Is Natural Gas A Renewable Energy Source – To increase the use of renewable energy, we need new methods of storage and transport, efficient production and prices that cover the hidden cost of electricity.
Electricity is produced from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. In 2018, the US got about 17% of its electricity from renewable sources. Instead, the country got 35% of its electricity from natural gas, as it is the cheapest source of energy in many areas.
Is Natural Gas A Renewable Energy Source
) instead of burning more coal. But natural gas produces more pollution than renewable sources. Some natural gas leaks into the atmosphere from wells, storage tanks, pipelines and production facilities, even as the oil and natural gas industry tries to stop it. In 2017, the US Environmental Protection Agency estimated that such leaks are responsible for a third of US emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. About 4% of all US greenhouse gas emissions come from this fall. This makes natural gas a major contributor to climate change.
Why Is Renewable Energy Important?
Electric power generation facilities in the United States in 2018. (Items do not add to 100% due to independent rounding.) Credit
Renewable energy has grown exponentially. For example, the amount of energy produced by solar power increased by more than 100% from 2014 to 2018, although it is still a small part of the electricity generation pie. At the same time, wind power increased by 46%.
Another thing is money. Some forms of renewable energy, such as wind power and utility-scale solar power, are already cheaper than natural gas in some areas. But price comparisons vary by country. Technological advances can lower the cost of renewables by helping them produce more electricity. For example, a joint research project is working to combine two different types of solar technology into a single technology that can produce energy at a lower cost than either technology.
Adjusting electricity prices to more accurately reflect their costs. Currently, utility prices and energy bills do not reflect the costs that energy sources impose on human health and the environment. For example, they do not cover the cost of respiratory diseases caused by air pollution or the contribution of energy sources to climate change.
Non Renewable Energy
Because these “hidden” costs are not reflected in energy prices, businesses and consumers may not know the full range of their options. If market prices change to reflect these hidden costs—for example, if lawmakers impose pollution taxes or issue pollution permits that power plants can buy and sell—the price of natural gas and coal will rise. The cost of other renewable energies, such as biomass and geothermal, will also increase, but to a lesser extent. Overall, the price differential will narrow and reduce the incentives to choose fossil fuels.
It’s hard, but it can be done. For example, a 2010 report by the National Research Council analyzed a sample of 498 natural gas-fired power plants that accounted for 71% of gas-fired electricity in the United States. In 2005, a panel of reports estimated that these plants generated about $740 million in human health and environmental costs.
The estimate does not include climate change damage – the economic costs caused by temperature changes and sea level rise. However, it is difficult to attach an exact dollar figure to these hidden costs because they will be out for a long time and their size is still uncertain.
Private money shows failure in energy markets. When a market failure occurs, there may be an opportunity for the government to intervene through legislation, taxation or trade sanctions to release hidden capital. Thus, companies and consumers can think for themselves when making decisions.
Renewable Energy Sources Can Take Up To 1000 Times More Space Than Fossil Fuels
Of course, tax laws and regulations also affect the use of energy sources, especially wind and solar. The central government currently provides tax incentives for investment and production in many renewable energy sources. And some countries require the use of renewable sources. For example, 29 countries have adopted measures that require a certain amount of electricity consumed in the state to come from renewable or zero-carbon sources.
Improved accessibility. While natural gas can generate electricity on demand, electricity generation from wind and solar varies with the weather and the time of day. This presents a problem because people still need electricity on calm or cloudy days and at night. We need energy storage that can store wind or solar energy for later use. Other storage technologies are available – pumped storage, which uses energy to pump water into a hydroelectric reservoir and then pumps the water through a turbine when electricity is needed. New battery technologies are also beginning to be used. Shifting excess electricity from renewable sources to alternative fuels such as hydrogen is another conservation option.
Yes. In the United States, many places where solar and wind are distributed are far from the big cities that need the electricity. Transporting renewable energy from the places where it is produced to the places where it is used is a big problem.
Providing more electricity – and doing it right – will be key to overcoming this barrier and helping renewables find greater use. New technologies such as high-voltage direct current and the use of superconducting materials are improving transmission efficiency. However, policy issues and the siting of new transmission lines remain an obstacle for many new transportation projects.
Oil Companies Are Collapsing Due To Coronavirus, But Wind And Solar Energy Keep Growing
Of course, the integration of “smart grid” technologies into the power grid will make its overall operation more flexible and efficient. This allows for greater use of renewable sources. For example, smart meters can integrate demand-based energy pricing for electricity, allowing utilities to better predict electricity demand and production. Smart grid technology includes monitors and controls that help better manage energy sources and storage technologies. This month, we aim to add 5,000 new people to our community of readers who support our commitment to freedom. With a cash donation at the end of the month. Will you help us reach our goal by donating today? x
Across the country, many cities and states have passed laws or ordinances targeting 100 percent carbon-free electricity — most recently 20 communities in Utah and Virginia.
But is it possible to run today’s economy with a carbon-free grid? So what are the best strategies and techniques to get there?
These questions have been a source of heated debate for years, but have moved closer to mainstream political conversation since the introduction of the Green New Deal. (For a brief introduction to the terms and actors involved in the Clean Energy 100 debate, see here and here.)
How Does Your State Make Electricity?
There is now a growing list of places facing tighter emissions targets in the coming years and urgently needing solutions. Let’s discuss California’s most notable rule and the new technology that will help it reach its 100 percent goal.
First, let’s look at the problem that can be solved: the problem that comes with electricity that usually runs on renewable energy.
The main problem is diversity. While fossil fuel power generation can be scaled up or down to meet demand (which translates to “dispatchable”), large sources of power generation—solar, wind, and water (hydropower)—cannot. They come and go in the order of nature. The sun sets every evening and on cloudy days. Wind and precipitation vary from day to day and from season to season. All three show long-term differences over years and even decades.
To a certain extent, sun, wind and water balance each other; When it’s not sunny, it’s often windy. With good transmission infrastructure, renewables can provide as much as 60 percent, perhaps 80 percent of U.S. electricity.
Eid Infographic: Harmony Between Renewables & Natural Gas
But what? Coal plants emit carbon, so they cannot be part of a clean grid. Nuclear plants are not good at filling the gap – they are big, slow and expensive to get up and down. (Though nuclear proponents claim they are better than they are given credit for.)
In practice, many places in the US (such as California) have high penetration of renewable energy and fill the gaps with natural gas plants, which are smaller and faster than coal or nuclear plants. But natural gas is a fossil fuel, and unless its production is captured and buried, it cannot be part of a net-zero carbon grid.
Is there a carbon free way to fill the holes? This is where the controversy comes in. Some renewable energy advocates argue that the gaps can be filled by energy storage, which currently means mainly batteries. But getting to 100 means paying for the expected decline over seasons or even decades in renewables, which means more batteries. Others, who do not have cheap energy storage, can store more energy for a longer period of time, making it cheaper.
Some believe this means 100% clean electricity is impossible. Some use this to argue that smaller nuclear power plants are needed. Some argue that coal or natural gas plants should go online, with emissions captured and buried, or biomass power generation.
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Natural Gas
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Author by : United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2010
Publisher by :
ISBN :
Description : ...
The Future Of Energy
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Author by : Brian F. Towler
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2014-05-31
Publisher by : Academic Press
ISBN :
Description : Using the principle that extracting energy from the environment always involves some type of impact on the environment, The Future of Energy discusses the sources, technologies, and tradeoffs involved in meeting the world's energy needs. A historical, scientific, and technical background set the stage for discussions on a wide range of energy sources, including conventional fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, as well as emerging renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and biofuels. Readers will learn that there are no truly "green" energy sources—all energy usage involves some tradeoffs—and will understand these tradeoffs and other issues involved in using each energy source. Each potential energy source includes discussions of tradeoffs in economics, environmental, and policy implications Examples and cases of implementing each technology are included throughout the book Technical discussions are supported with equations, graphs, and tables Includes discussions of carbon capture and sequestration as emerging technologies to manage carbon dioxide emissions...
Renewable And Novel Energy Sources
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Author by : S. L. Sah
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 1995
Publisher by : M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd.
ISBN :
Description : The book covers all the renewable energy sources, like solar, tidal, wind, biomass, geothermal, and new sources, like hydrogen, cold fusion, space generator, alcohol. It also deals with energy conservation, energy planning and management and future energy options....
Renewable Energy And Wildlife Conservation
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Author by : Christopher E. Moorman
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2019-09-10
Publisher by : JHU Press
ISBN :
Description : Brings together disparate conversations about wildlife conservation and renewable energy, suggesting ways these two critical fields can work hand in hand. Renewable energy is often termed simply "green energy," but its effects on wildlife and other forms of biodiversity can be quite complex. While capturing renewable resources like wind, solar, and energy from biomass can require more land than fossil fuel production, potentially displacing wildlife habitat, renewable energy infrastructure can also create habitat and promote species health when thoughtfully implemented. The authors of Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation argue that in order to achieve a balanced plan for addressing these two crucially important sustainability issues, our actions at the nexus of these fields must be directed by current scientific information related to the ecological effects of renewable energy production. Synthesizing an extensive, rapidly growing base of research and insights from practitioners into a single, comprehensive resource, contributors to this volume • describe processes to generate renewable energy, focusing on the Big Four renewables—wind, bioenergy, solar energy, and hydroelectric power • review the documented effects of renewable energy production on wildlife and wildlife habitats • consider current and future policy directives, suggesting ways industrial-scale renewables production can be developed to minimize harm to wildlife populations • explain recent advances in renewable power technologies • identify urgent research needs at the intersection of renewables and wildlife conservation Relevant to policy makers and industry professionals—many of whom believe renewables are the best path forward as the world seeks to meet its expanding energy needs—and wildlife conservationists—many of whom are alarmed at the rate of renewables-related habitat conversion—this detailed book culminates with a chapter underscoring emerging opportunities in renewable energy ecology. Contributors: Edward B. Arnett, Brian B. Boroski, Regan Dohm, David Drake, Sarah R. Fritts, Rachel Greene, Steven M. Grodsky, Amanda M. Hale, Cris D. Hein, Rebecca R. Hernandez, Jessica A. Homyack, Henriette I. Jager, Nicole M. Korfanta, James A. Martin, Christopher E. Moorman, Clint Otto, Christine A. Ribic, Susan P. Rupp, Jake Verschuyl, Lindsay M. Wickman, T. Bently Wigley, Victoria H. Zero...
The Grand Energy Transition
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Author by : Robert A. Hefner, III
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2009-08-20
Publisher by : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN :
Description : A groundbreaking book on solving our growing energy problems In this visionary book, leading energy industry executive Robert Hefner puts forth a convincing case about how the world can move beyond its current dependence on oil and toward a new era of clean, renewable energy. Written with the knowledge and authority of a major player in this industry, Hefner relates how misguided government policies and vested industry interests have contributed to our current energy problems and proposes a variety of measures that could encourage the use of natural gas, solar, wind, and hydrogen. Convincingly makes the case that natural gas is the essential bridge fuel to a new era of clean, renewable energy sources Details how natural gas can help break our oil and coal dependency Offers a sweeping, historic picture of the world energy situation Presents a compelling and provocative case that natural gas is key to our short-term energy problems A well-written and engaging book that mixes personal anecdotes and experiences with insightful analysis, The Grand Energy Transition is a powerful argument about how we can best solve our toughest energy problems....
21st Century U S Energy Sources
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Author by : Michael Ratner Et Al
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2018-12-04
Publisher by : Independently Published
ISBN :
Description : Since the start of the 21st century, the U.S. energy system has seen tremendous changes. Technological advances in energy production have driven changes in energy consumption, and the United States has moved from being a growing net importer of most forms of energy to a declining importer-and possibly a net exporter in the near future. The United States remains the second largest producer and consumer of energy in the world, behind China. The U.S. oil and natural gas industry has gone through a "renaissance" of production. Technological improvements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have unlocked enormous oil and natural gas resources from unconventional formations, such as shale. Oil has surpassed levels of production not seen since the 1970s. Natural gas has set new production records almost every year since 2000. In conjunction with the rise in oil and natural gas production, U.S. production of natural gas liquids has also increased. The rise in production of these fuel sources has also corresponded with increased consumption and exports of each. The rise in U.S. oil and natural gas production has taken place mostly onshore and on nonfederal lands. Crude oil production from nonfederal land has doubled over the past decade. While production on federal land has increased, it has not grown as fast as oil production on nonfederal land, causing the federal land share of total U.S. crude oil production to fall from its peak of nearly 36% in 2009 to about 24% in 2017. U.S. natural gas production shifted even more dramatically, with total U.S. dry production growing 33% since 2008, while gross withdrawals on federal lands declined by almost 32% over the same time period. The federal land share of total gross withdrawals decreased from 25% in 2008 to 13% in 2017. The electric power industry is transforming. Growth in demand for electricity has essentially been flat for many years, and the amount of new power generation capacity needed has declined each year in many parts of the country. The projections for future demand growth in most regions of the United States are declining. Natural gas edged out coal to become the primary electric generation fuel in 2016 and the growth in wind and solar energy has shown little sign of abating. The electricity infrastructure of the United States is aging. Uncertainty exists about how to modernize the grid and what technologies and fuels will be used to produce electricity in the future. Unresolved questions about transmission and reliability of the grid are arising due to potential cybersecurity threats and continuing interest in renewable energy and other low carbon sources of electricity. Concerns about reliability and electricity prices are complicated by environmental regulations, the intermittent nature of wind and solar power, and the rising availability of natural gas for electric power production. Renewables production and consumption have increased since 2000. As a source of total primary energy, renewable energy increased 80% between 2000 and 2017. Unlike some other energy commodities (e.g., crude oil), renewable energy is available in a variety of distinct forms that use different conversion technologies to produce usable energy products (e.g., electricity, heat, and liquid fuels). Therefore, it is important to distinguish between renewable fuel sources and uses. The United States has the largest coal resources in the world. Coal is used primarily for electricity generation. Although its prices have stayed low, coal has faced increasing competition from natural gas and renewables. U.S. coal consumption peaked in 2007 and has since declined by 39%. Coal currently supplies approximately 30% of electricity generation. Nuclear-generated electricity output has stayed flat during the same time period, and faces significant challenges as a future source of electric power generation....
The Growing Natural Gas Supply And Demand Imbalance
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Author by : United States. Congress. House. Committee on Resources. Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2003
Publisher by :
ISBN :
Description : ...
