Note: Ktoe is equal to around 1,000,000 lit equivalent of oil

Level 0 1-2 New Criterion D Reflecting on the impacts of science Descriptors The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below. State the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue. State the implications of the use of science and its application in solving a specific problem or issue interacting with a factor Attempts to apply scientific language to communicate his or her understanding but does so with limited effectiveness Makes little attempt to document sources Outline the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue. Outline the implications of the use of science and its application in solving a specific problem or issue interacting with a factor. Apply scientific language to communicate his or her understanding but does not do so clearly or precisely. Attempts to document sources correctly. Identify the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue. Describe the implications of the use of science and its application in solving a specific problem or issue interacting with a factor. Apply scientific language to communicate his or her understanding but does not do so consistently Document sources but does not always do so correctly. Describe the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue. Describe and analyse the implications of the use of science and its application in solving a specific problem or issue interacting with a factor. Consistently apply scientific language to communicate his or her understanding clearly and precisely Document sources completely

3-4

5-6

7-8

Alternative Energy Usages in Thailand

The energy issue in Thailand has gotten a lot of observation from the Thai public. On May 22nd, 2013, there was a big power blackout in the Southern Region (Post, 2013). This has sparked some interest in a more sustainable energy source (Center, 2013). The issue is that 77.7% of Thailands energy comes from imported fuels, and 900 billion baht is being spent on importing these fuels into Thailand (Center, 2013). Firstly, this creates a rather issue, because Thailands gas reserves are expected to be exhausted by 2023, and Burma is a rather unstable source (News, 2013). The process of creating electricity using fossil fuels also creates a lot greenhouse gases. Burning fossil fuels for its steam to turn the turbines creates a lot more co2 than nuclear power, and fossil fuels are running out. Co2, one of the main greenhouse gases, blocks the sunlight from going out, therefore making the earth warmer. (hyperphysic, 2013) This led to concerns about the apocalypse of the world. Many alternative energy sources, like Solar Power and Hydroelectric Power started to appear, but the best alternative energy sources for Thailand should be nuclear power and hydroelectric

Note: Ktoe is equal to around 1,000,000 lit equivalent of oil

power.

In 2011, after the Fukushima Daiichi Disaster, PM Abhisit ordered the energy ministry to reveal plans for the planned nuclear plants in Thailand (planned to go into operation in 2026) (PUSSAYANAWIN, 2012). Protests in southern Thailand have stalled these plans, but still, the government has announced that this project would go forth. However, an article from the nation says that the government of PM Yingluck has ordered the stalling of all nuclear projects until further notice (Thongrung, February 16, 2011) Nuclear power is expected to lower the usage of oil to create electricity in Thailand from 70% (of the yearly electricity produced) to 40%, a massive drop (Thongrung, February 16, 2011). However, before going into more detail about this, we shall examine how a nuclear plant works. Basically, you put uranium into rods, and you put those rods in the water. When the rods cool down, it creates steam, which eventually turns the turbine, creating electricity. However, these uranium rods could melt if exposed to too much heat, and if the water supply gets delayed, it could create a potential disaster (Lamb). This has happened, and the scars of this explosion are still new. The Fukushima-Daiichi disaster, following the tsunamis of 2011, shocked the world and Thailand, but on a larger scale, the explosion at Chernobyl (when the uranium rods were melted because of overheat with the uranium rods), which caused towns around it to be inhabitable for 20,000 years (Greenpeace, 2006). However, these explosions and disasters outweigh the advantages of it. Nuclear power offers a clean alternative from oil, coal, and gas. It creates only 90g of Co2 per kWh, one of the reported causes of global warming, while coal creates 1,000g of co2 per kWh (Smith, 2013). More advantages are that in France, Nuclear Power made 425 tWh in a year, which is 4 times more than what Thailand used at its peak year (134twh). Although France has a lot of nuclear reactors and generators, it could be used as an example for a nuclear dependent society. In 2011, 79% of Frances power comes from uranium-created electricity. Although some plants in France are getting decommissioned, it has the lowest Co2 released per GDP. (WNA, Nuclear Power in France, 2013) It is estimated that nuclear power in Thailand could reduce the use of fossil fuels by thirty percent (PUSSAYANAWIN, 2012). Nuclear power also has a low rate of death, measured by TWh. However, the disadvantages of these are that are disaster could be very disastrous. An explosion could release radiation, causing cancer. (WNO, 2013) A nuclear plant does not last forever, one usually shut downs after 15 years of service. (WNA, National Policies, April 2013) A nuclear plants is a very expensive plant to run, costing 1000$ per tWh. However, when these disadvantages are compared with the advantages, it is clear that nuclear power can provide a good alternative for the current energy model of Thailand.

In 2003, the Bhumibol Dam produced 3% of Thailands electric supply (Hydropower, 2013). The major dams in the north, most notably the Bhumibol Dam (Thailands Biggest

Note: Ktoe is equal to around 1,000,000 lit equivalent of oil

Dam) and the Sirikit Dam produced 44 ktoe a year (Center, 2013). This is just a little portion of Thailands electricity production, but still a significant part. If possible, Thailand should create more dams or even little levees in the Chao Phraya River to get the electricity from it. Small hydroelectric plants in rural villages have proven to be a huge success (Center, 2013). The costs may be high, but if we find the correct places to put them in, the end would justify the means. However, according to an analysis by the Ministry of Energy, almost all renewable energy (4,886 Ktoe) was used in the industry (Center, 2013), while most traditional renewable energy (biomass) was used in residential usages. Biomass continues to dominate the renewable energy sector of Thailand, producing around 1,995mw of electricity at its capacity. (Center, 2013) However, this should be changed. Hydroelectricity with all its advantages could save Thailand from an energy crisis. However, before we look into the advantages and disadvantages of hydropower, we must know how it works. So basically, you put a turbine in a dam (USGS). That dam releases water from a high elevation, spinning the turbine. However, there have been several incidents when there was too much water running through. The 2009 Sayano-Shushenskaya power station accident in Russia was a good reminder of what such an incident might look like, when the roof of a turbine room collapse, killing 75 (Boston, 2009). However, on a larger scale, the 1975 Floods in China and the recent 2011 Floods in Thailand would also cause some controversy about the death rates, as water mismanagement was the main cause for both of the floods (Reference, 1975). However, the advantages, in this case, would outweigh the disadvantages. Some advantages of hydroelectric energy are that theyre not as dangerous as other sources when measured with deaths per tWh. (Fire, 2006) And again, the Small hydroelectric sites have proven to be extremely effective due to the urbanization programs of the government and have brought electricity to many rural villages (imported Hydropower, however, accounts for more than half of Thailands hydroelectric power) (Center, 2013). Damming these rivers could also destroy and flood cities (as was the case in the Three Gorges Dam) (Cruises, 2010). Another disadvantage of this threatens river wildlife. In the Three Gorges Dam, it threatened already endangered Siberian Crane, which lives and depends on the Yangtze River. However, the major dams in Thailand, such as the Bhumibol and the Sirikit, actually improved nature. Engineers made sure that these dams did not affect natural river flow, and it has done so. On one side of the dam, a fledging community laid on it. On the other side of the dam, a diverse eco system with turtles and some endangered fishes flourished. Also, it reportedly created an increase of rice harvesting and eco-tourism, boosting the economy. (Center, 2013) Having the opposite of the result of the effects of the Three Gorges Dam, dam operations in Thailand have proven to be a beneficial project. So, in the end, nuclear power and hydroelectricity is the key to ensure that the future is brighter than the past. With both of them having a low Co2 emission rate, a low death rate, and an acceptable efficiency rate, both of these alternatives should be considered as a way of producing electricity until a new source of energy is found, or should

Note: Ktoe is equal to around 1,000,000 lit equivalent of oil

be used as the primary energy source. With this, Thailand could prosper without depending on resources from other countries.

Works Cited
Boston. (2009). The Sayano-Shushenskaya dam accident. The Big Picture. Center, A. E. (2013). Energy in Thailand. Bangkok: EPAT. Cruises, Y. R. (2010). Advantages & Disadvantages of Three Gorges Dam. YRC. Fire, N. B. (2006). Deaths per TWH by energy source. Next Big Fire. Greenpeace. (2006). What happened in Chernobyl? Greenpeace. Hydropower, I. (2013). 12-Benefits due to Dam Function. IEA Hydropower. hyperphysic. (2013). Greenhouse Effect. The Climate is Changing. Lamb, R. (n.d.). How Nuclear Power Works. How Stuff Works. News, P. (2013). Thailand Running out of gas in 10 years. Pattaya Daily. Post, B. (2013). Who Blacked out the south? Bangkok Post. PUSSAYANAWIN, W. (2012). Nuclear power study planned. The Nation. Reference, S. (1975). Banqiao Dam Floods. Encyclopedia of Disaster Relief. Smith, P. (2013). How much CO2 is produced by atomic energy? Time for Change. Tasmania, H. (1987). Multiple use benefits of the Bhumibol Dam, Thailand. Sustainable Hydropower, 1-2. Thongrung, W. (February 16, 2011). Decision on nuclear power will be for next Govt: Wannarat. The Nation. Time For change. (n.d.). USGS. (n.d.). Hydroelectric power: How it works. USGS. WNA. (2013). Nuclear Power in France. World Nuclear Association. WNA. (April 2013). National Policies. WNA. WNO. (2013). Nuclear Radiation and Health Effects. WNO.