the business case for sustainability, and increased regulatory and stakeholder pressure to address climate change.

 

TECHNOLOGY— DRIVING FORCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Technology partners and the engineering ecosystem play a huge role in driving the 2050 vision and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Strong headway is being made into the development of clean and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. This not only reduces the need for fossil fuels, which emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases but also provides an alternative source of energy that is sustainable and environmentfriendly. Another area where technology is making an impact is energy efficiency. Advancements in energyefficient appliances, buildings, and transportation systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Technology is also helping to improve carbon capture and storage methods, which can capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial processes, preventing them from entering the atmosphere.

Six ways a technology partner can help achieve your sustainability goals

Reducing the carbon footprint has become integralto organizational strategy. The focus has shifted to implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes electrification (exploring alternative energy/electricity sources such as wind and solar), improving energy efficiency, implementing sustainable practices in operations, and investing in low-carbon technologies.
Organizations are also committing to ambitious science-based targets for reducing emissions to meet the Paris Agreement climate change goals, with sustainability reports providing full disclosure of their participation in carbon offset programs. These efforts toward achieving a zero-carbon economy are driven by a growing concern for the environment, a recognition of the business case for sustainability, and increased regulatory and stakeholder pressure to address climate change.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW TOGETHER

Cyient brings three decades of experience and a strong commitment to sustainability. From designing engines for new-generation aircraft to reduce environmental impact to improving their production processes with our systems engineering and manufacturing expertise to helping customers acquire, manage, and leverage geospatial information to garner actionable insights to improve decision-making and outcomes, Cyient brings deep expertise in enabling a sustainable future. With a promise of Designing Tomorrow Together, Cyient helps businesses transform their processes and operations without compromising on efficiency.

 

Cyient has engaged with organizations in the energy and oil and gas sector for nearly 15 years, helping them leverage technological solutions to solve mission-critical challenges.

 

ABOUT CYIENT

Cyient (Estd: 1991, NSE: CYIENT) is a global Digital, Engineering, and Technology solutions company. We collaborate with our customers to design digital enterprises, build intelligent products and platforms, and solve sustainability challenges. We are committed to designing tomorrow together with our stakeholders and being a culturally inclusive, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable organization.

 

‌For more information, please visit www.cyient.com

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