The Peak Oil Debate – Does it Matter?

Establishing the Context The theory of peak oil implies that there will be a time at which global oil production begins a permanent decline as a result of supply and economic production factors. Should world demand continue to increase (as it has), the point of peak oil will pose a significant supply and price problem for the world economy. The question we seek to explore is, “Have we reached...

Are Renewables Mainstream?

Figure 1-Wind Farm There is a prevailing view is that renewable electric power generation in its many forms is entering the mainstream as a viable alternative to the more traditional fossil fuel alternatives. Assisted by the ever increasing list of states with renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and continuing advancements in technology to enhance affordability, wind and solar generation are...

Introduction to Thermal Technology

With the pending threat of continually rising natural gas prices, alternative energy technologies are taking on greater significance. This article on thermal technologies explains how  the natural tendency of heat to travel from hot to cold is leveraged to turn heat into useful energy. Thermal Technology – Beyond Photovoltaic Panels Figure 1-PV Panels Photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to...

The Value Case for Energy Efficiency

There is no questioning the notion that customer knowledge of how electricity is priced will lead to improved efficiency and conservation, and ultimately lower electricity bills. The continuing challenge to full customer acceptance of any initiative regarding energy efficiency is two-fold: Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Will investors support the programs? The Standard Approach State...

Wind Turbine Syndrome – The Newest Objection

Wind Turbine Farms Never underestimate our ability to raise objections to change, be it technology or societal driven. Wind power, which currently accounts for 1 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S., has traditionally wrestled with four issues in achieving its ambition of representing 20 percent of the energy produced in the U.S. annually. These objections view wind power...

Introduction to Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power Plant The controversy surrounding nuclear power is the combined result of pragmatic concerns regarding nuclear waste, the potential consequences of accidents (such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island), and uneducated / irrational views of a pending nuclear incident of the magnitude of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite its controversy, nuclear power is being reexamined in the context of...

Clean Coal Technology

Coal Powered Plant Even the most ardent anti-environmentalist will acknowledge that coal is among the dirtiest of all fossil fuels. It produces emissions that are believed to have some impact on climate change, create acid rain, and pollute water. Given the recent positive resurgence of interest in nuclear power, hydropower, and various forms of renewable energy sources, one might deduce that...

Cellulosic Ethanol – Is it an Alternative Fuel?

Cellulosic Ethanol-The Source According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA) the average daily use of petroleum in the U.S. is 20.7 million barrels per day. More than half of this daily intake is imported, leaving the U.S. dependent on foreign petroleum to meet its energy needs. For that reason, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was passed to require that 36 billion...

Basics of Wind Power in the U.S.

Current and Potential Usage According to American Wind Energy Association, there is more than 9,000 MW of generating capacity attributed to wind power. These units provide 25 billion kWh of electricity or one percent of the power generated in the U.S. each year. They also estimate that wind power could potentially account for 10.8 trillion kWh per year – equal to the amount of energy in 20...

Artificial Geothermal Energy – An Experiment that Works

Success is Around the Corner Geothermal Power Plant Though artificial or engineered geothermal energy is still in an experimental stage of development, there are a few small commercial plants in operation: Japan demonstrated this capability on the side of a volcano, at Hijiori. It converted enough heat in a test run of one year to support a 130 KW power plant. Australia has some bright prospects...