Energy for Our Future
Semester
This team tackled the aim of improving energy efficiency in the United States by allocating resources to renewable solar power and away from coal. They state that although the technology is viable, there has been a lack of investment since the 1970s and it is not currently cost-competitive. Thus, they suggest a performance-based approach with minimal government involvement wherein more money can be spent on Solar Technology. The first year focus of this program will be Research and Development Grants from the US Department of Energy, aiming to make solar cost-competitive by 2015. This would require $148 million in that time. They also emphasize the need for minimum renewable generation requirements for all electric companies. They assure that this approach to energy for our future will be both environmentally and economically gratifying as soon as a commitment is established.