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Rethinking Energy: Exploring Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future

Dive into the big energy questions and tradeoffs needed to transition from a consumptive society to a sustainable one. Explore the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources and the benefits of decentralized power systems. Discover how you can reduce your electrical use with a home energy audit.

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Rethinking Energy: Exploring Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future

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  1. Asking the big energy questions: • How do we live sustainably on our planet? • What tradeoffs must be considered if our society gets serious about making the transition from a consumptive society to a sustainable society?

  2. A proposition: • We NEED energy. The FORM of energy and the FUELS we use to create convenient energy are a matter of choice. • (Electricity for buildings/Vehicles)

  3. Write with your neighbor! • Fossil Fuels  Sustainable Energy • What tradeoffs must be considered if our society gets serious about making the transition from a consumptive society to a sustainable society?

  4. So what will take the place of fossil fuels?

  5. Every power system has pros and cons

  6. Solar power must be stored for nights and cloudy days

  7. Are we asking the wrong question? Should we be looking for a one-to-one substitution solution?

  8. Distributed power vs centralized power Creating a paradigm shift

  9. Current electricity grid • One major regional power plant, usually coal, natural gas or nuclear supplies area’s needs • Same plan throughout US

  10. Our electric “grid” = power plants connected to consumers

  11. Our electric “grid” = power plants connected to consumers

  12. A new energy concept • Distributed Power = dispersed, small-scale power systems customized to geographic region combine to meet a region’s needs

  13. The mix that works for Houston would be different than the mix for Detroit.

  14. A Smarter grid – (how is it smarter? Compare to centralized)

  15. Smart grid and smart meters • Information allows for smart decision making • Expected connectivity with major appliances

  16. Decentralized power • Advantages • Greater reliance on renewables • Decreased climate change • Protection from centralized power outtages (storms, malfunction, terrorism) • New jobs/new industries • Promote more community • Disadvantages • Change is difficult • Need for new infrastructure which may be costly • Requires more cooperation • Some jobs will be lost • Shift in local economies

  17. Sooooo . . . . . how would YOU put it all together? • Fossil fuels  climate change • Demand for electricity and transportation • Tradeoffs of all energy sources • Growing population and affluence • I=PAT

  18. Home Energy Audit - • Create a plan to reduce your electrical use at home.

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