Energy matrices have different environmental impacts on the planet, depending on the energy source used and the production process. Here is an overview of the environmental impacts of the main energy matrices:

1 - Fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas): These energy matrices are responsible for a large part of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute significantly to global warming. The residence time of CO2 in the atmosphere is very long, reaching hundreds of years. It is estimated that the use of fossil fuels causes about 80% of CO2 emissions in the world. Fossil fuels are responsible for about 61.1% of the electricity generated in the world.

Emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide).

CO2 residence in the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years.

• 1.1 - Coal: The burning of coal is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for global warming. It is estimated that coal burning is responsible for about 44% of global CO2 emissions, in addition to emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which cause acid rain and air pollution. The time for CO2 to remain in the atmosphere is hundreds of years.
• 1.2 - Petroleum: Petroleum is a versatile source of energy, used in several sectors, such as transport and industry. However, the extraction and use of oil also have significant environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution, degradation of natural habitats, and greenhouse gas emissions. Burning oil is estimated to be responsible for around 33% of global CO2 emissions. The time for CO2 to remain in the atmosphere is hundreds of years.
• 1.3 - Natural gas: Natural gas is a less polluting fossil energy source than coal and oil, and is widely used for generating electricity and heating. However, extracting and transporting natural gas can cause leaks of methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. Natural gas is estimated to be responsible for around 20% of global CO2 emissions. CO2 residue time in the atmosphere is hundreds of years.

2 - Nuclear Power: Although nuclear power does not emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, nuclear power production does generate hazardous radioactive waste that remains hazardous for hundreds of thousands of years. Proper management of this waste is a significant environmental challenge. Nuclear energy is responsible for about 10% of the electricity generated in the world.

Low emission of greenhouse gases during plant operation.

Significant emissions in the construction and decommissioning of the plant.

Generation of radioactive waste that takes thousands of years to completely decay.

• 2.1 - Nuclear power: Nuclear power is a clean source of energy, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but is highly controversial because of the risks associated with nuclear radiation and nuclear waste. The residence time of nuclear waste is thousands of years, which means that it has a lasting impact on the environment. In addition, the risk of nuclear accidents can have significant impacts on human health and the environment.

3 - Hydropower: While hydropower is a renewable source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases, it can have significant impacts on the environment, including the destruction of wildlife habitats, disruption of river ecosystems, and reduced biodiversity. Hydroelectric power is responsible for about 16.6% of the electricity generated in the world.

Although it has low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, the construction of dams can lead to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as loss of natural habitats and displacement of communities.

• 3.1 - Hydroelectric Power: Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that uses the power of water to generate electricity. Although it does not emit greenhouse gases during operation, the construction of dams and dams can have significant environmental impacts, such as altering the flow of rivers and loss of habitat for aquatic species. The residual time from the environmental impacts of dam construction can be permanent.

• 4 - Renewable energies: (wind, solar, and biomass): These energy matrices are considered clean sources of energy, as they do not emit greenhouse gases during operation. However, building and maintaining these energy sources can have significant environmental impacts, such as using large amounts of natural resources and disturbing natural habitats. Furthermore, the production of renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines can have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energies are responsible for about 11.6% of the electricity generated in the world.

Low emission of greenhouse gases during operation.

Significant emissions in the manufacture and installation of equipment.

The emission residence time varies according to the type of technology.

Biomass: The emission of greenhouse gases depends on the source of biomass used and the energy production process. Some methods of producing energy from biomass may have low greenhouse gas emissions, while others may have significant emissions.

Solar Energy: Solar energy is estimated to have an emissions residence time of about 10 years, and it emits greenhouse gases during the manufacture and transportation of solar panels.

Wind Energy: It has significant emissions during the manufacture of wind turbines, but it is estimated that it has a relatively short residence time of emissions (about 5 months).

• 4.1 - Solar and wind energy: Solar and wind energy are renewable energy sources that use sunlight and wind to generate electricity. These energy sources have a much lower environmental impact than fossil energy sources, but the production of solar and wind equipment can have significant environmental impacts, such as mineral mining and waste production. The waste time of solar and wind equipment is varied, depending on the material and technology used.

Advantages of HERMOELETRIC

The search for clean and sustainable energy sources has been an increasingly relevant topic in society. With the aim of reducing negative impacts on the environment and ensuring an adequate supply of energy for the population, the Energy Cell technology emerges as a promising option.

• 1 - HermoEletric features a hybrid system that guarantees greater autonomy about current energy matrices, in addition to canceling any waste emissions and carbon generation. Its long-term use is highly advantageous, as its low cost and high durability mitigate operating costs, generating clean energy at an extremely low cost. In addition, its independent system optimizes consumption and further increases its efficiency in energy production.

• 2 - When comparing the HermoEletric with other energy matrices, it is possible to notice its superiority about the limitations presented by the others. While fossil fuel plants generate a lot of pollution and hydroelectric plants have their production compromised in periods of drought, HermoEletric presents an efficient and sustainable system, with superior energy production.

• 3 - Another advantage of HermoEletric is its mobility and easy expansion, allowing new cells to be installed without large investments in infrastructure. This makes it possible for the technology to be taken to different locations around the globe, without worrying about geography and without depending on the environment.

• 4 - Therefore, the HermoEletric shows itself as a promising and efficient technology in the supply of clean and sustainable energy. With its hybrid system, superior autonomy, and low operating cost, it is possible to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions and waste of over 90% compared to current energy matrices. To meet the global market's need for a clean energy supply, the HermoEletric is a viable and increasingly necessary option.