John Hennessy III,
P.E.
Sustainability has been a global goal for over five decades, but today’s conversations about sustainability are more robust than ever. Government leaders everywhere are launching initiatives that preserve systems, structures, safety and the planet. There are so many funding programs for sustainability projects it’s difficult to list them all. A few agencies with large amounts […]
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As part of the Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot to help advance the clean energy economy, DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) is funding up to $20 million worth of vouchers to eligible small businesses. These vouchers allow businesses to access world-class researchers, facilities, and expertise at national laboratories across the country. The Wind and Water Power Program at NREL is well positioned to work for small businesses both as part of and outside of the SBV. This video, featuring Dr. Robert Thresher, presents NREL’s experience and capabilities in supporting small businesses in both the wind and water power sectors.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
The U.S. offshore wind industry is transitioning from early development to demonstration of commercial viability. While there are no commercial-scale projects in operation or in the construction phase, there are eleven U.S. projects in advanced development, defined as having either been awarded a lease, conducted baseline or geophysical studies, or obtained a power purchase agreement (PPA). There are panels or task forces in place in at least 13 states to engage stakeholders to identify constraints and sites for offshore wind. U.S. policymakers are beginning to follow the examples in Europe that have proven successful in stimulating offshore wind technological advancement, project deployment, and job creation.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses.
-USdepartmentofenergy on YouTube
Electric cars (EVs) are becoming more practical (see the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ), making EV infrastructure more of a necessity.
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AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY
The United States has ample renewable energy resources. Land-based wind, the most readily available for development, totals more than 8000 GW of potential capacity. The capacity of concentrating solar power is nearly 7,000 GW in seven southwestern states. The generation potential of photovoltaics is limited only by the land area devoted to it, 100–250 GW/100 km2 in the United States. To illustrate energy capacity vs. projected demand, the US generated electric power at an average rate of approximately 450 GW in 2009, with peaks over 1000 GW during the summer months. By 2035, electricity demand is projected to rise 30%.
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY OF THE US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
WestConnect is a group of transmission providers that are working collaboratively on initiatives to improve wholesale electricity markets in the West…This study has established both the potential and the challenges of large scale integration of wind and solar generation in WestConnect and, more broadly, in WECC. However, changes of this magnitude warrant further investigation.
Steven Chu released his Power Point Presentation from Monday’s session at the Copenhagen climate conference. For more information on the specific role outlined for the US, check out the executive summary of the Major Economies Forum Technology Action Plan.
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“Through a commitment to high performance, school districts are discovering that smart energy choices can create lasting benefits for students, communities, and the environment. For example, an energy-efficient school district with 4,000 students can save as much as $160,000 a year in energy costs. Over 10 years, those savings can reach $1.6 million, translating into the ability to hire more teachers, purchase more textbooks and computers, or invest in additional highperformance facilities. Beyond these bottomline benefits, schools can better foster student health, decrease absenteeism, and serve as centers of community life.”
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