Global Issues: Unit 4

Energy Plan

Part 1: Production

There is simply not one technology for producing energy that is both environmentally friendly and productive. However, a combination of many of these technologies could help to solve our energy problem.

Wind and solar power are probably the most environmentally friendly ways of energy production. Wind energy is relatively cheap and currently accounts for the energy use of about 8.7 million homes. Solar energy converts sunlight into energy using PV cells. Current installations of solar panels produce enough to power 630,000 homes. The expansion of these technologies can help to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that we use.

One of the best options is geothermal heat. It is derived by drilling a well about 1.6 kilometers underground and tapping the steam and hot water to create power. This technology uses no fossil fuels and is renewable. Additionally, binary plants produce almost no emissions. Geothermal energy is always available and is also relatively inexpensive. These sites will be capable of providing heat for many decades.

To help promote the expansion of these technologies, national and state governments should provide tax breaks to users.

Part 2: Transmission

Smart grid technology can be a new, efficient way to move energy. Using computer-based remote control and automation, the operators of the grid will be able to know what is happening at any point on the grid at any time. Additionally, smart meters will be installed in homes so consumers can see and monitor their power usage throughout the day. Smart grid allows for more efficient energy distribution and allows homeowners to stay aware of their consumption. The better understanding of the grid at a second-by-second level (instead of currently sending out humans to randomly test different meters) allows operators to control the grid better. This technology may be able to help prevent blackouts and other major electrical disasters.

Part 3: Consumption

An easy way for the United States to reduce the consumption of energy is through making our transportation system more efficient. There are several proposed ways to achieve this. The first is to eliminate the amount of cars on the road by building a national electric rail system. This railroad could connect major American cities, allowing for easy and efficient transport. Here is a map of the proposed layout:

The introduction of a national electric rail system would help to significantly reduce our energy consumption. High-speed electric trains need only 1/3^rd the energy of an airplane and 1/5^th the energy of an automobile. A 2006 study found that a high-speed rail network could mean 29 million fewer car trips and 500,000 fewer plane flights. This alone would save six billion pounds of carbon emissions.

While a rail system could connect much of our country, cars will still be used in parts of the country without railways. If these cars are electric, they can still be incredibly energy efficient as well. These cars produce no tailpipe pollutants. Their motors are quiet, smooth, and require less maintenance than a gas engine. As battery technologies improve, these cars will be able to travel the distance of a regular gas-combustion engine, but with less environmental impact.