Global energy demand will continue to increase due to population growth. In a recent Hydrocarbon Engineering report, Emma McAleavey writes that even with energy efficiency measures in place, residential, commercial, and industrial demand for energy will grow between 2010 and 2040.
Fortunately, North America and Europe will see the lowest increase in demand. Building code updates, energy efficiency mandates, and investment in alternative sources of energy are able to keep the rate of increase down to 20 percent. McAleavey reports, though, that it could’ve been 50 percent—at par with Asia, a budding mega-economy.
The matter, however, brings up an interesting detail, one many economists see as irony at its purest. Despite efforts to curb energy consumption, energy demand is still on the rise. When the incandescent bulb was introduced in 1879, the U.S. population shot past 50 million. By the time more efficient LED lamps began replacing the bulbs, the world had six times as many people.
Risk management expert Harry Saunders refers to this uncanny paradox as the rebound effect. Many consumers are so focused on the short-term benefits of LED lamps and other solutions that they fail to consider the long-term implications. According to Saunders, any savings generated will be reallocated to other expenses, which require energy to produce.
At this point, it would be valid to ask: Are society’s efforts to cut energy consumption all for naught? Not exactly, though it won’t be easy. People would have to change their habits regarding energy use, e.g. turn off appliances when not in use, among others. The name of the game today is “energy responsibility.”
That’s just one of the good practices some energy efficiency solutions aim to instill among users. A solution like Aim Dynamics’ Power TakeOff Cellular Kit system, for instance, promotes responsible energy use by getting real-time updates on unusual spikes in energy consumption. If a pattern is detected, users can enact policies to reduce the likelihood of spikes in the future.
Such a DC current sensor system transmits energy consumption data via mail, text, or call, helping users make prudent decisions wherever they may be. It does so via wireless 3G/4G technology ensuring uninterrupted, real-time alerts. Continuous monitoring, after all, is part of the required criteria for LEED accreditation.
Energy demand won’t be going down anytime soon. You can do your part in mitigating the rebound effect by investing in quality AC current sensors.
(Source: “Residential, commercial and industrial energy demand to 2040,” Hydrocarbon Engineering, January 6, 2015)