}]]}]}]}] 30:T3757,

### World Energy Scenario The global energy landscape is shaped by diverse energy sources, geopolitical factors, technological advancements, and environmental considerations. #### 1. Energy Sources - **Fossil Fuels:** - **Oil:** Major energy source for transportation. Key producers: Middle East, USA, Russia. - **Natural Gas:** Gaining importance due to lower carbon emissions than coal/oil. - **Coal:** Heavily used in developing countries (China, India); declining in developed nations due to environmental concerns. - **Renewable Energy:** - **Solar and Wind:** Rapidly growing sectors driven by decreasing costs and tech improvements. Leaders: China, USA, Germany. - **Hydropower:** Well-established, significant in countries with abundant water resources (Brazil, Canada, Norway). - **Biomass and Geothermal:** Important in regions with suitable natural conditions (Iceland for geothermal, Brazil for biomass). #### 2. Geopolitical Factors - **Energy Security:** Nations invest in domestic production and diversification to secure stable energy supplies. - **Trade and Diplomacy:** Oil shipping lanes and gas pipelines are crucial in international relations. - **Regulation and Policy:** Government policies include renewables subsidies and carbon pricing. #### 3. Technological Advancements - **Energy Storage:** Innovations in battery tech are crucial for integrating intermittent renewables (solar, wind). - **Smart Grids:** Enhancements improve efficiency and reliability of power grids. - **Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):** Technologies to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels; face economic & technical challenges. ### Nuclear Radiation **Definition:** Particles and photons emitted during reactions involving an atom's nucleus, also known as ionizing radiation. Includes gamma rays, X-rays, and energetic portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. #### Types of Nuclear Radiation 1. **Alpha Radiation:** - Occurs during radioactive decay. - Alpha particle: 2 protons, 2 neutrons (Helium nucleus). - Strongly interacts with matter, travels only a few centimeters in air. 2. **Beta Radiation:** - Electron or positron emitted from an atom. - Smaller mass, travels further (few meters in air). - Can be stopped by thick plastic or paper. 3. **Gamma Radiation:** - Photon of energy emitted from an unstable nucleus. - No mass or charge. - Travels much further than alpha or beta, highly penetrating. 4. **X-Rays:** - Similar to gamma radiation, but originate from the electron cloud (not nucleus). ### Nuclear Waste **Definition:** Also known as radioactive waste; materials that remain radioactive and hazardous after use in nuclear reactors, weapon production, medical treatment, or other applications involving radioactive substances. #### Types of Nuclear Waste 1. **High-Level Waste (HLW):** - **Source:** Spent nuclear fuel from reactors and waste from reprocessing. - **Characteristics:** Highly radioactive and thermally hot due to decay of fission products and transuranic elements. Requires long-term isolation. 2. **Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW):** - **Source:** Reactor components (resins, chemical sludge, metal fuel cladding). - **Characteristics:** Lower radioactivity than HLW but requires shielding. 3. **Low-Level Waste (LLW):** - **Source:** Contaminated items (gloves, clothing, tools). - **Characteristics:** Low radioactivity, requires less stringent handling than HLW/ILW. ### Energy Scenario in India India's energy landsca