Alternative Energy
Renewable energy technologies have made impressive strides in recent years. In 2008, nine percent of total U.S. electricity generation was from renewable energy, and renewable energy consumption increased seven percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the
Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, the variability and intermittency of renewable energy charges it with currently being an unreliable power source.
U.S. energy companies have faced strict scrutiny by many consumers and environmental groups for reliance on coal, oil and natural gas. With environmental concerns being magnified, the need for a smarter grid and “cleaner” fuel sources need to be explored. Smart Energy Source seeks to leverage the knowledge of key stakeholders as renewable technology is explored. We must work together toward a smarter grid as we explore the possibilities of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass.
SES Focus
Wind
Wind is one of the lower-cost renewable energy sources. The EIA stated that in 2008, fourteen percent of the U.S.’s total renewable energy generation was wind, which consisted of a 51 percent increase from 2007.
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Solar
CRN found that solar, or photovoltaic (PV), generation, is growing 25 to 35 percent per year worldwide, and this trend is expected to continue. Solar is easy to install and operate, and is easy to site.
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Biomass
Energy production from biomass, also known as farm biogas generation, relies on anaerobic digestion, a naturally occurring biological process in which animal waste is broken down in carbon dioxide, fertilizer and methane. Biomass generation reduces carbon emissions, and can reduce water pollution. In 2008, according to the EIA, biomass contributed 15 percent of the U.S.’s total renewable energy portfolio.
Compressed Natural Gas
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is made by compressing natural gas to less than 1 percent of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. Consisting mostly of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It's drawn from domestically drilled gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production.
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Other Technologies
Fuel cells
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts a source of fuel into an electrical current. As long as a fuel source is supplied, the cell will continue to generate power. Currently, research is being conducted to determine the sustainability and economic feasibility of fuel cells, and how they can play into our future's energy mix.
Geothermal
Geothermal power is power extracted from heat stored in the earth. Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Historically, the generation of geothermal power has been limited to areas around tectonic plate boundaries, however, research and advancement in technology have expanded the size and range of geothermal power plants.
Hydropower
The force of moving water generates electricity when passed through hydraulic turbines. All types and scales of water can be used for hydropower and can be used as a support to other energy sources. For example, according to the
International Hydropower Association, storage hydropower can complement continuous, base-load generation from geothermal schemes.
Nuclear
Nuclear power is energy produced from controlled nuclear reactions. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, nuclear energy provides 20 percent of the United States' electricity and is its No. 1 source of emission-free electricity.