1 / 10

Bridging the Generation Gap: Sustainable Solutions for Energy and Environment

This study explores the sustainability of energy generation from both economic and environmental perspectives. Conducted at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) during the summer of 2011, the research focuses on the current generation capacity and projects future energy needs over the next 30 years. It reviews various technology choices, including solar, wind, and nuclear, and assesses the corresponding policies needed to implement these technologies effectively. Key insights reveal how the power system is expected to transition, with a notable decline in coal generation by 2030.

yaakov
Télécharger la présentation

Bridging the Generation Gap: Sustainable Solutions for Energy and Environment

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Filling the Generation Gap Sustainably Both From an Economic and Environmental Perspective Michelle Lau ‘12 Environmental Defense Fund, Summer 2011

  2. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) • This summer: • EDF’s NYC Office in the Office of Economic Policy and Analysis • Non-profit, advocacy organization • Focus on environmental issues in areas of climate, oceans, ecosystems, and health • Solutions combine science, economics, and law

  3. Generation Gap Study • Characterize the current generation capacity • Use a model to determine the composition of the power system over the next 30 years • Understand the potential technology choices to fill the gap • Use a model to see how the power system should evolve • Research and determine which policies to pursue to achieve the desired output

  4. Current Capacity and Generation • Capacity vs. Generation

  5. Part I – Characterize Existing Generation Capacity: Base Case • Base Case – Gap appears in 2020 • By 2030, the percentage of coal generation capacity is less than capacity of natural gas generation

  6. Part II – Technology Choices • Biomass • Coal • Geothermal Power • Hydropower • Natural Gas • Nuclear • Solar Power • Storage/Transmission • Wind Power • Technology Background • Technical Potential • Costs and Emissions • Barriers to Implementation

  7. Part III – Policy • Second Capacity Model • EPA Regulations • Industry reports vs. Congressional reports • Still in progress!

  8. Reflections • Worked both independently and as a member of a team • Participated in many intern events • Broadened knowledge about various environmental and energy issues • Gained experience in the non-profit sector • Explored New York City

  9. Thank You! • Gernot Wagner, Economist, Environmental Defense Fund • Pearl Donohoo, Graduate Student, MIT • Environmental Defense Fund • Grand Challenges Internship Program

More Related