Global Energy Challenges: The Promise of Renewables

1. Global Energy Challenges: The Promise of Renewables Dr. Dan E. Arvizu Laboratory Director July 2008 NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy operated by Midwest Research Institute • Battelle

2. Energy is nearly as critical to survival as water and food, and, in fact, helps deliver these essentials. Electricity and fuels are fundamental to commerce, health, education, culture and recreation We are at a crucial point in how we make and use energy. Global Energy Challenges Source: NOAA National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

3. All energy on the Earth originates from the Sun. The Sun provides more energy to the Earth in one hour than all of the energy consumed by humans in an entire year (National Academy of Sciences). Power of the Sun Source: NOAA National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

4. Excellent solar potential shown in dark red, with areas of less potential in lighter colors Displays a 12-month cycle In the U.S., the Southwest has the highest solar resource. But even orange and yellow areas have solar potential Global Solar Resources Source: NASA SSE v.6/NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

5. Dark colors show highest wind resources. Includes wind resources 50 nautical miles off coastlines. In the U.S., the Great Plains contains the highest wind energy potential Global Wind Resources Source: PNL 1981 & 1987/NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

6. Actual and projected population growth 1950 to 2050. Each dot represents 1 million people. In 2001, the world population was approximately 6.1 billion. By 2050, the world population is projected to be 9.4 billion people. Modernization in countries like China and India driving up energy demand. Population Growth 1950-2050 Source: United Nations/NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

7. World energy demand at record level and consumption is projected to increase by 50% from 2005 to 2030 The U.S. consumes approximately 100 Quads (quadrillion Btu) of energy per year, 25% of the world’s total. Non-OECD countries’ energy consumption (and CO2 emissions) projected to soon outpace OECD countries, principally driven by growth in China and India. World Energy Consumption per Capita Source: IEA/UN/NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

8. Energy intensity describes energy use per dollar of economic activity. Darker colors indicating higher energy intensity. Energy Intensity = Energy/GDP. The U.S. is energy efficient relative to our GDP. This is a function of both efficient energy use and the growth of a service-based economy over heavy industry. Russia’s energy/GDP is high due to economic decline and heavy industry. Energy Consumption per GDP Source: EIA National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

9. Current energy mix for selected countries for fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy. Chart sizes proportional to each country’s energy consumption Most nations consume more fossil energy Global population increases and use of fossil fuels is linked In next 20 years, use of coal and natural gas to generate electricity will increase more than other sources Increasing reliance on fossil fuels results in higher energy prices, increased security risks, and higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. (National Science Board [NSB], 2008) Global Energy Mix Source: EIA/NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

10. Oil importers in red and exporters in green. The global oil economy trades petroleum products over great distances The map also shows locations of security risks like the Suez and Panama canals where energy flows could be blocked. Major Oil Producers and Consumers Source: BP Annual Statistical Review of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

11. There is a strong relationship between standard of living and access to energy This map shows the percentage of the population that has access to electricity around the globe. Global Electrification Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2000 National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

12. 2 billion people live without access to modern energy. Providing more clean energy is a key mechanism in reaching the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. Goals include: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Achieve universal primary education Promote gender equality and empower women Reduce child mortality Improve maternal health Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases Ensure environmental sustainability Develop a global partnership for development Energy = Standard of Living Source: NOAA National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

13. Man-made carbon dioxide emissions are almost entirely from fossil-fuel use. (NSB) CO2 emissions projected to rise to to 42.3 billion in 2030—a 51% increase This map shows temperature change caused by greenhouse gas emissions with a business as usual scenario for energy generation and use. Even with immediate efforts, climate change is expected to persist. (NSB) Temperature Change under BAU Source: NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

14. Further increases in global average temperature could Diminish access to water and food Increase disease Increase extreme weather events Disperse populations and cultures with rising sea levels (NSB) Impacts of Temperature Rise Source: NOAA National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

15. This map shows how renewable energy technologies might influence climate change No technological silver bullet A comprehensive approach includes a responsible mix of resources, greater energy efficiency, carbon storage and environmental management Carbon-neutral, renewable energy sources include hydro, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass Temperature Change with Low Carbon National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

16. At the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory or NREL, our scientists and researchers develop innovative technologies to make renewable energy more accessible, affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable every day. NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

17. As the nation’s applied research and development laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency, technology development is our strength and is central to our mission. For more than 30 years, we have been starting with raw materials and knowledge and creating solar cells, wind turbine design, biofuels, and many other energy technologies. Three Decades of Research National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

18. Our R&D capabilities allow us to develop and advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies more effectively through the full R&D life-cycle—from basic scientific research through applied research and engineering, to testing, scale-up, and demonstration. NREL's R&D areas of expertise are: Renewable electricity Renewable fuels Integrated energy system engineering and testing Strategic energy analysis NREL R&D Capabilities National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

19. NREL’s unique facilities and world-renown staff are recognized and valued by industry as demonstrated through hundreds of collaborative research and development projects, licensed technologies, and national and international awards. We provide technical expertise, serving as objective experts who analyze and test prototypes, validate performance, and suggest areas for improvement, while also helping our partners integrate their products into today’s energy infrastructure. NREL Technology Transfer A critical part of the laboratory’s mission is to transfer NREL-developed technologies into the commercial marketplace. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

20. At NREL, we understand that to meet current and future energy needs, change cannot be incremental. The world must transform its current energy system on a global scale. In order to help achieve this transformation, our nation must focus on moving next-generation energy technologies into the marketplace rapidly, and on a scale that has far-reaching impacts. Energy Transformation at NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

21. Business as usual is not only not going to get us to this global transformation, but it also puts our planet and way of life on a precarious path. No More Business as Usual Source: NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

22. To achieve a sustainable global energy future, experts agree that it will require forward-thinking solutions and rapid technology innovation. Data image to come Low Carbon Scenario National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

23. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has a strong track record of providing national and global leadership in developing renewable energy and energy efficiency advances to address energy challenges. Conclusion National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future