RWEDP Report No. 29
                REGIONAL WOOD ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN ASIA
                                       GCP/RAS/154/NET
                   Energy and Environment Basics
                            Compiled in co-operation with
                        Technology and Development Group
                          University of Twente, Netherlands
                                            nd
                                           2  edition
            FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
                                      Bangkok, July 1997
                This publication is printed by
                the FAO Regional Wood Energy Development Programme in Asia,
                Bangkok, Thailand
                        The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply
                        the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organiza-
                        tion of the United nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or
                        of its authorities, or concerning the delimitations of its frontiers or boundaries.
                        The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) alone and do not imply
                        any opinion on the part of the FAO.
                For copies write to:   Regional Wood Energy Development Programme in Asia
                                       c/o FAO Regional Offcie for Asia and the Pacific          Tel: 66-2-280 2760
                                       Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road,                         Fax: 66-2-280 0760
                                       Bangkok, Thailand                                     E-mail: rwedp@fao.org
                            FOREWORD
        Discussing energy problems without using adequate concepts and proper terminology,
        dimensions and units, makes as little sense as disregarding the universal laws of nature. It is
        virtually impossible to make a sensible contribution to energy development without reference to
        quantitative issues. This is well understood by scientists and engineers, but there are many
        more disciplines to contribute to the diverse problems of energy development. The same
        applies to some extent to issues of the (natural) environment. Also wood energy development is
        a science-based subject, for which contributions from many different disciplines are needed.
        The present document aims to be of assistance to those who work in the field of energy and
        related aspects of environment, but do not have their education in science or engineering. It is
        not a compendium for specialists. It may rather serve as a basic training and reference
        material.
        The document has been prepared in cooperation with the Technology and Development Group
        of the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Inputs and overall editing were provided by Jaap
        Koppejan, Associate Professional Officer at RWEDP, with assistance from other RWEDP staff.
        In due course, RWEDP aims to prepare a document on 'Wood Energy and Environment Basics'
        which may even more specifically serve those involved in developing wood and other biomass
        energy. Comments and suggestions from readers will be welcome.
        In the mean time it is hoped that the present document will serve a large audience. More copies
        can be requested from RWEDP.
                          Dr.W.S. Hulscher
                          Chief Technical Adviser
                          Regional Wood Energy Development Programme.
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                                                    TABLE OF CONTENTS
                Foreword...................................................................................................................................1
                1.      Basic Introduction to Energy.......................................................................................4
                        1.1     Energy Forms and Conversions ..........................................................................4
                        1.2     Energy and Power...............................................................................................5
                        1.3     Dimensions and Units of Energy and Power........................................................6
                        1.4     More on Energy Conversions and Efficiency .......................................................7
                        1.5     Energy Flows.....................................................................................................10
                        1.6     Primary Energy Sources....................................................................................12
                        1.7     Energy Terminology ..........................................................................................13
                2.      Basic SI Units, Prefixes, and Derived SI Units Used................................................15
                        2.1     Basic SI Units....................................................................................................15
                        2.2     SI Prefixes.........................................................................................................15
                        2.3     Most Common Derived SI Units.........................................................................16
                        2.4     Conversion of Non-SI Units to SI Units..............................................................16
                3.      Energy Accounting .....................................................................................................23
                        3.1     Equivalence and Replacement Values ..............................................................23
                        3.2     Energy Balances ...............................................................................................24
                        3.3     Energy Auditing.................................................................................................27
                4.      General Energy Data...................................................................................................29
                        4.1     World Energy Production and Consumption......................................................29
                        4.2     Biomass Energy Consumption in RWEDP Member Countries...........................33
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