Knowledge System

Energy Use & Sources

Energy is generally defined as the ability to do work.

I. ACTIVITIES & CONDITIONS

A. Energy Uses

1. Direct use (fuel wood, direct heat, steam & related)
2. Production of electricity 
3. Internal combustion
4. Distribution of transportation

II. SUSTAINABILITY PROBLEMS

A. Depletion of Non-renewable Resources

1. Proven and estimated global reserves

B. Pollution

1. Air
2. Wastes
3. Ecological/Ecosystem 

III. SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

A. Alternative Production Technologies

1. Co-generation, improved efficiency in generation
2. Improved location and extraction of resources
3. Generation of choice - natural gas, clean coal tech
4. Biomass
5. Alternative fuels for vehicles, hybrid, electric

B. Efficient Use

1. Energy efficiency
2. DSM

C. Pollution Control

1. Pre-combustion
2. Post-combustion

D. Renewable Non-Polluting Resources

1. Solar
2. Wind
3. Geothermal
4. Hydro
5. Tidal
6. Fuel cells
7. Hydrogen

IV. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, & REGULATORY SOLUTIONS

A. Market Based Policies

1. Market driven changes in end-use
2. Culturally driven changes in end-use

B. Direct Regulatory Control

1. Command & control (CAA, CAAA, EPACT)
2. Government programs (DSM, LIHEAP, effstandards, CAFE)

C. Government R&D

1. Tax credits for renewables (PURPA)
2. Technology transfer