 Each day we rely on electricity-gobbling gadgets that didn’t exist years ago.  Americans are devouring much more energy than ever.  We need about 10% more electricity every 5 years.  Electricity use and the economy grow together  We NEED new power plants  What type?

BASELOAD PEAKING

 Advantages: ◦ Easy to use and transport ◦ Emissions less than coal ◦ Mature Technology  Disadvantages: ◦ High fuel cost ◦ Creates environmental pollution (Sox, Nox, CO 2, CO) ◦ Imports create dependence on foreign suppliers. ◦ Politically unstable fuel supply ◦ Possibly financing terrorist actions

 Advantages: ◦ Low generating costs, but cost of “clean coal” is making it too high to use (scrubbers, sequestration, carbon tax) ◦ Plentiful supplies in U.S. ◦ Can run around the clock.  Disadvantages: ◦ Creates air pollution (Sox, Nox, CO 2, Hg) ◦ Produces ash that must be disposed of (solid waste) ◦ Substantial mining impacts

 Advantages: ◦ No pollution ◦ Low operating costs ◦ Renewable Resource ◦ Mature Technology ◦ High capacity (seasonal)  Disadvantages: ◦ Large land use ◦ Can require modification or destruction of ecosystems ◦ Limited available locations ◦ Large construction times & capital costs ◦ Weather & seasonal dependent

 Advantages: ◦ Does not produce air or water pollution ◦ Low generating costs (cheap to operate & cheap fuel) ◦ Can run around the clock (great for baseload) ◦ Very small amounts of contained “waste” ◦ U supply is abundant and exists in politically stable nations. ◦ Mature technology  Disadvantages: ◦ High capital costs (~$10 billion) ◦ Public Perception ◦ Long construction times ◦ Produces radioactive waste requiring carefully controlled disposal

 Advantages: ◦ Lower emissions than coal ◦ Short construction time ◦ Very reliable Mature Technology ◦ Inexpensive (prices are very low now- shale gas)  Disadvantages ◦ Supply and price can fluctuate ◦ Produces air pollution, though less than some other sources ◦ Natural gas is a valuable resource for other applications

 Advantages: ◦ Inexhaustible free fuel supply ◦ Renewable & no emissions ◦ Can be cost – effective way to heat individual buildings  Disadvantages: ◦ Large-scale projects require much land ◦ High capital & maintenance costs. Requires expensive photovoltaic cells ◦ Large land use. Too small-scale for urban areas. ◦ Intermittent availability ◦ Limited suitable locations ◦ Low efficiency ◦ Low capacity ◦ Toxic waste in the manufacture and disposal

 Advantages: ◦ Inexhaustible & free fuel supply ◦ No pollution  Disadvantages: ◦ High capital & infrastructure cost ◦ High land use & Limited suitable locations ◦ Public opposition ◦ Low capacity factors ◦ Migratory bird impact ◦ Wind doesn’t always blow when electricity demands are high ◦ Requires backup power supplies when wind isn’t blowing

 Advantages: ◦ Almost a renewable resource ◦ Reliable ◦ High capacity factors ◦ Low operating costs ◦ Very low emissions  Disadvantages: ◦ Moderate capital costs ◦ Can impact seismic activity in the area ◦ Needs to be carefully managed not to exhaust source ◦ Limited suitable locations.

 Advantages: ◦ Carbon neutral ◦ ? Economics ◦ Fuel can be domestically produced to an extent  Disadvantages: ◦ Potential high cost for food crops ◦ Large land use ◦ Limited by production of crops and competition with food supply