Problem
Environmental impacts of power stations
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Degradation of the environment from electrical power generation Nature:
Electricity generation in large centralized installations, whether using fossil fuel or nuclear power, has several environmental impacts. It is thermodynamically inevitable that about 60% of the heat energy generated is 'waste' and, unless it can be used as low-grade heat to warm buildings nearby, it has to be released into the environment.
Other waste by-products of electricity generation include emissions into the air of polluting gases.
Broader Problems:
Risks in power productionEnvironmental hazards of industrialization Narrower Problems:
Thermal pollutionIndustrial air emissionsIndustrial waste water pollutantsEnvironmental hazards of coal energyIncreasing atmospheric carbon dioxideEnvironmental hazards from hydropowerIncrease in nitrous oxides in the atmosphereDisposal of pollutants from chimney scrubbersEnvironmental impacts of the use of wind powerEnvironmental hazards of nuclear power productionEnvironmental hazards from transmission of electricity Related Problems:
Waste waters Strategies:
Decreasing atmospheric nitrous oxide concentrationsPromoting public participation in environmental decision-makingDegrading the environmentReducing environmental impacts of electrical power generationGenerating electrical power Values:
PowerDegradation Subject(s):
Environment → Environment Industry → Utilities
Resources → Energy
Societal Problems → Vulnerability
Technology → Electricity
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
13.05.2019 – 20:38 CEST