ENERGY:
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Energy is a big concern and there is much all of us can do to save energy and to create our own energy much more efficiently and without as much harm to our environment.
As more of the earth's population develops and starts consuming more and more energy we are seeing unsustainable demand on our natural resources and our environment.
It is of utmost importance that we change our dependence on "dirty" energy and make use of existing "clean" energy as well as use technology to create more energy options for our future.
http://www.energyreinvented.com
To see GOOGLE's Clean Energy 2030 plan:
http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/15x31uzlqeo5n/1#
A book we have found very good on this subject is "Hot, Flat and Crowded" by Thomas L. Friedman.
According to the Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability, the electric grid delivers electricity from points of generation to consumers, and the electricity delivery network functions via two primary systems: the transmission system and the distribution system.
The transmission system delivers electricity from power plants to distribution substations, while the distribution system delivers electricity from distribution substations to consumers. The grid also encompasses myriads of local area networks that use distributed energy resources to serve local loads and/or to meet specific application requirements for remote power, village or district power, premium power, and critical loads protection. In the U.S. the Federal Smart Grid Task Force was recently established under Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to coordinate smart grid activities across the Federal government.
Grid 2030 vision calls for the construction of a 21st century electric system that connects everyone to abundant, affordable, clean, efficient, and reliable electric power anytime, anywhere. We can achieve this through a smart grid, which would enhance reliability, efficiency, and security, and would also contribute to the climate change strategic goal of reducing carbon emissions. These advancements will be achieved by modernizing the electric grid with information-age technologies, such as microprocessors, communications, anddvanced computing and informaiton technologies.
See the links below for more information.
Energy Information Administration
SMART ENERGY GRID:
Renewable Energy:
Southern Energy Efficiency Center
reegle - the Information Gateway for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Consumer Energy Center information on Renewable Energy
Alternative Fuel Station Locator
Pollution Prevention Assistance Division
Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority
To keep up with what the US government is doing you can visit Whitehouse.gov
Energy Saving Products and Appliances:
Energy Star www.energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.Solutions Network Inc. believes businesses benefit financially by continually improving their management of energy resources, and the environment benefits from reduced levels of related pollution. We are proud to offer services and products that may assist businesses who have committed to the goals of ENERGY STAR.
Smart controling of your appliances can also save energy.
Another way to save energy is by using more efficient lighting.
Energy Star Lighting
MAG-LEV
http://science.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train3.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev_(transport)
http://american-maglev.com/index.php
HYDROGEN:
Hydrogen fuel is one of the most compelling innovations of the 21st century, with countless possible future applications. We are starting to see hydrogen powered fuel cells used in mainstream technology.
See the links below for more information.
http://www.energyreinvented.com
http://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/
http://www.hydrogenhighway.ca.gov/
SOLAR:
Solar energy is becoming more and more popular and worldwide demand is growing as it is better for the environment than traditional forms of energy. In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is used by the entire population in one year.
BIOFUELS:
Biofuels are produced from living organisms or from metabolic by-products (organic or food waste products). In order to be considered a biofuel the fuel must contain over 80 percent renewable materials. See the links below for more information.
Consumer Energy Center information on biofuel
WIND:
Wind ennergy, in reality is a converted form of solar energy. The sun's radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates-most notably during the day and night, but also when different surfaces (ie. water and land) absorb or reflect at different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth's surface, and cooler air is drawn down in to replace it. The result is wind. Air has mass, and when it is in motion, it contains the energy of the motion ("kinetic energy"). Some portion of that energy can be converted into other forms of mechanical force or electricity that we can use.
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
Compressed Natural Gals (CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline, diesel, or propane fuel. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentaly clean alternative to those fuels, and is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill. In response to high fuel prices, environmental concerns and national security concerns, CNG is starting to be used more in trucks, transit and school buses and trains.
Consumer Energy Center information on CNG
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
NUCLEAR:
Nuclear power is produced from controlled nuclear reactions. Commercial plants is use to date use nuclear fission reactions. Electric utility reactors heat water to produce steam, which is then used to generate electricity. See the links below for more information.
U.S. Department of Energy-Nuclear Energy
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Electric Vehicle:
Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor(s) powered by rechargeable battery packs. Electric motors have several advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs) such as being more energy efficient and environmentally friendly thus reducing energy dependence. See the links below for more information.
Consumer Energy Center information on Electric Vehicles
High Speed Rail:
High-speed rail is a type of passenger rail transport that operates significantly faster than the normal speed of rail traffic. While it is usually designed for passenger travel, some high-speed systems are also being used to carry various kinds of freight such as postal. See the link below for more information.
http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/gallery.aspx
Batteries:
Batteries play a significant part in being able to use other types of energy making it possible to store it.
For more organizations and links please visit our other pages for more specifically associated resources.
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