The document summarizes current energy production methods in the United States and discusses alternative energy sources. It notes that the US currently generates the majority of its electricity from natural gas (35.1%), coal (27.4%), and nuclear (19.3%) sources. The document also discusses the pros and cons of various renewable energy sources like solar and wind as well as challenges around energy storage and integrating renewable energy into the national grid. It concludes by stating that developing better energy storage capabilities will help address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
By analyzing macro-economic themes that are representative of energy and resource production and consumption, this report provides an overview of the near-term themes in cleantech as we see it.
Renewable energy, including wind and solar power, has experienced explosive growth in recent years with no sign of slowing down. Read our special report, How Renewables are Winning, to learn more about this rapid period of renewable energy advancement.
A Comprehensive Review of Possibility using Solar Energy for Electricity Gene...ijtsrd
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Libya suffers from electricity shortages, and many challenges will have to be overcome to meet future increases in electrical demands. The deficiency of electricity generation in Libya is clearly manifested in the fact that demand on electricity still exceeds its supply as blackouts become more frequent. In peak demand time, blackouts and outages are the major phenomena in almost all the Libyan regions. Due to technical issues, illegal connections and throughout the lengthy civil war, the generation and transmission in addition to distribution functions suffered partial destruction and consequent outages. For all the mentioned problems, Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the long standing energy problems being faced by the Libyan electricity. Alternative renewable energy sources like solar energy technology can be an important part of Libyas plan not only to add new capacity but also to increase energy security, address environmental concerns, as well as to overcome energy shortage. Libya is very rich in solar energy resources and possesses large wasteland areas in the Sahara that represent 88 of the total area and much of this is relatively flat. Libya is one of the countries with the abundance of this type of energy, with a daily average of the sunshine reached to 8.1 kWh m2 day, and where annual solar activity more than 3500 kWh m2 year on the horizontal surface. Losses in the transmission and distribution system will be reduced since power is generated near loads. The grid availability and stability will increase and individuals can save money in their electricity bill and finally the generated power is clean and nonpolluting. This paper presents the main sources of alternative renewable energy in Libya and its potential besides the main reasons Libya is turning to alternative energy solutions to fully utilize its renewable energy resources, fulfill the energy demand in the future and to reduce the outages of electricity and carbon emissions. The study also found that, there is need to investigate more the potential of offshore wind, biomass, and hydro tide and wave thermal energy .The paper finishes with some conclusions and recommendations. Dr. Nuri M. Triki "A Comprehensive Review of Possibility using Solar Energy for Electricity Generation in Libya" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd35717.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/mechanical-engineering/35717/a-comprehensive-review-of-possibility-using-solar-energy-for-electricity-generation-in-libya/dr-nuri-m-triki
Global Energy Interconnection ďźGEIďź is a modern energy system featuring clean energy as the priority, electricity as the center, global interconnection, joint construction and sharing. GEI is essentially âSmart Grid+ UHV + Clean Energyâ.
By analyzing macro-economic themes that are representative of energy and resource production and consumption, this report provides an overview of the near-term themes in cleantech as we see it.
Renewable energy, including wind and solar power, has experienced explosive growth in recent years with no sign of slowing down. Read our special report, How Renewables are Winning, to learn more about this rapid period of renewable energy advancement.
A Comprehensive Review of Possibility using Solar Energy for Electricity Gene...ijtsrd
Â
Libya suffers from electricity shortages, and many challenges will have to be overcome to meet future increases in electrical demands. The deficiency of electricity generation in Libya is clearly manifested in the fact that demand on electricity still exceeds its supply as blackouts become more frequent. In peak demand time, blackouts and outages are the major phenomena in almost all the Libyan regions. Due to technical issues, illegal connections and throughout the lengthy civil war, the generation and transmission in addition to distribution functions suffered partial destruction and consequent outages. For all the mentioned problems, Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the long standing energy problems being faced by the Libyan electricity. Alternative renewable energy sources like solar energy technology can be an important part of Libyas plan not only to add new capacity but also to increase energy security, address environmental concerns, as well as to overcome energy shortage. Libya is very rich in solar energy resources and possesses large wasteland areas in the Sahara that represent 88 of the total area and much of this is relatively flat. Libya is one of the countries with the abundance of this type of energy, with a daily average of the sunshine reached to 8.1 kWh m2 day, and where annual solar activity more than 3500 kWh m2 year on the horizontal surface. Losses in the transmission and distribution system will be reduced since power is generated near loads. The grid availability and stability will increase and individuals can save money in their electricity bill and finally the generated power is clean and nonpolluting. This paper presents the main sources of alternative renewable energy in Libya and its potential besides the main reasons Libya is turning to alternative energy solutions to fully utilize its renewable energy resources, fulfill the energy demand in the future and to reduce the outages of electricity and carbon emissions. The study also found that, there is need to investigate more the potential of offshore wind, biomass, and hydro tide and wave thermal energy .The paper finishes with some conclusions and recommendations. Dr. Nuri M. Triki "A Comprehensive Review of Possibility using Solar Energy for Electricity Generation in Libya" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd35717.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/mechanical-engineering/35717/a-comprehensive-review-of-possibility-using-solar-energy-for-electricity-generation-in-libya/dr-nuri-m-triki
Global Energy Interconnection ďźGEIďź is a modern energy system featuring clean energy as the priority, electricity as the center, global interconnection, joint construction and sharing. GEI is essentially âSmart Grid+ UHV + Clean Energyâ.
Todayâs renewable energy sources are very important for lots of countries. Therefore, many countries start to change and implement their policies. Especially, in Turkey and Europe the importance of solar and wind energies influence the energy policies.
Engaging presentation on global warming based upon a Frontline episode called Heat. Presented by Learn, Share Act.
Visit: http://learnshareact.com See how you can make a difference.
Facts on Canadian Energy Production, Efficiency, and InitiativesPeace Power
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Canada is the worldâs third largest producer of hydroelectricity, making up more than 10 per cent of the worldâs total hydropower generation. Hydroelectricity generation makes up about 60 per cent of Canadaâs domestic electricity supply.
L. Hunter Lovins at the Iowa Environmental Council's annual conferenceiaenvironment
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L. Hunter Lovins delivered the keynote address at the Iowa Environmental Council's annual conference, "Finding Iowa's Way: Economic Solutions for a Healthier Environment," held October 4, 2012, in Des Moines.
This study elaborates the ever rising presence of China in Hydropower sector and how they have mitigated the crisis by forging a sustainable path towards technology transition for a safer, cheaper and greener power supply.
Energy Crisis Of The United States Essay
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Energy Crisis
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ACHIEVE NET ZERO CO2 BY 2050 or an Economic Depression
ECONOMICS (GDP)
- Increasing climate extremes cost $390 billion in 2020.
- Present trends indicate a 10%-GDP-decrease depression
-Carbon Fee Plus Dividend solution
NON-CARBON EMITTING TECHNOLOGIES:
Electric Vehicles (EVs) charged by
Next generation nuclear reactors
Todayâs renewable energy sources are very important for lots of countries. Therefore, many countries start to change and implement their policies. Especially, in Turkey and Europe the importance of solar and wind energies influence the energy policies.
Engaging presentation on global warming based upon a Frontline episode called Heat. Presented by Learn, Share Act.
Visit: http://learnshareact.com See how you can make a difference.
Facts on Canadian Energy Production, Efficiency, and InitiativesPeace Power
Â
Canada is the worldâs third largest producer of hydroelectricity, making up more than 10 per cent of the worldâs total hydropower generation. Hydroelectricity generation makes up about 60 per cent of Canadaâs domestic electricity supply.
L. Hunter Lovins at the Iowa Environmental Council's annual conferenceiaenvironment
Â
L. Hunter Lovins delivered the keynote address at the Iowa Environmental Council's annual conference, "Finding Iowa's Way: Economic Solutions for a Healthier Environment," held October 4, 2012, in Des Moines.
This study elaborates the ever rising presence of China in Hydropower sector and how they have mitigated the crisis by forging a sustainable path towards technology transition for a safer, cheaper and greener power supply.
Energy Crisis Of The United States Essay
Energy Crisis And Climate Change: Fracking
Energy Crisis in Pakistan
Questions On The Energy Crisis
Energy Crisis : Individual Research Briefing
Solving The Global Energy Crisis
Energy Crisis Essay
Energy Crisis
The Energy Crisis Of Oil Essay
Essay on Solar Energy and the Energy Crisis
Energy Crisis And The Uk
Essay on Energy Crisis
The Energy Crisis Of 1979
Energy Crisis in Pakistan
Researh Paper- Energy Crisis
ACHIEVE NET ZERO CO2 BY 2050 or an Economic Depression
ECONOMICS (GDP)
- Increasing climate extremes cost $390 billion in 2020.
- Present trends indicate a 10%-GDP-decrease depression
-Carbon Fee Plus Dividend solution
NON-CARBON EMITTING TECHNOLOGIES:
Electric Vehicles (EVs) charged by
Next generation nuclear reactors
The fascinating future of energy practitioners v2Richard Chuchla
Â
Energy and resource practitioners face growing uncertainty and complexity but unprecedented opportunity as they confront the future. This story underpins the premise of the multidisciplinary Energy and Earth Resources graduate program at the University of Texas.
Climate Change: Are We Losing the Carbon-Free Energy Market to ChinaPaul H. Carr
Â
A description of trends in clean energy market and how can U.S regain its leadership. In 1995, the US had 43% of the solar manufacturing market compared to China at 1%. Now the US market share has declined to 6%, as compared to Chinaâs 60%. China dominates wind turbines with 40% of the market share with the US at 14%. Fear of nuclear energy is hurting our environment.
Technology and Policies are Available to Save Our Environment.Paul H. Carr
Â
OUTLINE: POLICY INFLUENCERS
1. Wall Street Journal - Is climate science settled?
2. Peer-reviewed Climate Science Articles- 99% settled.
3. Forbes â Is carbon-free energy available?
4. Nashua Telegraph â What about Chinaâs coal burning?
5. Risky Business Report - Economics of Global Warming. by Bloomberg, Paulsen, & Steyer
6. Pope Francisâ Moral Responsibility to bequeath a habitable planet to future generations
2008 Presentation I gave at Grinnell college arguing for renewables and efficiency to replace coal for electrical generation
I give concrete plans for how to transition to renewables for small Iowa communities and do it at a profit
Renewable energy is generally electricity supplied from sources, such as wind power, solar power,
geothermal energy, hydro power and various forms of biomass. The popularity of renewable energy
has experienced a significant upsurge in recent times due to the exhaustion of conventional power
generation methods and increasing realization of its adverse effects on the environment. Wind energy
has been harnessed for centuries but it has only emerged as a major part of our energy solution quite
recently and this report focus on utilizing wind energy by using vertical axis wind turbine.
Simon Reeve shares his predictions on the future energy mix, taking into consideration recent events such as Deepwater Horizon and Fukushima. Simon is joined by key energy professionals offering perspectives from different corners of the industry.
Simon is the Power Sector Director for the Lloyd's Register Group.
A.T. Kearney Energy Transition Institute - 10 Facts, An Introduction to Energ...Kearney
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The A.T. Kearney Energy Transition Institute is a nonprofit organization. It provides leading insights on globaltrends in energy transition, technologies, and strategic implications for private sector businesses and publicsector institutions. The Institute is dedicated to combining objective technological insights with economicalperspectives to define the consequences and opportunities for decision makers in a rapidly changing energylandscape. The independence of the Institute fosters unbiased primary insights and the ability to co-createnew ideas with interested sponsors and relevant stakeholders.
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example is in the attachment. i just need a summary paragraph for 5 short sentences.
Renewable Energy Sources Can Satisfy Energy Demands
Renewable Energy
,Â
2012
"A fully sustainable renewable power supply is the only way we can secure energy for all and avoid environmental catastrophe."
The following viewpoint is an extract from a report undertaken by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ecofys (a consulting firm for sustainable energy projects), and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture. The viewpoint summarizes the findings of an Ecofys study that predicted the world can switch fromÂ
fossil fuels
 to a fully
renewable energy
 future by 2050. According to the study, most energy will be electricity-based, and that energy will be supplied chiefly by solar power.Â
Wind power
, geothermal heat, and water power will also serve to create electricity and heat homes. Finally the Ecofys scenario argues that biofuels will be needed to power some transport systems and industrial processes that require liquid fuels. According to the WWF and Ecofys, the renewables-driven future will save money, stallÂ
climate change
, and create a sustainable energy system.
As you read, consider the following questions:
According to the WWF, by what percent does the International Energy Agency predict oil and gas reserves will fall by 2030?
What percent of the world's energy needs does Ecofys claim can be satisfied by renewables in 2050?
Why does Ecofys's scenario only provide for a small increase in hydropower by 2050?
The way we produce and use energy today is not sustainable. Our main fossil fuel sourcesâoil,Â
coal
 and gasâare finite natural resources, and we are depleting them at a rapid rate. Furthermore they are the main contributors to climate change, and the race to the last 'cheap' fossil resources evokes disasters for the natural environment as seen recently in the case of the [2010] BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In the developing world, regional and local desertification is caused by depletion of fuelwood and other biomass sources that are often used very inefficiently, causing substantive indoorÂ
pollution
 and millions of deaths annually. A fully sustainable renewable power supply is the only way we can secure energy for all and avoid environmental catastrophe.
Risks and Harms of Fossil Fuels
While most of us take energy for granted as a basic right, a fifth of the world's population still has no access to reliable electricityâdrastically reducing their chances of getting an education and earning a living. As energy prices increase, the world's poor will continue to be excluded.
At the same time, more than 2.7 billion people are dependent on traditional bioenergy (mainly from wood, crop residues and animal dung) as their main source of cooking and heating fuel. This is often harvested unsustainably, causing soil erosion and increasing the risk of flooding, as well as threatening biodiversity and adding to greenhouse gasÂ
emissions
. Traditional.
The need for expanded nuclear energy is urgent. Global energy demand is expected to grow by at least 50% by 2035, with electric demand in the developing world expected to triple.
Presently, more than one billion people completely lack electricity access and billions more consume one tenth or less of the electricity per capita consumed in the OECD. Much of that supply is intermittent.
At the same time, 81% of the worldâs energy, and two thirds of the worldâs electricity, is derived from fossil fuels, while emissions from fossil fuel combustion are a major factor driving global climate change.
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Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
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In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
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Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
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M6A1 Group Project - Alternative Energy - 20190616
1. 2019 IEEE Sustainable
Energy Conference:
Alternative Energy
Sources
By:
Christopher Gibson
Richard Lombardi
Jason McDonough
Johnathon Shumate
2. Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Current Energy Production 4
Natural Gas 5
Coal Production 6
Nuclear Energy Production and Waste Disposal 7
Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels 8
Solar Energy Pros and Cons 9
Wind Energy Pros and Cons 10
Energy Storage 11
National Way Ahead 12
Conclusion 13
Thank You 14
References 15
3. Introduction
The United States is a large and geographically diverse country, and weâve come up
with a variety of methods for generating electricity and meeting energy demands.
Most generation of electricity ultimately boils down to one thing; boiling water. Whether
it be natural gas, coal, or nuclear, the primary method of producing electricity is the
same. The vast majority of electric power plants work by boiling water to produce
steam, which spins a turbine connected by a shaft to a generator producing electricity.
Almasi, 2019
4. Current Energy Production
⢠The United States is the worldâs second
leading energy producer, behind only
China. In 2018, the United States
generated a combined 4,178 billion kWh of
electricity.
⢠Energy Diversity
â Natural gas
â Coal
â Nuclear
â Renewable
â Other
35.10%
27.40%
19.30%
17.10%
3.10%
United States Energy Production 2018
Natural Gas Coal Nuclear Renewable Other
5. Natural Gas
⢠Natural gas is the United Stateâs leading source of electricity today.
⢠Production flatlined in 1969 at about 19-20 trillion cubic feet produced per year.
⢠In 2009, the United States started increasing natural gas production.
⢠In 2018, the United States produced 30.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and
producing 1,466 billion kWh of electricity.
⢠Exported 1,400 billion cubic feet of liquified natural gas in 2018.
Dryashkin, 2018
6. Coal Production
⢠Coal production in the United States had
been on a steady rise since the 1960âs
when we only produced 420 million tons
of coal to peaking in 2008 as we
produced nearly 1.2 billion tons.
⢠Since 2008, coal production has
dropped 30% to only 755 million tons in
2018.
⢠Produced 1,144 billion kWh of electricity
in 2018.
⢠Coal has been on decline for the past decade due to a combination of
the availability of cheap natural gas and increasing environmental
regulations for coal based energy production
Zwerver, 2019
7. Nuclear Energy Production
and Waste Disposal
CTL Group,
2019
⢠Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest,
lowest carbon producing sources of
energy in existence, producing only
12g of carbon per KWh.
⢠Produced 806 billion kWh of electricity
in 2018.
⢠Nuclear fuel rods only last 6-8 years
and can produce lethal levels of
radiation for hundreds of thousands of
years.
⢠Yucca Mountain in Nevada is the
United Stateâs primary nuclear
disposal site.
8. Environmental Impact of Fossil
Fuels
⢠Carbon Dioxide, CO2 concentrations have
reached the highest levels in 800,000 years,
averaging 410 parts per million.
⢠Earth has been going through cycles of higher
and lower levels of CO2 for several million
years, hovering between 200-300 ppm of
CO2.
⢠These rates of CO2 increases havenât been
seen since the great mass extinction of the
Permian, 250 million years ago, where 90% of
all life perished.
Daniloff, 2011
9. Solar Energy Pros and Cons
Pros
⢠Source is abundant
⢠No pollution in generation
⢠Passive method
⢠Remote areas
⢠Local applications
Cons
⢠Kills/displaces animals
⢠Unreliable
⢠Electronic waste
⢠Sunlight angle
⢠Panel obstruction from environment
Miller, 2016
10. Wind Energy Pros and Cons
Reese, n.d.
Pros
⢠Requires only wind
⢠Zero CO2 emissions
⢠Passive
⢠Low maintenance
⢠Scalable, from individual homes to
large wind farms
Cons
⢠High upfront cost
⢠Fluctuating energy output makes it
unreliable
⢠Threat to birds
⢠Noisy
⢠Unsightly
⢠In 2018, wind energy produced 275 billion
kWh of electricity, or 6.6% of total energy
generated by the United States.
11. Energy Storage
⢠One of the biggest problems with renewable energy
sources is that they produce energy at variable
rates.
⢠Energy demands change with the seasons.
⢠Pumped-hydro allows for storing excess electricity
by pumping water to a higher elevation, the
releasing it to spin a turbine and generate electricity
when needed.
⢠Pumped-hydro solutions account for 99% of the
worldâs stored energy.
⢠One downside to hydro-pumped solutions however, is energy density.
⢠What hydro-pumped solutions lack in energy density, they make up for in
volume.
Kenning, 2017
12. National Way-Ahead
⢠So where do we go from here?
⢠Cost of producing renewable energy is on the
decline.
⢠Nuclear is still by far the cheapest form of
energy, but at the cost of nuclear waste.
⢠Renewable sources still suffer from inconsistent
energy flows. 0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Coal Natural Gas Nuclear Solar Wind
Average Cost of Electricity
Cost per kWh in cents
⢠Until we develop more energy storage capabilities, we will continue to be
dependent on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas as well as nuclear energy to
bridge the minute-to-minute and seasonal power fluctuations of renewable energy
sources.
13. Conclusion
⢠The renewable energy challenges are daunting, however the path before is us clear.
⢠Renewable energy costs are already on the decline, all we need to do is continue to
develop ways to store excess energy.
⢠Climate change deniers are correctly basing their doubts on falsified climate data, and
climate change fear-mongers of the 90âs who made fortunes selling these fears to the
public. We need to realize there is truth in this, and address it as a community by admitting
that despite what Al Gore said, the polar ice caps did not melt in 2014 as he suggested in
his 2007 Nobel Prize speech, and that despite what Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says, the
world is not going to end in 12 years.
⢠We need to stop fear-mongering and starting being intellectually honest, and address the
problems together on both sides of the isle.
⢠Previous generations fought in great wars and put a man on the Moon; solving the long-
term energy needs of our civilization is our generationâs great challenge, together, letâs
make it happen.
15. References
⢠Chu, J. (2017, September 20). Mathematics Predicts a Sixth Mass Extinction. MIT News.
Retrieved June 16, 2019, from http://news.mit.edu/2017/mathematics-predicts-sixth-
mass-extinction-0920
⢠Conca, J. (2016, May 26). Batteries or Train-Pumped Energy for Grid-Scale Power Storage.
Forbes. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2016
/05/26/batteries-or-train-pumped-energy-for-grid-scale-power-storage/#214c66073eed
⢠DiChristopher, T. (2017, March 16). The Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump, a Political Hot
Potato, is Back. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from,
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/16/the-yucca-mountain-nuclear-waste-dump-a-political-
hot-potato-is-back.html
⢠[1]EIA Staff (2019, April 16). Was is the U.S. Electricity Generation by Energy Source? U.S.
Energy Infrastructure Administration. Retrieved June 2, 2019, from
https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3.
16. References
⢠[2]EIA Staff (2019, May 31). Natural Gas Data. U.S. Energy Infrastructure Administration.
Retrieved June 15, 2019, from https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/hist/n9070us2A.htm.
⢠[3]EIA Staff (2019, March 14). Today in Energy: U.S. Natural Gas production Hit a New
Record High in 2018. Energy Infrastructure Administration. Retrieved June 15, 2019,
from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=38692
⢠[4]EIA Staff (2019, January 25). Today in Energy: In 2018, U.S. Coal Production Declined as
Experts and Appalachian Region Prices Rose. Energy Infrastructure Administration.
Retrieved June 15, 2019, from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=38132
⢠[5]EIA Staff (2012, September 27). Total Energy: Coal Production, 1949-2011. Energy
Infrastructure Administration. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from
https://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/annual/showtext.php?t=ptb0702
⢠[6]EIA Staff (2018, December 4). Today In Energy: U.S. Coal Consumption in 2018 Expected
to be the Lowest in 39 Years. Energy Infrastructure Administration Retrieved June 15,
2019, from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=37692
17. References
⢠[7]EIA Staff (2019). Wind Explained: Electricity Generation From Wind. Energy Infrastructure
Administration. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from,
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=wind_electricity_generation
⢠ESA (2012). Pumped Hydroelectric Storage. Energy Storage Association. Retrieved June 15,
2019, from http://energystorage.org/energy-storage/technologies/pumped-
hydroelectric-storage
⢠Everley, S. (2012, February 15). You Missed A Spot: A Timeline of Hydraulic Fracturing.
Energy In Depth. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from https://www.energyindepth.org/you-
missed-a-spot-a-timeline-of-hydraulic-fracturing/
⢠Gore, A. (2007, December 10). Nobel Lecture. NobelPrize.org. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/mike-ciandella/2014/09/02/arctic-ice-cap-grows-
same-year-al-gore-predicted-it-would-disappear
⢠Koontz, R. (2015, April 13). Whatâs Good and Whatâs Bad About Wind Energy? KidsDiscover.
Retrieved June 16, 2019, from https://www.kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/whats-
good-whats-bad-wind-energy/
18. References
⢠Murphy, T (2011, November 15). Pump Up the Storage. Do the Math. Retrieved June 16,
2019, from https://dothemath.ucsd.edu/2011/11/pump-up-the-storage/
⢠Ocasio-Cortez, A. (2019, January 21). Ocasio-Cortez: âThe World is Going to End in 12 Years
If We Donât Address Climate Change. Real Clear Politics. Retrieved June 16, 2019,
from https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/01/22/ocasio-
cortez_the_world_is_going_to_end_in_12_years_if_we_dont_address_climate_change
.html
⢠Rathi, A. (2017, December 11). Batteries Canât Solve the Worldâs Biggest Energy-Storage
Problem. One Startup Has a Solution. Quartz. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from
https://qz.com/1133123/batteries-cant-solve-the-worlds-biggest-energy-storage-
problem-one-startup-has-a-solution/
⢠Sharma, H., Kumar, P., Pal, N., & Sadhu, P. K. (2018). Problems in the Accomplishment of
Solar and Wind Energy in India. Problemy Ekorozwoju, 13(1), 41â48. Retrieved June
15, 2019, from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=1280
70069&site=eds-live&scope=site.
19. References
⢠UCSUSA (2018, July). Federal Support for Electricity Storage Solutions. Union of Concerned
Scientists. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/
attach/2018/07/federal-energy-storage-convening-summary.pdf
⢠Wendover Productions (2017, November 21). The Nuclear Waste Problem. Retrieved October
4, 2018, from, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU3kLBo_ruo
20. Image References
⢠Almasi, A. (2019). Modern Design & Latest Achievements on Steam Turbines. Direct Industry. Retrieved June
16, 2019, from http://projects.directindustry.com/project-11316.html
⢠CTL Group (2019). Perry Nuclear Power Plant. CTL Group. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from
https://www.ctlgroup.com/project/perry-nuclear-plant/
⢠Daniloff, C. (2011, November 18). Timeline of a Mass Extinction. MIT News Graphic. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from
http://news.mit.edu/2011/mass-extinction-1118
⢠Dryashkin, D. (2018). Natural Gas Burning a Blue Flames on Black Background. Shutterstock. Retrieved June 16,
2019, from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/natural-gas-burning-blue-flames-on-
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⢠Kenning, T. (2017, February 22). EnergyAustralia Ponders Worldâs Largest Seawater Pumped Hydro Energy
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21. Image References
⢠Miller, E. (2016, February 16). Nellis Air Force Base Commemorates Opening of Solar Array. Getty Images.
Retrieved June 16, 2019, from https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/rows-of-solar-panels-operate-
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⢠Reese, S. (n.d.). Beautiful Sunset Above the Windmills on the Field. Shutterstock. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from
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Editor's Notes
The United States is the worldâs second leading energy producer, behind only China. In 2018, the United States generated a combined 4,178 billion kWh of electricity ([1]IEA, 2019).
In order to meet the energy demands of the nation, the United States has diversified itâs energy production based on the available resources of the regions.
Natural gas is the United Stateâs leading source of electricity today. Production flatlined in 1969 at about 19-20 trillion cubic feet produced per year, and stayed that way until the late 2000âs with the rise of hydraulic fracturing ([2]IEA, 2019) (Everley, 2012). During the late 1990âs and throughout the 2000âs, the EPA concluded several studies proving hydraulic fracturing is safe and poses little risk (Everley, 2012). Shortly after, states rich in natural gas reserves started tapping into these reserves through hydraulic fracturing vastly increasing our production of natural gas. In 2018, the United States produced 30.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, producing 1,466 billion kWh of electricity and for the first time in 2016, actually started exporting liquified natural gas; exporting over 1.4 trillion cubic feet in 2018 ([3]IEA, 2019).
Coal production in the United States had been on a steady rise since the 1960âs when we only produced 420 million tons of coal to peaking in 2008 as we produced nearly 1.2 billion tons (IEA, 2012). Since 2008 however, coal production has dropped by 30%, to only 755 million tons in 2018 ([4]EIA, 2019). The United States produced 1,444 billion kWh of electricity in 2018.
Coal has been on decline for the past decade due to a combination of the availability of cheap natural gas and increasing environmental regulations for coal based energy production ([6]EIA, 2018).
Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest, lowest carbon producing sources of energy in existence, producing only 12g of carbon per kWh (Wendover, 2017). The United States produced 806 billion kWh of nuclear electricity in 2018.
Despite the benefits of a low carbon producing energy source, nuclear fuel rods used only produce enough energy to be viable for power generation for 6-8 years. After that, they continue to break down and emit lethal amounts of radioactive energy for hundreds of thousands of years (Wendover, 2017). The primary destination for nuclear waste since 1987 has been the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump in Nevada located just 100 miles from Las Vegas. As you can image, most Nevada residents vehemently oppose Yucca Mountain being used as our countryâs nuclear waste dump (Collins, 2018) and in 2010 the Obama Administration suspended all licenses for dumping. Then in May of 2018, the Trump Administration reinstated licenses due to the 80,000 tons of radioactive waste building up at the 121 nuclear power plants around the country with nowhere else to dispose of it (DiChristopher, 2017).
I understand the unfairness of the situation regarding Yucca mountain and why the Obama Administration would suspend dumping there; however, I also understand that we canât just leave nuclear waste at 121 sites around the country vulnerable to natural disasters, and why the Trump Administration would renew those licenses. Unfortunately, when it comes to dealing with nuclear waste, there may simply be no good answers.
Carbon dioxide, CO2 concentrations have reached the highest levels in 800,000 years, averaging 410 parts per million (Farand, 2018). Earth has been going through cycles of higher and lower levels of CO2 for several million years, hovering between 200-300 ppm of CO2 (Farand, 2018). What has scientists worried isnât that CO2 levels have reached over 400 ppm, in-fact itâs been even higher than that just a few million years ago, and without any help from humans. What has scientists worried, is that these increases in CO2 are happening at a rate not seen since the great mass extinction of the Permian period about 250 million years ago which killed off 90% of all life on our planet (Chu, 2017).
Solar energy is the most advocated for renewable energy available, and here are some positives:
The sun has a long life ahead of it, so itâs an inexhaustible source for the life of the Earth.
Once the panels are generated, there is no pollution emitted when harvesting solar energy.
Energy is gathered in a passive system, with the only moving parts being the ones used to adjust the angle of the panels to capture more light.
Solar panels can be installed in remote locations that other sources are unable to reach, especially due to the modular nature of solar panel installation.
Solar panels can also be installed by individuals onto their homes or land. No new land would need to be cleared for precision panel installation like that.
Some negatives include:
Solar farms require large swaths of land that must be cleared of flora and fauna to operate. This can be mitigated with smaller farms located near their end-use point.
Geographical areas differ in the amount of solar radiation received over the course of any given year, so yields will vary by region. In the US, the most sun is received in the west where the land is flat and dry with little cloud cover.
The life of solar panels is around 25 years, after which there is no recycling method available. The used panels will become trash, possibly ending up in a developing countries landfill with the majority of other electronic waste. A recycling system must be developed to reuse material from panels already installed, and designed into the manufacturing process to prevent more waste from accumulating and contaminating the environment. Solar panels contain toxic elements, like lead, that should be prevented from release.
The angle of sunlight hitting solar panels varies over the course of the day and season. At night, with some exception, solar radiance is no longer possible. Battery systems are the most popular answer to this, but the necessary capacities donât yet exist. The most pragmatic approach to intermittent solar radiance is to make up the difference in demand with fossil fuel and nuclear plants.
Environmental contaminants, like dust and snow, can blanket the solar panels significantly reducing their energy yield. Barriers, and cleaning maintenance must be used to keep panels operating at peak efficiency.
Wind energy is the most rapidly growing energy source today. Itâs grown from a mere 6 billion kWh in 2000, to 275 billion kWh in 2018 ([7]EIA, 2019).
Wind has many things going for it, it only requires wind as a fuel source, it has zero CO2 emissions. Wind turbines generate power passively, without the need for human operators, and are very low maintenance once installed. They are also scalable; they can be scaled down and placed on an individual home or scaled up to giant wind farms powering thousands of homes (Koontz, 2015).
Unfortunately wind energy isnât without its drawbacks. Installing a wind turbine is extremely expensive. Their energy output also fluctuates with the wind, making their power output unreliable. They are also responsible for killing thousands of birds every year, and many residents consider them eye-sores and noisy.
One of the biggest problems facing renewable energy today is that renewable sources produce energy at variable rates. Solar for example, does not produce energy at night; also, one day there could be sunny skies and a strong breeze, the next we could have heavy cloud cover or no wind (Rathi, 2017). This issue is also compounded for seasonal energy demands. Additionally, electricity if not used immediately, is lost.
âAccording to the Electric Power Research Institute, pumped-hydro provides 99% of our global bulk storage capacityâŚâ (Conca, 2016). Pumped-hydro power works by taking excess electricity produced and using pumps to move water from a lower reservoir to another reservoir at a higher elevation, then when power is needed, that water is released and spins a turbine generating electricity.
There is one downside to pumped-hydro, and thatâs energy density. âFor example, to get the amount of energy stored in a single AA battery, we would have to lift 100 kg (220 lb) 10 m (33 ft) to match it. To match the energy contained in a gallon of gasoline, we would have to lift 13 tons of water (3,500 gallons) one kilometer high (3,280 feet)â (Murphy, 2011). Both upper and lower reservoirs can be massive in scale which can more than make up for the lack of energy density, however that brings its own challenges of where to build them.
So where do we go from here? With recent advances in renewable technologies, costs with renewable energy production are on a downhill trend. Wind has even be become a cheaper energy source than natural gas or coal. Nuclear energy is still by far the cheapest form of energy, however few people like this as an option due to the buildup of nuclear waste that can lasts for hundreds of thousands of years.
Public interest in renewable energy is strong, and soon the cost of wind and solar could in the near future very easily rival nuclear. And all this can be achieved with the free market without government interference or regulating coal and natural gas out business. The bigger problem is how can we make these renewable resources provide a more consistent stream of energy output? Because we currently lack the proper energy storage capacities, coal and natural gas will continue to be indispensable in order to bridge the minute-to-minute and seasonal power fluctuations of renewable energy sources.
We need to continue to invest in energy storage technologies like the pumped-hydro reservoirs that can store tremendous amounts of energy for cloudy days, and days with less wind. Only then, will we be able to break our reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
The renewable energy challenges before us are daunting, however the path before us is clear. Costs of renewable energy will likely continue to decline, all that we need to do is find a way to store the excess for when we need it.
Climate change deniers are correctly basing their doubts on falsified climate data, and climate change fear-mongers of the 90âs who made fortunes selling these fears to the public. We need to realize there is truth in this, and address it as a community by admitting that despite what Al Gore said, the polar ice caps did not melt in 2014 as he suggested in his 2007 Nobel Prize speech (Gore, 2007), and that despite what Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says, the world is not going to end in 12 years (Ocasio-Cortez, 2019). We need to stop fear-mongering and starting being intellectually honest, and address the problems together on both sides of the isle.
Previous generations fought in great wars, put a man on the Moon; solving the long-term energy needs of our civilization is our generationâs great challenge, together, letâs make it happen.
We would like to give a very special thank you to the 2019 IEEE Sustainable Energy Conference for allowing us to speak here today.
