What does it mean to be self sufficient? The answer to this question will primarily involve what the term is referring to. For instance, a self sufficient individual is defined as a person who is capable of achieving basic goals (such as obtaining food) without the aid of others.[1] This very same notion may also refer to modern lifestyle habits such as living "off of the grid". However, this article will instead be employing self sufficient as a term related to the energy sector.
We will therefore be addressing several relevant questions. What is self sufficient in terms of power production? What are some contemporary examples of self sufficient energy? Which sources are able to provide sustainable solutions? How might this self sufficient approach transform society as a whole in the future?
As we have seen, a typical self sufficient meaning involves the capability of sustaining a specific system without requiring the help or resources from a third party. This fundamental concept can likewise be translated into the energy sector.
A self sufficient region or nation is one capable of meeting its domestic energy requirements. Note here that this is a very discrete concept. Most experts agree that countries incapable of producing 100 per cent of their own energy are not considered to be self sufficient.[2]
There are actually many locations which have been classified as self sufficient based on their current technologies. Examples include:[3]
These nations utilise numerous types of self sufficient technology so that they no longer need to rely upon other regions as a source of energy production. Still, appreciating how to be self sufficient on a national level can represent a challenging process. It is therefore wise to clarify a self sufficient approach in relation to independent sustainability.
Let us now examine an example of self sufficient living. These observations can then be extrapolated to regional and even national levels. Perhaps the most well-known example of a self sufficient household involves one which relies solely upon solar power. In this case, three components will be required:[4]
Of course, there are many other self sufficient sources of energy. The United Kingdom uses wind farms to generate a portion of its electricity while Iceland has innovated the transformation of geothermal power into energy production.[4]
The ability to obtain a self sufficient edge is not always possible; particularly when referring to regions or nations that do not possess many natural resources. There may also be times when large populations will require outside help in order to satisfy energy consumption targets. This is one of the reasons why the oil & gas sector continues to profit amidst a rise in the number of alternative energy solutions that are currently being introduced into the marketplace.
The sheer variety of self sufficient systems clearly illustrates that innovation trumps a reliance upon traditional methods. For instance, EFOY fuel cells employ direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology in order to transform chemical energy into electrical power. These systems are highly efficient and the only byproducts are heat, water and a small amount of carbon dioxide.[5]
The wind industry is yet another illustration of how self sufficient approaches are gaining ground within a world that was previously governed by fossil fuels. The same holds true in regard to other emerging technologies such as harnessing wave energy in order to generate a continuous power supply.[6]
There is no doubt that self sufficient strategies are set to transform the energy industry in the coming years. Not only does such an approach provide environmentally friendly benefits, but it signifies that nations will no longer have to rely upon outside sources (Sometimes resulting in energy embargoes and even geopolitical conflicts). Self sufficient power transmission systems are therefore here to stay.
[1]https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/self-sufficient
[2]https://aseanenergy.org/how-self-sufficient-is-asean-in-energy/
[3]https://www.energylivenews.com/2019/07/01/which-countries-are-leading-the-way-in-sustainable-energy/
[4]https://brightearthsolar.com.au/energy-self-sufficient
[5]https://www.my-efoy.com/en/efoy-fuell-cells/how-it-works/
[6]https://www.britannica.com/science/wave-power
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