Energy production in Hergom
Hergom, an expansive and diverse landmass despite its southern polar location, stretches into the tropics, giving it a rich and varied energy landscape, making energy production in Hergom an important economic consideration. Its high mountains, expansive river plains, and extensive coastlines provide numerous natural resources for energy production. This geographical diversity allows Hergom to harness a wide array of energy sources, each contributing to the nation’s unique energy infrastructure.
Biogas has become the primary source of storable energy in Hergom, driving the Wolgos to dedicate large portions of their coasts to the cultivation of giant kelp. These vast kelp fields, maintained by sophisticated agricultural rigs, span millions of hectares and are crucial for producing biomass. This biomass is converted into biogas through extensive refining processes, although this industrial activity has significant ecological impacts on coastal ecosystems.
The legacy of geothermal energy use in Hergom dates back to the early industrial days of Dhonowlgos. While geothermal power continues to supplement the national grid, it is no longer the dominant energy source. Instead, hydroelectric and nuclear energy have taken precedence, with Hergom’s strategic focus on these abundant and reliable resources to meet its growing energy demands. The development of thorium reactors, in particular, has enhanced the efficiency and reliability of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
As Hergom continues to evolve, its approach to energy production reflects a blend of traditional practices and modern technology. The nation's diverse energy sources, from biogas and geothermal power to hydroelectric and nuclear energy, highlight Hergom's adaptability and resourcefulness in meeting its energy needs while driving industrial growth and economic development.
Biogas
Biogas has become the primary source of storable energy in Hergom, a reality that has led the Wolgos to dedicate large portions of their coasts to the cultivation of giant kelp. These expansive fields, spanning millions of hectares, are maintained by agricultural and processing rigs designed to ensure optimal growth conditions. The rigs also delineate the boundaries of the fields and support wave breakers that calm the surrounding waters, facilitating continuous and uninterrupted growth throughout the year.
The scale and intensity of these kelp fields are such that they drastically alter the coastal ecosystems. The dense growth of giant kelp chokes the light and nutrient flow to the waters beneath, resulting in near-barren shallow coasts. These areas are now populated primarily by giant kelp, parasitic krill, and jellyfish, with a significant decline in the diversity of underwater flora and fauna.
Harvesting this kelp is a continuous process, achieved through the use of extensive chain conveyors that transport the kelp from the fields to enormous biodigester tanks located in coastal refineries. These refineries convert the kelp into methane and other gaseous hydrocarbons, which are then exported across Hergom via an extensive network of pipelines. This biogas is distributed to various industries and fuel stations, serving as a vital energy source for vehicles and industrial processes.
However, the biogas production process generates significant waste, primarily nutrient-rich effluent from the biodigesters. This waste is often discharged back into the coastal waters, where it can lead to severe ecological consequences. The influx of nutrients from the refineries promotes the growth of algae, resulting in massive algae blooms. These blooms, while initially beneficial for some marine organisms, can lead to toxic shocks in the coastal biosphere.
Algae blooms consume large amounts of oxygen from the water during their decay process, creating hypoxic conditions that can suffocate marine life. Furthermore, certain types of algae produce toxins that are harmful to both marine organisms and humans. These toxins can accumulate in the food chain, affecting a wide range of species and potentially causing health issues for the human population that relies on seafood.
Despite these severe environmental impacts, the Wolgos continue to expand their biogas operations without regard for the ecological damage. The unchecked growth of kelp fields and the increasing discharge of waste into the coastal waters highlight the Wolgos' prioritization of industrial advancement over environmental preservation. The consequences of these actions are seen in the declining health of marine ecosystems and the increasing frequency of toxic algae blooms, which threaten both marine life and human communities reliant on the sea.
Nuclear
With its ample thorium and uranium resources, Hergom has developed a robust nuclear industry. Initially focused on nuclear weapons production, this industry has since diversified significantly into the production of nuclear fuel for power plants. Thorium is the preferred fuel for civilian nuclear power plants in Hergom, with the Gelwathra power plant producing a substantial 32 gigawatts of energy for the central and core regions along the Wodranis river system valley.
Thorium is favored over uranium despite its larger initial cost due to several key considerations. Its enhanced safety profile makes it an attractive option, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. Additionally, the ability to reuse imported nuclear waste in Thorium reactors is a significant advantage, contributing to a more sustainable nuclear cycle. This fuel choice also enables Hergom to export small reactors to its allies without contributing to nuclear weapons proliferation, thanks to Thorium's lower weaponization potential. Moreover, Hergom boasts much higher reserves of thorium compared to uranium, ensuring a more secure and long-term fuel supply for its energy needs.
The development of small, single-use thorium reactors has revolutionized various sectors within Hergom. These reactors have enabled the production of long-term use, high-reliability train engines, which are crucial for transportation across Hergom's vast landmass. This innovation has significantly enhanced the efficiency and reliability of the nation's railway system, facilitating economic growth and regional connectivity.
Despite the diversification into civilian applications, the nuclear industry in Hergom remains a critical component of its defense capabilities, particularly in the production of nuclear warheads. The nation's adherence to the non-proliferation treaty ensures that its nuclear activities are monitored and regulated. International Council of Nations (ICoN) representatives are regularly present in Hergom to verify compliance with the treaty, providing reassurance to the international community that Hergom is not contravening its obligations.
Peat
Peat use, much like in most parts of Gotha, is a secondary energy resource that can be easily exhausted without careful management. It takes around 30 years to regenerate a 30 cm deep commercially usable peat field with diligent and sustainable practices. In Hergom, most peat fields currently in use are located in the Dhadhis (Daadhii) plains and the Bhudhan peninsula.
These industrial peat fields require substantial manpower with extremely low wages to manage, harvest, and replenish. The workforce is often composed of compelled employees provided by schemes under the non-Wolgos mandated unemployment penalties laws. This labor force is crucial to maintain the peat fields, ensuring that the harvesting process does not exceed the natural regeneration capacity.
Harvested peat is utilized in smaller 10-megawatt power plants designed to satisfy local needs and supplement the wider electricity network. In some areas, these power plants serve as surge backups, providing additional electricity during peak demand periods. The careful management of peat resources in Hergom highlights the delicate balance required to use this energy source sustainably while ensuring that local energy needs are met.
Coppicing and Biomass
Coppicing and biomass power plants play a vital role in Hergom's energy landscape, utilizing waste coppicing from grub farming initiatives, farm waste, kudzu and bamboo farms, and urban biodegradable waste to produce methane and burnable pellets. These smaller, decentralized power plants are scattered across Hergom, with each city typically hosting one to three or more such facilities to supplement the national grid.
The integration of biomass power plants is particularly significant in Chalam and Gahnam settlements, which typically have limited access to electricity. These settlements generate substantial biomass waste from local activities, including settlement waste and subsistence farming. This biomass is then processed to help supplement the nation's grid and support Wolgos industries.
In Chalam and Gahnam-dominated regions, some of the energy output from these biomass power plants is reserved for critical needs within their settlements. This includes powering Peh2ugneh3i Weg peacekeeper bases and facilities, rail links, and essential civilian services such as local clinics and radio transmitters. While the majority of Chalam and Gahnam homes have limited electricity access if any, the estates and mansions of their elites enjoy most of the conveniences that Hergom can afford. This access to electricity and modern amenities serves as a reward for their loyalty and service to the state.
The strategic use of biomass energy not only helps in managing waste but also ensures a more resilient and distributed energy network. By leveraging local resources and waste products, Hergom can reduce its reliance on more centralized and potentially vulnerable energy sources. The inclusion of Chalam and Gahnam settlements in this energy strategy, albeit limited, also helps maintain a semblance of stability and control in these regions, despite the overall disparity in energy access and quality of life between the elites and the general population.
Hydroelectric
Hergom, with its extensive river networks and mountainous valleys, boasts ample rainfall, making it an ideal location for hydroelectric power generation. Consequently, the nation has constructed thousands of dams of varying sizes, collectively providing hundreds of gigawatts to power countless homes and industries. Among these, three dams stand out as some of the largest on Gotha, playing a crucial role in the nation's energy infrastructure.
The Kildhra Dam, the largest and tallest hydroelectric dam in Hergom, is a megaproject that produces a staggering 18 gigawatts of energy. This colossal energy output powers much of northern Hergom, fostering the development of Alutea into a grand agricultural hub and supporting the expanding Wolgos cities. Beyond its primary function of energy production, the Kildhra Dam also at one point diverted 86% of the water flow from the Haratovana River. While some of this diverted water is lost to evaporation, the majority is used as irrigation surplus for the Khila River valley. This deliberate diversion aimed to dry out much of the Haratovana River as it flows through Mantharavati, effectively decimating their agriculture and undermining their economic stability. The diversion lasted five months until Arvor intervened diplomatically.
The Pleudhara Dam and the Holdhophos Dam are the second and third largest dams in Hergom, respectively. The Pleudhara Dam, another significant project, contributes substantially to the nation's energy grid, while the Holdhophos Dam is crucial for meeting the domestic and light industrial energy needs of the Tzerakan part of Hergom. These dams, together with the Kildhra Dam, form the backbone of Hergom's hydroelectric power infrastructure, demonstrating the Wolgos' commitment to harnessing natural resources to fuel their industrial and urban growth.
However, the environmental impact of these megaprojects is profound. The extensive network of dams has altered the natural flow of rivers, leading to significant ecological disruption. The diversion of the Haratovana River, in particular, has caused severe degradation of the riverine ecosystem downstream, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of local agriculture. This environmental devastation is compounded by the socio-economic consequences for the affected human populations, who face increased hardship and displacement as a result of these large-scale infrastructural projects.
Geothermal
The Wolgos have a long tradition of using geothermal energy, dating back to the early industrial days of Dhonowlgos. This tradition continues in Hergom, where geothermal energy plays a supplemental role in the nation’s energy grid. Although Hergom does not have the extensive cinder plains found in the Dnkluwos Islands, it possesses areas of volcanic activity and naturally warm underground zones. These geothermal hotspots are harnessed by modern geothermal power plants that require minimal unskilled manpower, reflecting advancements in technology and efficiency.
Despite its historical significance, geothermal energy is no longer the dominant source of energy for the Wolgos. It now supplements the more prevalent hydroelectric and nuclear energy resources that form the backbone of Hergom’s power grid. The shift towards hydroelectric and nuclear power reflects the nation's strategic focus on harnessing abundant and reliable energy sources to meet its growing demands.
Synthetic Hydrocarbons
Methane has long been a primary fuel source for vehicles in Hergom, offering a practical solution due to its availability and efficiency. Vehicles running on methane are common across the nation, benefiting from the established infrastructure and the relatively low cost of this fuel. However, not all vehicles, especially those operating in remote regions and the harsh conditions of the Antarctic, can rely solely on gas as a fuel. Consequently, there is an increasing transition from pure gas vehicles to those utilizing synthetic diesel, providing a more versatile and robust energy solution.
Synthetic diesel has become a viable alternative, addressing the shortcomings of methane in demanding environments. The production of synthetic diesel involves advanced chemical processes that transform methane and biomass into a versatile fuel suitable for a wide range of applications. This fuel transition is particularly critical for vehicles operating in remote areas and the Antarctic, where the reliability and energy density of synthetic diesel provide significant advantages.
Synthetic diesel refineries in Hergom employ a sophisticated process to convert methane and biomass into diesel fuel. These refineries primarily source their biomass from coastal kelp farms, which offer a renewable and abundant supply. The production process involves several key steps: Methane and biomass are converted into syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, through gasification. This step is crucial for breaking down the raw materials into more manageable chemical components. The syngas is then subjected to the Wagan-Toran process, a catalytic reaction that synthesizes long-chain hydrocarbons. This process effectively transforms the basic chemical building blocks into complex organic molecules. Finally, the long-chain hydrocarbons produced in the Wagan-Toran process are further cracked and refined to produce synthetic diesel and other useful hydrocarbons. This step ensures that the final product meets the necessary specifications for use in a wide range of vehicles.
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Physiology topics: Wolgos Psyche - Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood - Death for the Wolgos - Wolgos Sexuality - Wolgos Masculinity - Wolgos Womanhood | |||||
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| Dhonowlgos | The Bind | Hergom ep swekorwos | United New Kingdoms | ||
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| ~3000 CE - 7505 CE | 7508 CE - 7603 CE | 7608 CE - Present | |||
| History & Geography |
History of Dhonowlgos: History of Dhonowlgos - Stained Era - Era of Rising Lilies
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| Politics & Economy |
Dhonowlgos Politics: Politics - Foreign Relations
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| Society & Culture |
Dhonowlgos Society: Monuments - Society - Brochs of Dhonowlgos
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| History & Geography |
History of The Bind: History - Geography - Military - Science - Brochs of The Bind
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The Bind: Politics - Military - Administrative Divisions of the Bind
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| Society & Culture |
Society in The Bind: Brochs of The Bind - communication in The Bind - Demographics
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| History & Geography |
History of The United New Kingdoms: History
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The United New Kingdoms: Politics - Military
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| Society & Culture |
Society and Culture in The United New Kingdoms: Wolgos Culture in the UNK - Demographics - Humans of the UNK
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