The topic of this episode is solar energy and our guest will talk to us about a solar energy initiative in rural Cambodia.
Simply put "Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy." It is is one of the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. Other clean energy sources include wind and hydropower.
Here is some information on solar energy:
There are three main ways that solar energy is built around: 1. Distributed generation, where it is built around the point of use 2. As a central station or 3. As a power plant for utility-scale use
Solar energy has exploded in recent years and employment within the field has doubled from 2010 to 2015.
According to the McKinsey Quarterly, the "sharp decline in installation costs for solar photovoltaic systems has boosted the competitiveness of solar power." This in turn has made it more popular to use. The top 10 countries using solar power (source) are: 1. Germany, 2. China, 3. Italy, 4. Japan, 5. United States, 6. Spain, 7. France, 8. Australia, 9. Belgium, 10. United Kingdom.
While first world countries are in the lead for solar energy use and development, there is room for developing countries not only to adopt this technology but make use of it in rural areas off the grid. Our guest speaker Rebecca Watts, tells us about her work with Engineers Without Borders in Cambodia.
You can find more information about Engineers Without Borders (Australia) here http://www.ewb.org.au And some more information about Rebecca's project in Cambodia here http://reporter.anu.edu.au/lighting-communities-through-passion
The podcast discussion on solar energy in remote areas has many implications for urban and rural areas alike.
(Listen to podcast on SoundCloud here or on iTunes.)
With that in mind lets think about the following food for thought questions:
Episode 5: Food For Thought Questions
1. How can we incorporate more solar panels into urban and suburban environments?
2. What options are there for those who live in apartment buildings?
3. Given the statistics on renewable energy, how long do you think it will take for the use of renewable energy sources to eclipse oil and coal?