MSc Sustainable Environmental Management

Transcription

1 MSc Sustainable Environmental Management Cohort: MSEM/08/PT Year 2 Examinations for Semester II / 2009 Semester I MODULE: ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MODULE CODE: SEM6002 Duration: 3 Hours Instructions to Candidates: 1. This question paper consists of Section A and Section B. 2. Section A is compulsory. 3. Answer any two questions from Section B. 4. Always start a new question on a fresh page. 5. Total Marks: 100 This question paper contains 4 questions and 5 pages. Page 1 of 5

2 SECTION A: COMPULSORY QUESTION 1: (40 MARKS) (a) Discuss the use of the following fuels in the Mauritian context. Comment specifically on their impact on the economy and on the environment. i. Coal ii. Diesel (b) Comment on the future potential for using bagasse in the generation of electricity in Mauritius. Refer to the re-engineering of the cane industry in Mauritius. (c) Explain briefly the meaning of 'Energy Management' and show how it is important for the sustainable development of Mauritius. (10 Marks) (d) Discuss the implications of using nuclear energy for power generation in Mauritius. (7 Marks) (e) The potential for hydroelectricity in Mauritius is fully exploited. Do you agree? Discuss. (7 Marks) Page 2 of 5

3 SECTION B: ANSWER ANY TWO QUESTIONS QUESTION 2: (30 MARKS) Study carefully the following table and answer the following questions. TABLE QUESTION 2 a) SOC3 is an Energy Indicator for Sustainable Development. Explain how such an Indicator can be a measure of the progress in the struggle against poverty. b) If ENV1 is an Energy Indicator for greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and use, discuss any one appropriate unit for its measurement. c) Discuss the practical difficulties of monitoring Energy Indicators in the Mauritian context. d) With the help of relevant examples, demonstrate the link between the following: energy and biodiversity energy and health e) Discuss how the Energy Indicators for Mauritius are likely to compare with that of either Reunion, Seychelles OR of any other island in the Indian Ocean region. Your answer must include reference to renewables. Page 3 of 5

4 QUESTION 3: (30 MARKS) Study carefully the graph below and answer the following questions. Figure Q3 a) The Figure shows the monthly peak electricity demand for for Mauritius. Explain the importance of monitoring the peak electricity demand. b) Identify one common feature to all the years under study and explain why such a feature is noticed each year. c) Discuss FOUR ways of curbing the peak electricity demand. (8 Marks) d) Estimate the possible peak electricity demand for the following months. Justify your answer with reference to known facts and explain your reasoning clearly. i. August 2008 ii. December 2008 e) Introduction of wind-power on the grid will NOT decrease peak electricity demand. Discuss briefly why this may indeed be the true. Page 4 of 5

5 QUESTION 4: (30 MARKS) A recent report recommends that 'Coherent with Integrated Solid Waste Management practice, a Waste-to-Energy plant should be implemented in Mauritius. However, its capacity should be limited to 10 MW and it should be subject to strict conditions of waste segregation, EU emission standards and implementation of an independent environmental monitoring system to be set up by the authorities '. a) Explain the following terms: i. Integrated Solid Waste Management ii. Waste-to-Energy b) Explain why, according to you, the report recommends that the capacity of the plant 'should be limited to 10 MW'? c) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a Waste-to-Energy plant in the Mauritian context. Do you agree, or not, with the recommendation of the report quoted above? (17 Marks) ***END OF QUESTION PAPER*** Page 5 of 5