Writing project Part 2 - Essay Example

Introduction This purpose of this paper is to support energy efficiency in the fight against global warming and green gasemissions even as the U.S and other developed democracies lean to renewable energy. It singles out energy efficiency cost-effective initiatives which remain neglected for other more costly renewable energy alternatives that up to now enjoy hefty funding through resource allocations, subsidies and tax rebates from the U.S government. It therefore seeks to justify the need through policy formulation, funding through research and development and technical initiatives to realize energy efficiency. Annotated bibliography Patridge, Robert B. Energy Efficiency: Challenges and Trends for Electric Utilities. S.l.: Diane Pub Co, 2003. http://www.asu.edu/title/energy-efficiency-challenges-and-trends-for-electric-utilities/oclc/795292357 Patridge defines energy efficiency as any positive measures taken to reduce energy consumption. He further states that this involves the deliberate substitute of more energy efficient equipments to produce the same amount of energy with less electricity and changing consumer behavior to cut energy use. He is of the view that energy efficiency is achieved through replacing, upgrading or maintaining existing equipment to reduce the amount of energy needs in lighting, heating, cooling, propelling machines and transportation. I am of the opinion that energy efficiency therefore contributes greater energy productivity and economic efficiency as opposed to renewable energy alternatives. Patridge further states that the U.S government through direct initiatives of energy efficient technologies; instituting tough energy efficient standards for buildings and equipment; and support through funding for energy efficient research, development and sustainable technology transfer. He further notes with concern The Energy Policy Act of 1992 under the national energy policy goals. The strategic goals set at achieving energy efficiency by 2030 at 30%, expanding use of renewable energy resources by 75% ; and pledged to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Looking at these projections, it is clear that more work and resources are directed to renewable energy and less emphasis given to energy efficiency which is the basis of this paper. The Wall Street Journal, Before Adding Try Reducing by Sari Krieger. 2012. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970203771904574179270925771280 The U.S. government continues to offer a lot of subsidies and tax incentives to expand renewable energy instead of committing funds to energy efficiency and subsidize conservation. Susan Krieger a reporter for Dow Jones Clean Technology Insights in New York notes that billions of funds are pledged in support of renewable energy instead of encouraging the use of less energy in industrial production and domestic use. Those in favor of energy conservation argue that we need more subsidies and tax incentives on insulation, light emitting diodes (LED) in building and industrial systems which in the long-run result to less waste of energy in cooling, heating and lighting. Natalie Mims an energy consultant at Rocky Mountain Institute, Snowmans, Colo says that renewable energy often costs more, take longer to recoup on investment compared to energy efficiency measures which tend to receive less subsidies, tax incentives and funding particularly in research and development. From my point of view I think that newer energy conservation technology may be cost effective even with a high initial cost but are also yet to be embraced by the wider public due to unavailable information. The Natural Resources Defense Council. Renewable Energy For America, Harvesting the Benefits of Home-grown Renewable Energy. 2013. http://www.nrdc.org/energy/ According to a recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) of America, developing clean renewable energy sources has not only the potential to add to our power supply but also enhance sustainability and environmental protection. Renewable energy provide clean energy and further works to reduce and address global warming, revive our economy and create jobs. I concur and support this line of reasoning considering wind energy that is readily available, affordable, efficient and an abundant source of domestic electricity to more than 11 million American home-owners. It is also a steady form of income for investors and landowners providing thousands of jobs for workers in manufacturing, construction and many other sectors of the economy. It is also worth to mention that it is free from pollution and competitive in terms of costs compared to coal and gas used in many power plants in the American economy. From previous classes am enlightened to the fact that renewable energy sources like wind and solar are thus critical and powerful energy alternatives that will help curb global warming emissions, build a clean energy future as well as ensure a sustainable environment and secure energy. The Alliance to save Energy Policy Summary on Energy Efficiency and conservation, 2009. http://www.asu.edu/resources/energy-conservation-vs-energy-efficiency-whats-difference. This articles carries on the for energy efficiency as a key and valuable resource that creates a win-win solution with multiple effects. From a practical perspective, energy conservation and efficiency through advances in technology means better quality energy services, deriving the most of production from every unit of energy and eliminating energy waste. It is getting the desired energy, services, comfortable homes, profitable businesses, convenient transportation with less energy use, less air pollution and lower production costs for the industrial economy. This I believe in effect it saves consumers and businesses money, drives innovation and productivity, supports a cleaner environment and reduces our dependence on imported oil and energy security. Energy efficiency is therefore the least cost and most sustainable energy resource we have to deliver to policy makers, business and home-owners throughout the country. Pakeng, 2013. A Pragmatic Approach to Transactive Energy and the Smart Grid Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) http:/asu.edu/research/alternativeenergy.com.pk/environment/a-pragmatic-approach-to-transactive-energy-and-the-smart-grid-interstate-renewable-energy-council-irec/ Pakeng in this article differs on energy efficiency perspective and focuses on solar and other renewable energy sources interconnections as the way forward and using such innovation that enables clean energy at the distribution grid level. It utilizes distributed energy resources to tap into storable winds and other forms of energy to connect to the distribution grid. This technology is in use in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland; other related studies and researches are on-going in California. According to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) this utility has enjoyed explosive growth with capacity having jumped 4000% from 2005 to 2012. This scenario attests to the fact that energy regulators and legislators are pledging funds and immense resources to renewable generation projects abandoning the cheaper energy efficiency alternatives. The author points at energy efficiency initiatives as applied by Chevron through Chevron Energy Solutions in the efficient use of energy and even using renewable energy sources such as solar and biomass to generate power. The company recognizes that it takes significant amounts of energy to convert raw material inputs from ground to the market in form of finished products. With this in mind, Chevron has primarily and progressively made efficient use of energy across all its operations in oil, gas, coal and electricity. This has been possible by application, design and installation of high-efficiency equipment upgrades that provide energy and operational savings. Such savings are then ploughed back to cover the cost of improvements in energy efficient practices to the benefit of customers and environment. For Chevron, energy efficiency provides the easiest, cheapest and most reliable source of new energy available in the globe. In my view production becomes more cost-effective for both the company and customers benefit from fair prices; and also works o reduce the impact on the environment including greenhouse gas emissions and air emissions. Taylor, Robert P. Financing Energy Efficiency: Lessons from Brazil, China, India, and Beyond. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2008. http://www.asu/research/title/financing-energy-efficiency-lessons-from-brazil-china-india-and-beyond/oclc/173502727 The author recognizes the immense benefits and savings of energy efficient practices and the need for funding through technical improvements for the U.S economy. The government is now coming up with strong , organized initiatives targeting various sectors and regions with only an indirect influence at fostering an enabling environment. It is therefore yet to make a policy statement, foster technological development, provide relevant and real fiscal incentives on energy efficiency. Actual investments are expected to extend from energy firms who may experience technical and financial constraints and energy efficiency lending in the banking sector has not yielded much. New initiatives in respect to lending for such courses are therefore important. The World Bank has launched a large and massive line of credit to banks aimed at the development of new commercial efficient lending programs. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is also directing funds for similar projects including a partial risk guarantee for energy efficiency lending. There are other bilateral organizations that undertaking the same but smaller projects. In line with these schemes, it is my opinion that even participating banks may need to refine, standardize loan application procedures and more importantly minimize transaction costs that inhibit investors to shy away from taking up these loans. Such operations are relatively costly and time-consuming to develop and implement but in the long-range come with high financial returns per unit of public investment, energy security benefits, meeting the challenge of energy development and climate change. Newman, Julie. Green Education: An A-to-Z Guide. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2011. http://www.asu.edu/research title/green-education-an-a-to-z-guide/oclc/704243762 Newman gives account on the case of U.K. government which is particularly relevant in the area of government funding and regulating energy efficiency. In the U.K, The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) is a formal scheme undertaken by the government to support businesses save energy and improve on energy efficiency. The scheme provides up-front tax relief of any spending on designated energy saving technologies providing a cash flow boost in tax savings. The Carbon Trust Company is another plan in form of interest free loan arrangements that target smaller businesses that invest to the prescribed energy saving technologies. This trust is funded from climate change levy revenues which are directed into the loan scheme. Other practical approaches have been through the financing of innovative energy-based school projects such as the one in Leicester; and also regulation of energy pricing arrangements which create a perverse incentive to consume more energy based on the model lifeline tariff, where any excess use of electricity attracts a higher tariff. Such pro-active efforts using levies and channeling them to energy consumers by the government in my view responds well to energy efficiency. Newman looks at the U.S government and how it is implementing green initiatives in state-funded buildings, colleges and schools. It is now legislation that all state-funded buildings are designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in every state in the U.S. He points that all new renovations must also meet specific sustainability guidelines and practices. He also notes with encouragement that American colleges and universities have taken a lead by combining sustainability in the education curriculum and have worked to sustainable building practices. Case examples being the Pennyslavania Dickson College built 2 structures that received the LEED Gold certification. However such laws are dependent on specific laws and government commitment to sustainability. Another example is the state of Maryland where legislature committed itself to pay half of the extra costs entailed in meeting green standard certifications in public schools. In my view such practical and positive pieces of legislation go a long way in cushioning costs as well providing incentives to players in energy efficiency as well as respond to national interests and security. Ted Talk 2013 Show. How about creating a National Energy Policy. http://www.tedtalks/2013/02/26/how-about-creating-a-national-energy-policy-jennifer-granholm-at-ted2013/ For Ted, harnessing energy through innovation has been a big theme in 2013 as witnessed in the talent search presentations. The former governor of Michigan, Granholm challenges states to take up President Obama’s challenge over calls for an 80% clean energy by 2030. She explains that every region works on renewable energy sources at their disposal to foster innovation. Similar initiatives were echoed by Labai, CEO of Saphon in Tunisia who proposes a zero-blade system using a sailboat design to produce storable, cheap, and clean wind energy. MIT researcher, Otto recommends the use of mirrors and sensors to generate and store electricity for the future. Josiah Omotto at Umande Trust in Nairobi urges agencies working with communities in informal settlements to build bio-centres that harvest human waste and convert it into usable electricity. In my view the initiatives above should all be applauded and exploited towards energy efficiency. The Call for Innovative and Open Government: An Overview of Country Initiatives. Paris: OECD, 2011. http://www.asu/edu/research/title/call-for-innovative-and-open-government-an-overview-of-country-initiatives/oclc/709816324 The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) continues attest to the fact that the Federal government needs to take lead by demonstrating the cost and performance of a range of efficient technologies in its own facilities and operations; cut down on federal spending through energy efficiency savings ; and reducing the environmental, health and security costs of energy use. The author confirms that funding through financial commitments to energy efficiency remains a challenge and requires higher priority in form of adequate funding and staffing. In my view another alternative is for private sector financing in form of utility rebates and shared energy saving contracts that can be used to supplement direct federal investments. Additional incentives may also include allowing agencies to keep some or all the proceeds from energy efficiency rebates for either other program activities or in furtherance of additional energy efficiency measure. The report also states the need for government technical support through establishment of several regional model or demonstration energy efficiency centers. Existing systems can be maintained and modified to enhance operational and energy efficiency. Energy Efficiency Policy Recommendations, 2011 http://www.asu.lib/iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/25recom_ This article affirms that government plays a crucial role in setting a cost-effective policy framework, drives and stimulates investment into energy efficient courses. It further states that as it implements energy efficient strategies, government should also monitor through enforcement; evaluate those strategies to identify gaps and challenges towards achieving target. The article above all recommends that increasing energy efficiency remains the quickest, easiest and least costly way of addressing energy security, environmental and economic challenges. In conclusion the U.S. government should consider the experiences and analyze what other countries and leading international authority organizations are achieving in terms of energy efficiency as well as watch out for new and emerging technologies in this important field. In my view it is important that government strengthens and enforces minimum energy performance standards for appliances, lighting, heating and cooling equipments, propeller machines and building structures. Energy efficiency still remains a more viable energy alternative unlike renewable energy. Read More