The use of current energy supply is unsustainable based on current trends. Socially, Economically, Environmentally and Culturally (SEEC). We need to take immediate action or Greenhouse-gas (GHG) will more than double by 2051. We have to embrace creative finance models to aid in the massive deployment of clean technologies to meet the future energy demand. Investment decisions today will dictate our energy security for future generations.
Clean Technology Investments should include:
District Heating and Cooling (DHC)- connect multiple energy consumers to cost-effective, environmentally optimal heat sources through a piping network. Sources of heat could include combined heat and power plants, biomass or clean coal co-firing, capturing geothermal heat and natural sources of heating and cooling, or recuperating industrial waste heat.
Buildings and Communities- Net Zero energy consumption in new and existing buildings and communities is possible.
Energy Efficient Electrical Equipment- Efficient electric motor systems, mapping and benchmarking, monitoring, verification and enforcement, smart metering infrastructure, solid state lighting and standby power.
Energy Storage- Recuperating waste heat.
Heat Pumping Technologies- Multi-functional heating and cooling.
High Temperature Superconductivity- Incorporating HTS into electrical generators and equipment increases system efficiency, reliability and safety.
Increasing Capacity and Reliability-Integrating "smart grid" technologies such as advanced information, immediate feedback, sensing, communications, control and energy technologies and systems can significantly improve electricity reliability.
Emission Reductions in Combustion- Advanced hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, alternative fuels, internal combustion engine sprays, homogeneous charge compression ignition, nano-particle diagnostics.
Almost three-quarters of the CO2 generation is from the transportation sector. It is imperative we support R&D for engine efficiencies.
Industrial Technologies and Systems- Application of industrial heat pumps, energy efficient drying and dewatering technologies, industrial excess heat recovery, industrial-based bio-refineries and membrane technologies.
Advanced Fuel Cell- Fuel cells use chemical reactions to generate electricity. Fuel cell systems for stationary applications, fuel cells for portable applications, fuel cells for transportation, molten carbonate fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells and system analysis of fuel cells.
Advanced Motor Fuels- Life-cycle, or well to wheel analysis was carried out for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The results show that while burning clean fuels such as methane, ethanol and dimethyl either can provide advantages over diesel in reducing regulated emissions such as particulates or airborne soot.
Advanced Transport Materials- Substituting steel in transport vehicles with lighter alternatives has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 10%. Together with improvements in energy and component efficiencies, a 50% reduction can be achieved in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 2031.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles- Widespread acceptance of battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) will require overcoming several obstacles. Infrastructure investments, charging interoperability and urban planning.
Clean Coal- Burning coal accounts for 46% of total global mercury emissions. Mercury is highly toxic to human health. There are numerous options for mercury control. The highest levels of control are achieved with fabric filters fitter for particulate removal.
Enhanced Oil Recovery- Worldwide, only 30% to 35% of the oil underground will be produced according to present plans and technologies.
Current Studies
Development of gas flooding techniques.
Thermal Recovery.
Fundamental research on surfactants and polymers.
Studies of fluids and interfaces in porous media.
Fusion Materials- Fusion energy has the potential to be a safe, environmentally attractive and inexhaustible source of power. A unique aspect of the fusion is the substantial production of gases that affect the mechanical and physical properties of the materials.
Nuclear Technology and Fusion Reactors- Developing fusion is an extremely difficult scientific and engineering challenge. For fusion to be achieved, we need to understand how to contain-and maintain-hot plasma. The next step will be to learn how to extract the energy from plasma in order to generate electricity. The rewards of fusion include large scale energy generation without greenhouse gases.
Bio-energy- Bio-energies provide sustainable, socio-economic solutions to energy challenges, whether for electricity or transport.
Concentrating Solar Power- Concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies use large, sun tracking mirrors to concentrate sunlight. CSP plants can provide base-load electricity production as well as produce high-temperature heat for industrial processes or to purify or desalinate water.
Geothermal- Electricity generation from high-temperature geothermal heat is the only renewable energy source that can provide continuous, base-load power for many years with no fuel costs and with minimal environmental impact.
Hydrogen- Hydrogen is virtually limitless as it is the most abundant element in the universe. Hydrogen product from nuclear power plants, renewable energy sources, or by splitting water through electrolysis results in a fuel with minimal environmental effects.
Hydro-power- Hydro-power represents 18% of total electricity production worldwide, compared to less than 2% for all other renewable sources combined. It is a proven technology, and it is reliable and efficient, with low operating and maintenance costs.
Photovoltaic-Deploying PV services for regional development, High penetration of PV in electricity grids, Hybrid systems within mini-grids, Large-scale PV power generation systems
Wind- Electricity from land-based wind is cost-competitive, particularly when emissions are factored into conventional fuel prices.
Joshua D. Mosshart
Cleantech Grants
