Renewable Energy

Introduction

There are multiple benefits to developing renewable energy systems in our country: economic, environmental, health-related, and political. However, there are currently many BARRIERS that stand in the way of more rapid adoption of these technologies. In this segment of the class we will examine some of the technologies and discuss political and economic approaches to help overcome those barriers and catalyze a renewable energy revolution in this country.

Readings – Required

Start by reading the Executive Summary of the new book, Winning the Oil Endgame. This book describes a move away from oil not in terms of social catastrophe, but in terms of economic opportunity. Next, read the Executive Summary of a report entitled Smart Energy Policies: Saving Money and Reducing Pollutant Emissions Through Greater Energy Efficiency by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Lastly, have a quick look at a couple of recent ACEEE press releases on current energy policy debates in Washington. See press release # 1 and press release #2.  

Questions to Consider

• What are the most promising renewable energy options currently available?
• If renewable energy is such a great idea, why hasn’t the idea taken off?
• Why should the government invest in and promote renewable energy technologies?
• Are renewable energy sources completely environmentally friendly, or are there tradeoffs that we need to consider?

Additional Cool Websites

To learn much more about our renewable energy options visit the web page of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP), and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI).