The Power of Change

The Power of Change
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2016-09-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309371422

Electricity, supplied reliably and affordably, is foundational to the U.S. economy and is utterly indispensable to modern society. However, emissions resulting from many forms of electricity generation create environmental risks that could have significant negative economic, security, and human health consequences. Large-scale installation of cleaner power generation has been generally hampered because greener technologies are more expensive than the technologies that currently produce most of our power. Rather than trade affordability and reliability for low emissions, is there a way to balance all three? The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies considers how to speed up innovations that would dramatically improve the performance and lower the cost of currently available technologies while also developing new advanced cleaner energy technologies. According to this report, there is an opportunity for the United States to continue to lead in the pursuit of increasingly clean, more efficient electricity through innovation in advanced technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies makes the case that America's advantagesâ€"world-class universities and national laboratories, a vibrant private sector, and innovative states, cities, and regions that are free to experiment with a variety of public policy approachesâ€"position the United States to create and lead a new clean energy revolution. This study focuses on five paths to accelerate the market adoption of increasing clean energy and efficiency technologies: (1) expanding the portfolio of cleaner energy technology options; (2) leveraging the advantages of energy efficiency; (3) facilitating the development of increasing clean technologies, including renewables, nuclear, and cleaner fossil; (4) improving the existing technologies, systems, and infrastructure; and (5) leveling the playing field for cleaner energy technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies is a call for leadership to transform the United States energy sector in order to both mitigate the risks of greenhouse gas and other pollutants and to spur future economic growth. This study's focus on science, technology, and economic policy makes it a valuable resource to guide support that produces innovation to meet energy challenges now and for the future.

Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System

Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2012-11-25
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0309114047

The electric power delivery system that carries electricity from large central generators to customers could be severely damaged by a small number of well-informed attackers. The system is inherently vulnerable because transmission lines may span hundreds of miles, and many key facilities are unguarded. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that the power grid, most of which was originally designed to meet the needs of individual vertically integrated utilities, is being used to move power between regions to support the needs of competitive markets for power generation. Primarily because of ambiguities introduced as a result of recent restricting the of the industry and cost pressures from consumers and regulators, investment to strengthen and upgrade the grid has lagged, with the result that many parts of the bulk high-voltage system are heavily stressed. Electric systems are not designed to withstand or quickly recover from damage inflicted simultaneously on multiple components. Such an attack could be carried out by knowledgeable attackers with little risk of detection or interdiction. Further well-planned and coordinated attacks by terrorists could leave the electric power system in a large region of the country at least partially disabled for a very long time. Although there are many examples of terrorist and military attacks on power systems elsewhere in the world, at the time of this study international terrorists have shown limited interest in attacking the U.S. power grid. However, that should not be a basis for complacency. Because all parts of the economy, as well as human health and welfare, depend on electricity, the results could be devastating. Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System focuses on measures that could make the power delivery system less vulnerable to attacks, restore power faster after an attack, and make critical services less vulnerable while the delivery of conventional electric power has been disrupted.

Competitive Change in the Electric Power Industry

Competitive Change in the Electric Power Industry
Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Subcommittee on Energy Research, Development, Production, and Regulation
Publisher:
Total Pages: 88
Release: 1997
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

The Power of Change

The Power of Change
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2016-08-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309371457

Electricity, supplied reliably and affordably, is foundational to the U.S. economy and is utterly indispensable to modern society. However, emissions resulting from many forms of electricity generation create environmental risks that could have significant negative economic, security, and human health consequences. Large-scale installation of cleaner power generation has been generally hampered because greener technologies are more expensive than the technologies that currently produce most of our power. Rather than trade affordability and reliability for low emissions, is there a way to balance all three? The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies considers how to speed up innovations that would dramatically improve the performance and lower the cost of currently available technologies while also developing new advanced cleaner energy technologies. According to this report, there is an opportunity for the United States to continue to lead in the pursuit of increasingly clean, more efficient electricity through innovation in advanced technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies makes the case that America's advantagesâ€"world-class universities and national laboratories, a vibrant private sector, and innovative states, cities, and regions that are free to experiment with a variety of public policy approachesâ€"position the United States to create and lead a new clean energy revolution. This study focuses on five paths to accelerate the market adoption of increasing clean energy and efficiency technologies: (1) expanding the portfolio of cleaner energy technology options; (2) leveraging the advantages of energy efficiency; (3) facilitating the development of increasing clean technologies, including renewables, nuclear, and cleaner fossil; (4) improving the existing technologies, systems, and infrastructure; and (5) leveling the playing field for cleaner energy technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies is a call for leadership to transform the United States energy sector in order to both mitigate the risks of greenhouse gas and other pollutants and to spur future economic growth. This study's focus on science, technology, and economic policy makes it a valuable resource to guide support that produces innovation to meet energy challenges now and for the future.

Energy Research Abstracts

Energy Research Abstracts
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 660
Release: 1989
Genre: Power resources
ISBN:

Semiannual, with semiannual and annual indexes. References to all scientific and technical literature coming from DOE, its laboratories, energy centers, and contractors. Includes all works deriving from DOE, other related government-sponsored information, and foreign nonnuclear information. Arranged under 39 categories, e.g., Biomedical sciences, basic studies; Biomedical sciences, applied studies; Health and safety; and Fusion energy. Entry gives bibliographical information and abstract. Corporate, author, subject, report number indexes.

Sustainable Electricity II

Sustainable Electricity II
Author: Jessica Fox
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2018-10-22
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 3319956965

Realities of power company choices, regulatory boundaries, and stakeholder approvals. Expectations of the responsible investor, environmental advocate, and Silicon Valley companies including Google, Facebook, and Stanford University. Surprising stories show how creativity, innovation, and planning can resolve some of the toughest choices facing electric power companies today, although not in all cases. Building on the first volume, Sustainable Electricity: Case Studies from Electric Power Companies in North America (Fox, 2016. Springer), this book dives headfirst into the economic, environmental, and social tradeoffs power companies face as they strive to be sustainable. With more than 40 contributing experts, chapters include first-hand power company stories, case studies of leading Silicon Valley organizations; socially responsible investor contemplations; environmental advocacy arguments; and regulatory realities. The book provides a window into the choices companies make, the tradeoffs stakeholders accept, and the bottom line that comes with producing sustainable electricity. It will be an important resource that will accelerate collective thoughts on what ‘sustainable electricity’ means and what needs to be considered when the “everyone wins” outcome is elusive. “People have been able to fish, hike, camp and boat on a beautiful AEP property that supports recreational activities for many years. Now AEP has to generate income from this property. Do we build roads and drill to extract the natural gas? Do we sell the timber and keep the property? Do we sell the whole thing? What about the fish, deer and other wildlife? Tradeoffs will be made, and not everyone will like them.” Tim W. Lohner, Ph.D., Environmental Specialist, American Electric Power. (Chapter 3) “Companies are demanding access to clean energy and investors are pressing companies to source 100% renewable. It is essential that utilities develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce climate impact, and clearly articulate the plan and their progress. Customers and investors want to see this progress, and utilities need to develop the right model for their particular business.” John Streur, CEO, Calvert Research & Management (Chapter 4) “At Chevron, we are continually examining the tradeoffs as we work to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint. The complexity of our global, shared challenge to electrify the world without undue compromise to the integrity of our planet is one that will require global action. The experiences and perspectives detailed in this book are important to understand as we collectively work towards a sustainable energy future. The one billion plus are counting on us.” Kirsten S. Thorne, Global Issues and Public Policy Manager, Chevron (Forward)