Solaqua's Energy Future Project :: Context of the Project

Project Proposal

Section 1.1 Impending Energy Challenges

Section 1.2 The Rising Cost of Energy

Section 1.2.1 Energy Composition

1.2.1 Energy composition

 

Energy in the United States is provided in a substantial way by non-renewable feedstocks. As of January 2006, more than 85%of domestic energy is supplied by fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal. This energy source represents almost all fuel used in transportation and almost two-thirds of the nations electrical supplies. The US Department of Energy expects that the US will grow its dependence on fossil fuels as energy sources despite advancement of new energy generation technologies (DOE 2006).

Figures 1 and 2 below illustrate the consistent trends of domestic energy sources.

(Source: EIA Annual Energy Review, 2004)

 

 

 

(Source: EIA Annual Energy Review, 2004)

These data are represented in quadrillion BTU’s, (quadrillion = 1 x 10 15), or quads.

Figure 1 shows that in the early 1970’s significant growth in the total fossil fuel consumption seems to curtail, steadying at about 58 quads. By comparison, figure 2 illustrates the trend that as total growth of consumption has slowed; the total energy composition has changed to increased use of natural gas and coal with a drop off in crude oil consumption. These pictures paint a questionable energy future, with non-renewable energy sources compiling almost the entire portfolio. Oil, natural gas, and coal are all non-renewable, environmentally damaging, and unstable energy sources, none of which can provide long-term energy security. It is necessary to evolve our energy production methods, both at power generation plants and at independent locations.

 

It is also important to understand where all of the energy from each source is directed, to more effectively plan future solutions to sector specific shortages. A diagram taken from the EIA website does a magnificent job of illustrating the flow of energy in the US.

 

 

Figure 3

 

No form of non-renewable energy production is environmentally benign. The burning of fossil fuels is a widely recognized method of producing damaging greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirmed in its Third Assessment Report that anthropogenic activities, especially through energy use and production, are affecting global climate patterns (IPCC 2001). The report outlined major impact indicators and adaptation studies, such as ecosystem response. The three-volume report also outlined measures by which greenhouse gas emissions could be curtailed through the use of energy efficiency techniques and renewable energy technologies (Sims, 2004).

 

As the major contributors to domestic energy supplies, there is more than supply stability and price vulnerability of fossil fuels to worry about. We also must be cognizant of the environmental externalities associated with their production and use. Although monetary indicators are the easiest measure to use by which to base consumer purchasing decisions, it is up to policy makers to be mindful of the price of externalities and factor that in to technological comparisons.

 

 

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