Energy production in Hergom

Biogas

Kelp biomass field rig, rigs like these tend enormous kelp fields that choke millions of hectares along the coast of Hergom, producing and harvesting biomass at the expense of the coastal ecology they destroy.

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.

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

Kildhra dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in Hergom, designed to cut of most of the flow of the Haratovana river northwards, redirecting most of its flow to irrigate the Khila river basin. The dam generates most a large portion of the Hastos and Alutean energy needs and starves foreign nations to the north of water.

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 diverts 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 aims to dry out much of the Haratovana River as it flows through Mantharavati, effectively decimating their agriculture and undermining their economic stability. This strategic move underscores the Wolgos' disregard for environmental and human impacts in favor of their expansionist ambitions.

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.

The Wolgos

Wolgos Sub-species
Physiology topics: Wolgos Psyche - Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood - Death for the Wolgos - Wolgos Sexuality - Wolgos Masculinity - Wolgos Womanhood Culture topics: Oere - Wolgos Cuisine - Wolgos Sports - Wolgos units of measurement - Wolgos calendar - Wolgos language - Wolgos Cultural norms and traditions - Wolgos literature
Historic and current Nations of the Wolgos
Dhonowlgos		The Bind		Hergom ep swekorwos	United New Kingdoms
~3000 CE - 7505 CE		7508 CE - 7603 CE		7608 CE - Present

Dhonowlgos

History & Geography	History of Dhonowlgos: History of Dhonowlgos - Stained Era - Era of Rising Lilies Dhonowlgos Geography: Dnkluwos Islands
Politics & Economy	Dhonowlgos Politics: Politics - Foreign Relations Dhonowlgos Economy: Economy of Dhonowlgos
Society & Culture	Dhonowlgos Society: Monuments - Society - Brochs of Dhonowlgos Dhonowlgos Culture: Cultures of Dhonowlgos - Eokoesr in Old Dhonowlgos

The Bind

History & Geography	History of The Bind: History - Geography - Military - Science - Brochs of The Bind The Bind Geography: Geography
Politics & Economy	Politics of The Bind: Politics - Military - Administrative Divisions of the Bind Economy of The Bind: Economy - Geography
Society & Culture	Society in The Bind: Brochs of The Bind - communication in The Bind - Demographics Cultures of The Bind: Wolgos Culture in The Bind - Ak'lam culture in the Bind - Shriaav in the Bind Empire

Hergom ep swekorwos

History & Geography	History of Hergom: History of Hergom - Colonisation of Kupeya - First Coalition War - Second Coalition War Urbanisation in Hergom: Cities and Urban centres: Nekwehon, Ombhrosdhom, Rūdhroskhom, Newos Chaed Praet, Newos Kalsulan, Kérsróm, Nbhreǵ-Skous, Newos Dhowkros, Nbhreǵ-Endas, Dhubhowelksteh2nos, H2stḗrtérm̥n Geography of Hergom: Regions - Administrative Divisions - National parks - Mountains - Rivers and Lakes
Politics & Economy	Economy of Hergom: Economy Companies and Resources: Companies of Hergom - Natural resources - Energy Financial Systems: Currency - Banking - Twenty seven enterprises Economy and Commerce: Living standards - Consumer goods and shopping - Bazaar Ports of Hergom - Transport in Hergom - Computing in Hergom Politics of Hergom: Government of Hergom - Gweḱwōntiyo Hregwes - Heghnom Kawisoos - Hregwis Wl̥kwos - Wolgos Justice System - Others court - Human justice system - Other's law - Human Code - Hominid Rights in Hergom Military and Defence: Military overview - Hlrike - H2egmegh2 - Army - Wodr̥h2ekmon - Navy - Dyeubherh2 - Airforce - Peh2ugneh3i Weg - Military Police - Nuclear Weapons - Coast Guard
Society & Culture	Ethnicity: Wolgos - Gahnam in Hergom - Chalam in Hergom - Uturans in Hergom - Sekwntos - Shriaav of Hergom Society and Culture: Sports in Hergom - Science in Hergom - Healthcare in Hergom - Wolgos Cultural norms and traditions - Wolgos Cuisine and Cuisine in Hergom - Media in Hergom - Education in Hergom - Wolgos Tribes Religion: Dlroch'veldr

United New Kingdoms

History & Geography	History of The United New Kingdoms: History The United New Kingdoms Geography: Geography
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Society & Culture	Society and Culture in The United New Kingdoms: Wolgos Culture in the UNK - Demographics - Humans of the UNK Culture of The United New Kingdom: Brochs of The United New Kingdoms - Culture of the United New Kingdoms