Renewable Energy Strategies Part 3 of 3

Renewable Energy: Providing a Plan for Clean and Sustainable Energy

     The United States is currently second in renewable electricity production. In 2007 51% of total U.S. renewable energy was consumed for producing electricity. With the remaining 49% of renewable energy being biomass consumed for industrial applications. (EIA, 2008a)

     Currently the largest source of renewable electricity in the U.S. comes from hydroelectric energy which accounts for 71% of the renewable energy production. Wind-generated electricity which accounted for 9% of the renewable energy produced increased by almost 21%  in 2007 when compared to 2006 followed by solar, which increased by over 19%. (EIA, 2008a)

     While the share of renewable energy use by the United States is expected to grow, accounting for 12.5% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2030, a more substantial growth rate could be realized if two main inhibiting factors could be solved. (EIA, 2008a)

     The fact remains that most renewable energy is expensive to operate and requires more capitol to build when compared to current non-renewable methods. In addition, the best sources for renewable energy on a large scale are often only available in remote areas requiring delivery systems that also increase expenses. (EIA, 2008a)

     When faced with this information the first action item of a sustainability plan that leads to an increased use of renewable energy must be to view the topic as it is related in both the public-interest and private-interest of the groups involved in the production and consumption of renewable energy.

     To understand what is meant by this concept I think it explained most appropriately by Robert Schenk in the view of government. According to (Schenk, 2007),  "The public-interest view of government sees government as composed of individuals who are motivated by a desire to serve the public by doing what is right."

     Then as explained by (Schenk, 2007):

The contrasting view is the private-interest of economic theory. In this theory, those who are involved in government have the same motivations that those in the private sector have; that is, they are motivated by a narrow concept of self interest: wealth, fame, and power. If what is in the public's interest is also in the private interest of government decision-makers, the public interest will be served. If there is a conflict between the public's interest and the private interest of governmental decision-makers, the public's interest will lose. It is the incentive structure that determines behavior, with bad performance by government indicating a bad incentive structure, not a problem with motives.

     By using concepts designed with these motivations in mind we can restructure a flawed system over time.

     The principal goals that make up this sustainability plan will be to readdress the issue of energy production from the existing mass production and distribution methods to a more local or individualized production and induction of renewable energy as shown in figure 1.1 below.

Figure 1.1

     Upon being implemented this program will grow at a much larger pace than existing sources of renewable energy production. Since costs are distributed on a much smaller scale and multiple sources are used on a localized basis, the two primary inhibitors of renewable energy growth are minimized. This contributes to a healthier environment leading to decreased cost in healthcare as less instances of pollution related illnesses will steadily decrease as the program spreads through the current infrastructure.

     Other benefits include the betterment of National Security through a more stable energy grid, and less reliance on foreign oil sources. This will also prove to decrease the need for conflicts between countries due to the need for crude oil and the income and power that accompanies its control.

     While this sustainability plan introduces a system that is capable of supporting entire countries, it is best to keep the scope of its deployment on a local, regional, or state scale.

     Renewable energy methods are often more productive dependent on the region in which they are established. This being the case, establishing programs targeted on localities enhances the chances of localized success and optimizes efficiency of the entire program.

     The initial challenges faced will be the education and motivation of those needed to embrace the system. Without the proper support programs implemented by government and businesses, the initial costs and lack of incentives to the public will cause the program to fail.

     With the proper educational program in place governments of both industrialized and third world nations will quickly find this method not only viable but a necessary part of their economical and social structure.

References

EIA. (2008a). EIA's Energy in Brief: How much renewable energy do we use? Retrieved March 28, 2009, from Energy Information Administration: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energy_in_brief/renewable_energy.cfm

EIA. (2008b). EIA - Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the U.S. 2007-Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/carbon.html

EIA. (2009). nonrenewable - OIL/Petroleum. Retrieved March 28, 2009, from Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/oil.html

Perera, F. (2008, August). Children are likely to suffer most from our fossil fuel addiction. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(8), 987-990. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from CINAHL

Schenk, R. (2007). Public and Private Interest. Retrieved March 28, 2009, from CyberEconomics: http://ingrimayne.com/econ/government/PublicPrivate.html

Witze, A. (2007, January 4). Energy: That's oil, folks... Nature , 445 (7123), pp. 14-17. Retrieved March 29, 2009, doi:10.1038/445014a