Energy Efficiency: Juneau Case Study & International Energy Strategies

This assignment analyzes the energy conservation strategies implemented in Juneau and explores their potential application in other countries, specifically focusing on Oman. The study highlights the significance of behavioral changes, such as switching off lights and unplugging appliances, which were successful in Juneau. It then contrasts Juneau's climate with Oman's hot and dry climate, discussing how similar strategies like energy conservation campaigns and efficient electricity consumption can be adapted. The analysis also examines specific measures suitable for Oman, such as increasing air conditioning thermostat settings, using ceiling fans, and insulating walls, while also considering the impact of events like the tropical cyclone Gonu in 2007 on energy infrastructure. The assignment concludes that the energy-saving approach used in Juneau is a successful method and can be implemented globally, despite differing climates.

1. Discuss (approx. 1 page) how the lessons learnt in Juneau might translate to other
countries, such as the UK (but another country may be chosen), in relation to
encouraging energy efficiency. In particular, focus on how differences and
similarities between that country and Juneau might affect the success of various
measures, and therefore whether the approach in Juneau has widespread
implications. [9 marks]
Energy can be reduced substantially if people change their behaviours and lifestyle. Most of
the lessons learnt from Juneau are related to people’s behaviours such as lowering
temperature setting, switching off lights, unplugging appliances etc.
When comparing the situation in Juneau with another city like Muscat (in Oman) the case
will be slightly different in a way because of the different climate conditions however there
are many other common actions that can be implemented in all climate conditions. The
conservation campaign in Juneau had influenced people’s behaviours towards reducing the
use of electricity thus reducing energy. However using wood stove could not be convenient,
beside, people in Muscat never use heaters therefore lowering the thermostat setting is not
an option but it is possible to do the opposite way which is increasing the thermostat setting
of the air conditioning units to minimise energy consumption. Switching off streetlights and
airport is not suitable either since there is only one main airport in Oman, which is in
Muscat, but it can be implemented it emergencies though.
In addition, it is a good idea to start the conservation programmes with a campaign to
educate citizens how to reduce energy consumption and to be more efficient in consuming
electricity; the city of Juneau has educated tourists as well to prevent any difficulty.
The climate of Muscat is hot -dry most of the year. Oman’s electricity is generated by oil and
natural gas since Oman is one of the largest oil and natural gas producers in the Middle East.
According to the data from The World Bank (2015) Oman’s electric power consumption is
19.032 billion kWh in 2011, and electricity consumption per capita is 6.292 kWh in 2011.
These implementations and electricity conservation strategies can be fulfilled all the time
not only in case of an emergency. User’s behaviours that were changed in Juneau for
instance switching off lights, unplugging all building appliances, installing fluorescent lamps
and insulating walls are good practices that can be applied also in Oman.
In addition, heating in Muscat is used
only for hot water therefore
electricity is less used for heating,
however because of the hot weather
people use air conditioners on daily
basis and all the time and that
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consumes big amount of energy; about 52% of the total energy consumption. Graph 1
shows the energy consumption of domestic buildings in Muscat. For hot countries such
Muscat, air conditioners are an important element however some other implementations
can be done in order to reduce energy consumption such as:
1- Using ceiling fans, in order to turn in a counter -clockwise direction especially in the
summer.
2- All exterior doors and windows should be closed when air conditioning is in
operation.
3- Raise temperature on the thermostat setting of the AC to reduce the cost, as well as
set a thermostatic programme to adjust room temperature during the day.
4- Block direct sun light from entering the building using shades, drapes and blinds to
avoid overheating.
5- Insulate walls to keep hot air outside the building.
A case study of a tropical cyclone hit Oman called Gonu in 2007; the cyclone caused heavy
damages to a number of main facilities in the country including power and telephone lines;
also the production of desalinated water was affected as well as the main water providing
plants lost supplies of natural gas due to flooding, the airport was closed as all the flights
were cancelled. Most of the damages were repaired and utilities were restored within 7
days after the cyclone hit.
The energy saving approach that was used in Juneau was a successful method and can be
implemented in all courtiers over the world despite the different climates.
Graph 1: Energy consumption in domestic building in
Muscat
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