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Dollars from Sense The Economic Benefits$ of Renewable Introduction

What is Renewable Energy? The Purpose of This Document enewable energy sources are or decades, proponents of either continuously resupplied renewable energy technologies RRby the or tap inexhaustible FF have focused on their indirect resources, such as . economic benefits, such as the reduced In contrast, fossil Ñ oil, , health and environmental restoration and Ñ form so slowly in costs stemming from their lower comparison to our rate of energy use environmental impact. These argu- that we are essentially finite, ments have been acknowledged as nonrenewable resources and will legitimate, but have had little real eventually exhaust quality supplies. effect on energy resource and policy The use of modern renewable decisions, partly because they are energy technologies produces less difficult to quantify. than burning fossil fuels Ñ This document illustrates the direct especially with respect to net emissions economic benefits, including job of gases. Indigenous renew- creation, of investing in renewable able energy resources also represent a energy technologies. Examples are secure and stable source of energy for drawn from across the nation, showing our country and a potential source of the value of generating from jobs and economic development. indigenous renewable resources in Renewable energy can be used in a several regions. Each of the most variety of ways. This document focuses promising renewable energy technolo- on the use of renewables (except gies is examined in turn, emphasizing ) to generate electricity. the impact that individual projects Renewable transportation fuels and have had on the state and the local Òdirect useÓ applications Ñ such as community. water and space heating with , This document quotes actual employ- solar, or geothermal energy; and the ment numbers at existing facilities. mechanical pumping of water with Where available, total national employ- energy Ñ are not addressed in ment for that sector of the renewables this document. industry is also cited. There are few In some cases, the cost of electricity estimates of the potential for future job produced from renewable sources is creation within any particular sector, approaching the cost of generating due to the difficulty in making accurate from conventional sources, and projections. each renewable is economically feasible in certain applications. Contents

ÒThe fate of people on Earth depends on whether we can employ efficient and renewable . We need to lay big plans for small technologies.Ó — David Freeman, former head of the New York Power Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and the Lower Colorado River Authority, speaking at the World Renewable Energy Congress in June 1996

Importing Energy, Exporting Jobs ...... 2 Electricity From Biomass ...... 4 ...... 8 : Electricity from ...... 12 Solar Thermal Electricity: Power from the Sun’s ...... 16 Geothermal Energy: Power from the Earth ...... 18 For More Information ...... 20 Glossary ...... 21

Dollars from Sense 1 Importing Energy, Exporting Jobs

very year, Americans spend According to the Wisconsin Energy about $1900 per person on Bureau, ÒInvestment in locally avail- The Multiplier Effect: E energy purchases, which is able renewable energy generates more A Little Goes a Long Way E jobs, greater earnings, and higher about 8% of the average personÕs total expenditures on goods and services in output ... than a continued reliance The multiplier effect is sometimes called a given year. Of this amount, approxi- on imported fossil fuels. Economic the ripple effect, because a single expendi- mately 40% goes to pay for electricity. impacts are maximized when an ture in an economy can have repercus- Energy purchases represent a signifi- indigenous resource or technology can sions throughout the entire economy, cant cost to society Ñ nationally and replace an imported at a reason- much like ripples spreading across a locally Ñ and it is important to spend able price and when a large percentage pond. The multiplier is a measure of how energy dollars in a way that strength- of inputs can be purchased in the much additional economic activity is ens the economy rather than deple- state.Ó The Bureau estimates that, gen-erated from an initial expenditure. ting it. overall, renewables create three times In the town of Osage, Iowa, for example, as many jobs as the same level of In many cases, energy dollars leave $1.00 spent on consumer goods in a local spending on fossil fuels. the community, going to regional store generates $1.90 of economic activity For states and municipalities with utilities or suppliers of oil or natural in the local economy. This occurs as the insufficient conventional energy gas. Once those dollars have been dollar is respent; the store pays its reserves, there is a simple trade-off: spent on importing energy into the employees, who purchase more goods, import fossil fuels from out-of-area community or state, they are not all with the same original dollar. available to foster additional economic suppliers, which means exporting activity. Because every dollar spent energy dollars ... or develop indigenous The multiplier effect causes different types on imports is a dollar lost from the renewable resources, which creates of economic benefits as a result of invest- local economy, these energy imports jobs for local workers in the construc- ments in renewable energy technologies: represent a substantial loss to local tion, operation, and maintenance of companies in terms of income and jobs. nonfossil power plants and associated Direct effects — These are on-site jobs The challenge is to meet our insatiable industries. and income created as the result of the appetite for energy while supporting The advantages of renewable energy initial investment; the people who local economic development. investments are becoming increasingly assemble wind turbines at a manufactur- clear, even in areas that have tradition- ing plant, for example. A growing number of state and ally favored fossil fuels. ÒTexas is now Indirect effects — These are additional a net energy importer,Ó said Texas local governments are investigating jobs and economic activity involved in Land Commissioner Garry Mauro, supplying goods and services related to ways to keep their energy dollars at speaking at the dedication of the state's the primary activity; people such as the home Ñ for many, the answer lies first commercial wind-power project banker who provides loans to the plant’s in renewable energy investments. in November 1995. ÒWe can accept our owners, and the workers who supply parts status as a net energy importer ... or we and materials to the turbine assemblers. can face the challenge head on and How Renewable Energy serve as a model to others by embrac- Induced effects — This is employment Investments Help the Economy ing new ideas such as wind power and and other economic activity generated by Ñ ideas that will make the respending of wages earned by those There are two main reasons why Texas the leader in renewable energy directly and indirectly employed in the renewable energy technologies offer an development, energy-efficient building industry; jobs created by the manufactur- economic advantage: (1) they are labor- techniques, job creation, and environ- ing plant workers spending their wages intensive, so they generally create more mental health.Ó at the local grocery store, for example. jobs per dollar invested than conven- The renewable tional technolo- provides a wide range of employment gies, and (2) they use primarily opportunities, from high-tech manu- indigenous resources, so most of the facturing of photovoltaic components energy dollars can be kept at home. to maintenance jobs at wind power

2 Dollars from Sense ÒA state that imports most of its can receive a substantial The Lost Potential of Energy Dollars employment and earnings benefit Several states have made efforts to quantify their electricity and total energy expenditures from developing indigenous — a difficult task. Here are some examples of states that import energy. renewable resources.Ó • imports 97% of the energy it uses. In energy dollars this translated — Powering the Midwest: Renewable Electricity for to $11 billion in 1992. The state imports 15% of the electricity it consumes. the Economy and the Environment, a 1993 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists • In 1990, Iowa imported nearly 97% of its energy at a cost of about $5 billion. plants. Through the multiplier effect • Wisconsin imports 94% of its energy. In 1992, more than $6 billion of Wisconsin’s (see sidebar, left), the wages and $8.1 billion total energy bill left the state — approximately $1200 per resident. In its salaries earned by industry employees 1994 study, The Economic Impacts of Renewable Energy Use in Wisconsin, the generate additional income and jobs in Wisconsin Energy Bureau reported that “The energy dollar drain from the state due to the local economy. fossil fuel imports has hindered additional economic growth and job development.” The taxes paid by renewable energy • New York depends on out-of-state sources for nearly 92% of its energy requirements. companies also strengthen the areaÕs Each New Yorker sends an average of $1000 each year out of state to purchase energy. economic base, ultimately reducing the • Rhode Island imports more than 90% of its electricity from other states. burden on individual taxpayers in the community; in fact, generating power • In 1990, Missouri spent $9.7 billion on energy, 70% of which left the state to pay for the from renewable resources contributes energy. This equates to $6.8 billion, or more than $1300 for each Missouri resident. more tax revenue than generating the • In 1992, residents and businesses spent approximately $2.8 billion on energy, same amount of power from conven- $2200 for every person in the state. Maine imports about 25% of its electricity. tional energy sources. As an example, Hawaii: 85% of the state’s electricity is generated from imported fuel oil, compared with the Energy Commission has • only 3% for the as a whole. found that solar thermal power plants yield twice as much tax revenue as • In 1990, the 100,000 residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands spent about $40 million on conventional, gas-fired plants. electricity, 65% of which left the Virgin Islands economy. More than $26 million drained In some cases, renewable energy out of the territory’s economic bucket that year for energy purchases, equivalent to investments can enable individuals, about $260 per resident. companies, or communities to reduce • Minnesota imports 15% of the electricity it consumes. their utility bills. For example, schools Oregon imports 11% of its electricity from other states. can cut costs by using wind power (see • page 10), and electric can • Despite extensive oil reserves, even Texas is now a net energy importer. provide cheaper electricity to members with photovoltaics (see page 15). Although the local economic are exported to industrializing nations. ÒEvery year, people, companies and benefits associated with renewable The lack of adequate fossil-fuel governments in the [Midwest] energy investments are evident, it is reserves in many of these countries, region spend over $100 billion on also important to note that, in the short combined with their lack of extensive term, increased reliance on in-state electricity grids, makes renewable energy in all its forms Ñ electricity, energy resources could reduce the energy technologies an increasingly fuel oil, , coal and others. income of energy-exporting states. In popular choice for power generation. This amounts to about $1900 for the long term, however, the advantages The growing demand for electricity in every adult and child, or roughly of developing renewable energy developing nations can continue to technologies go far beyond the local create jobs for U.S. workers Ñ as long 10% of average personal income.Ó economy Ñ they benefit the country as as the United States maintains a — Powering the Midwest: Renewable Electricity for the Economy and the Environment, a whole. The United States leads the competitive position in foreign markets Union of Concerned Scientists, 1993 world in manufacturing renewable by continuing to invest in renewable energy power systems, most of which energy technologies at home.

Dollars from Sense 3 Electricity from Biomass

Overview iomass is a general term for all of the EarthÕs plant and animal BBmatter. In the renewable energy industry, however, biomass usually refers to: (1) energy crops grown specifically to be used as fuel, such as fast-growing trees; (2) agricultural residues and by-products, such as , fiber, and hulls; and (3) residues from forestry, con- struction, and other wood-processing industries. (Note: As defined here, biomass does not include or .) Biomass currently accounts for around 1% of total U.S. electric gener- ating capacity, or 8% of the countryÕs renewable-source generating capacity.

In 1995, there was approximately Northern States Power/PIX00240 7700 MW of grid-connected biomass The biomass power industry creates thousands of jobs in fuel production and power capacity in the United States. harvesting for rural workers, such as this grapple operator on a tree farm in According to a 1992 study by Oregon. Meridian Corporation and Antares Group Inc., the biomass power gen- 25% of MaineÕs electricity and supports Everyone’s a Winner eration industry employs more than 2780 jobs in wood harvesting and The Fairfield Energy facility provides 66,000 people nationwide. In 1992, the , power plant construction approximately 140 jobs (38 at the plant industry created more than $1.8 billion and operation, and associated retail and about 100 in wood harvesting) and in personal and corporate income, and and service sectors. The industry has more than 30% of the townÕs property generated more than $460 million in nearly 500 MW of installed capacity tax base. With a of 4000, federal and state taxes. in 21 generating plants. and only about 1270 jobs available in Because biomass power activities the area, the biomass plant is vital to tend to be concentrated in rural areas, ÒSmall power producers ... have the health of the townÕs economy. ÒWe this technology offers a great opportu- been one of MaineÕs largest sources consider ourselves lucky to have the nity for revitalizing rural America. of new employment and energy plant,Ó acknowledged a repre- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sentative of the Fort Fairfield Chamber estimates that a concerted effort to investment.Ó of Commerce. develop dedicated energy crops for — State Planning Office of Maine, quoted in Energy Choices Revisited: An Examination of the Costs The biomass plant has generated biomass power plants could generate and Benefits of Maine’s , substantial economic benefits for the 120,000 new jobs over the next 15 years. Mainewatch Institute, 1994 local and state economies, both during initial construction and since. The Success Stories In rural districts with limited facility was completed in 1988 after a employment opportunities, a single Maine: Leading the Nation two-year construction period. During power plant can have a critical impact this phase, the plantÕs developers spent Maine obtains a greater percentage of on the local economy. This is the case more than $8 million in the state of its electricity from nonhydro renewable with Fairfield Energy Venture, a 32-MW Maine, including $5.3 million paid in sources than any other state. The biomass plant located in the town of wages to local workers for on-site biomass power industry generates Fort Fairfield in northeastern Maine. assembly and construction.

4 Dollars from Sense In 1992, Fairfield Energy Venture benefits to local restaurants, gas had annual operating expenses of stations, motels, and food stores.Ó How It Works $12 million, $9.4 million of which was Fairfield Energy Ventures is also spent in the stateÕs economy. Of the expanding the skill base of local Because plants and trees use sunlight to in-state expenditures, more than workers. Only one of the plantÕs grow, biomass energy is actually a form $7 million stayed in Fort Fairfield and employees had any previous experi- of stored solar energy. Biomass energy the surrounding area. This includes ence working in a power plant. The can be converted to electricity in two $1.7 million in wages and salaries paid Mainewatch Institute study quotes ways: to plant employees and more than Peter Powers, the plantÕs general Direct combustion involves burning the $938,000 paid to the local and state manager, as saying, ÒAll but one of our biomass in a boiler to heat water, then governments in property taxes, fees, employees were Maine residents prior running the resulting steam through a and licenses. to being hired by the plant and all turbine — the same process used in A 1994 Mainewatch Institute study live in close proximity to the plant.Ó conventional coal-fired plants. Virtually found that, ÒFrom the start of the Seven of the employees (including all biomass electric plants today use project it appears the town and local the general manager) had previously conventional steam turbines. area have been winners. Local trades- worked in the navy, and were able to people were employed in the on-site make use of their training in steam involves converting the solid construction; parts and supplies were propulsion. Many of the plant workers biomass to a gas that is then burned in a purchased from local outlets whenever were hired at entry-level positions, and combustion turbine — potentially much ; and the influx of , the company is committed to training more efficient, but still in the demonstra- consultants, and temporary out-of- them to help ensure job advancement tion stage of development. town workers provided substantial and employment stability. Warren Gretz, NREL/PIX03744 Warren Harvesting alfalfa in Minnesota. Damaged crops can still be used as a biomass feedstock.

Dollars from Sense 5 Income from Energy Crops The Niagara Mohawk Power Bad Weather? Good News ... Corporation and the State University To expand power production from The agricultural community of of New York (SUNY) are members of a biomass substantially beyond current Falls, Minnesota, will soon become consortium that is developing levels will require the cultivation of the home for a new 75-MW biomass energy crops on 1000 acres of farmland dedicated energy crops. New York has gasification power plant that will be around Tully, New York. This is the become the focus for a new initiative built just outside of town. The plant first stage of a plan to convert over to develop agricultural feedstocks for will employ 100 full-time staff and will 40,000 acres in central and western energy production. This should help to create an additional 60-80 part-time New York to growing willow trees for stabilize the revenue stream for partici- jobs for people handling the biomass energy by 2010. Once it is fully imple- pating farmers: 26 area farmers have feedstock. mented, the plan is expected to create expressed a desire to diversify their 300 rural jobs and generate production to include energy ÒItÕs going to generate jobs in the crop fuel sales of almost $20 million feedstocks. annually. community Ñ the plant itself Ñ Each New Yorker sends an average but the other part of it is that itÕs of $1000 each year out of state to economic development with the purchase energy. In 1992, only one half farmers.Ó of New YorkÕs farmers were able to — Farmer Dick Jepson, in an interview for the 1996 earn a profit on farm operations. A DOE video, Growing America’s Energy: ÒhomegrownÓ willow crop bought The Story of Biomass Power by power companies will help keep energy dollars in the state and generate A small group of area farmers and new income streams for farmers. business people are developing alfalfa as an energy crop for the power plant. According to Dan Robison, a Alfalfa is normally grown primarily for researcher at SUNYÕs Syracuse College use as cattle feed. When bad weather of Forestry, ÒThere are a lot of farmers destroys the crop, it can no longer be in New York who are struggling to stay fed to cattle, but the damaged stems in business. There are a lot of farmers can still be used as a feedstock for throughout the region who are - electricity production. tially working for free, on a break-even basis, and any new opportunities Ñ ÒWeÕll have a ready market for the theyÕre interested.Ó stems,Ó said John Moon, a local farmer. ÒA brown stem has just as much Hybrid willow species are being quality for gasification as a nice stem developed by the project partners to be that hasnÕt been rained on.Ó fast-growing and resistant to and disease. Male willow trees can In good years, the alfalfa crop will thrive in soils and less suitable be separated into stems and leaves. The for other crops. These trees require leaves will be sold as cattle feed, and minimal application of fertilizer and the stems will be sold to the biomass

Warren Gretz, NREL/PIX00308 Warren insecticides and will assist in the plant. So in addition to producing Most agricultural wastes can be control of soil erosion. Because willow clean energy for Minnesotans, the plant used to generate electricity, is planted once, then repeatedly provides a second source of income for including the mountains of fibrous harvested from the same plant for up area farmers. material left over from processing to 20 years, soil erosion is minimized Because biomass plants can use a sugarcane crops such as this one in compared to traditional row crops. wide range of organic material, the Hawaii. Selling power to electric technology is suitable for generating utilities helps to improve the ÒThis is ... a very good alternative economics of production for farm crop ... a cash crop,Ó said Larry power in virtually any agricultural local companies. Abrahamson, another of SUNYÕs region Ñ as far east as Maine, or as researchers. far west as Hawaii.

6 Dollars from Sense Electricity from Sugarcane For a state such as Hawaii, which is currently forced to generate most of its electricity from expensive, imported fuel oil, renewable energy resources are particularly valuable. Approximately 8% of HawaiiÕs electrical power is already being generated from biomass, the stateÕs largest source of renewable energy, and research is under way to make better use of this resource. Most of HawaiiÕs biomass plants use , the fibrous waste from sugarcane processing. Sugar is HawaiiÕs most important agricultural export, and local sugar mills burn bagasse to provide thermal power to the mills and electricity for sale to utility grids. These mills use direct- fired steam-turbine generators. Because biomass gasifiers are more efficient, they are potentially capable of producing 50% more electricity from the same amount of bagasse when compared with systems that burn the bagasse directly. This has prompted the State of Hawaii to explore gasification technology in partnership with DOE and an industry research group. Warren Gretz, NREL/PIX03810 Warren The government-industry joint Compared to conventional steam turbines, biomass gasifiers are capable of venture has built an experimental getting 50% more electricity from the same energy crop. HawaiiÕs first gasification facility at the Hawaiian gasification facility, at Paia on the island of Maui, is pictured receiving a Commercial & Sugar Company mill traditional blessing on dedication day. in Paia, on the island of Maui. The facility currently processes almost 100 tons of bagasse per day into . The experiment shows how the Jerry Smith, the manager of the project, sugar mills can generate more electric- knows how important electricity pro- ity with the same resources and make duced from biomass is to Hawaiians. more money from selling power to the utility; this benefits the local sugar ÒIt keeps the people on the island industry by helping to keep Hawaiian working. Plus, with a plant this size, sugar competitive in worldwide markets. youÕre not dependent on importing oil. And thatÕs a big thing when youÕre sitting on an island.Ó — Jerry Smith, Paia gasifier project manager, in a 1996 interview for Growing America’s Energy: The Story of Biomass Power

Dollars from Sense 7 Wind Power

Success Stories Renewable Power for the Midwest Utility-scale generation of electricity from wind is particularly suited to the rural areas of the upper Midwest because of the regionÕs tremendous wind resources and wide-open spaces. In 1994, Northern States Power, MinnesotaÕs largest investor-owned utility, committed to developing at least 425 MW of wind energy capacity by the year 2002. But commercial wind development on any scale was new to this region, and there was some uncertainty about what farmers and other residents would think about this. So, in 1995, The Minnesota Project and the Clean Water Fund conducted a survey of area residents, primarily rural landowners, including a group of farmers from the Buffalo Ridge area of southwest Minnesota where develop-

Warren Gretz, NREL/PIX00349 Warren ment of a 25-MW wind power plant The wind industry pays more than $31 million each year in salaries to its was already under way. The response employees. Most jobs in the industry are related to operating and maintaining was overwhelmingly positive. existing wind power plants. ÒWind development is almost Overview California wind industry pays more unanimously supported by rural than $31 million each year in salaries ind energy currently residents. They like the environ- to its employees, and also contributes accounts for around 2% of to local economies by paying roughly mental benefits of wind energy, the countryÕs renewable- WW $6.7 million in property taxes. and they love the possibilities of source generating capacity. In 1995, Like biomass, wind is a form of injecting income and jobs into total wind generating capacity was renewable energy that has special approximately 1800 MW, most of it rural communities.Ó implications for farmers and rural (1600 MW) installed in California. — Harvesting the Wind, a 1995 survey by The communities Ñ in this case, mainly Minnesota Project and the Clean Water Fund The American Wind Energy because large wind farms have to be Association (AWEA) reports that, in sited in relatively open countryside. Of the 149 residents surveyed, 98% 1992, approximately 1260 people were were in favor of developing wind directly employed in the more than 50 ÒAlone among the alternative resources for electricity, and 92% felt firms that make up CaliforniaÕs wind energy technologies, wind power that renewable energy production industry. When indirect employment could be a significant part of rural (about 4350 jobs) is added, the industry offers utilities pollution-free economic development Ñ the reasons supported around 5600 full-time jobs electricity that is nearly cost- cited included income generation for in the state that year. Nearly all wind competitive with todayÕs landowners and communities (87% of industry jobs are related to operating respondents) and job creation (71%). and maintaining existing wind power conventional sources.Ó — Research Institute, plants. According to AWEA, the quoted on the CREST internet site

8 Dollars from Sense One of the respondents said that wind ÒNot only do wind farms interfere would help little with agricultural operations, How It Works Òmake rural communities and farms the leasing of land for wind more self-sufficient economically.Ó The wind blows because of differences Another said it would Òallow money turbines can be a major benefit in atmospheric pressure created by to stay at home in the local economy.Ó for landowners.Ó geography and the differ- Still another said it would Òraise the — Powering the Midwest, a 1993 report ences across the Earth’s surface; these spirit of the community so people by the Union of Concerned Scientists temperature variations are caused by stay.Ó variations in the amount of sunshine Although one-time payments for falling on different areas — for this Extra Income for Landowners wind rights have been made, wind reason, wind is considered an indirect Although utility-scale wind projects development companies typically offer form of solar energy. appear to take up a great deal of land, lease arrangements under which the Energy is captured from the wind with the wind turbines themselves occupy dollar amount of payments to wind turbines. The turbines have rotors only about 5% to 15% of the land area. landowners varies in proportion to the that usually consist of two or three The remaining land can be used for output of the turbines. In 1993, the propeller-like blades mounted on a shaft. other purposes, such as farming, Union of Concerned Scientists found Wind turbines are mounted on tall towers, ranching, forestry, or for open space. that a Midwestern landowner hosting usually 100 feet or more above the Farmers can graze cattle or plant their a under a variable-rate plan ground where the wind is faster and less crops right up to the base of the turbine Òcould expect payments of around turbulent. When wind makes the blades towers, making wind power an ideal $40 per acre per year on top of earnings turn, the shaft spins a generator to complement to . from farming or grazing,Ó increasing produce electricity. Lloyd Herziger/PIX01686 Utility-scale wind plants coexist very well with ranching and farming. Farmers can graze cattle right up to the base of the turbine towers, as on this wind farm operated by Zond Systems at Altamont Pass, California.

Dollars from Sense 9 his return on the land Òanywhere from Revenues are expected to total approxi- 30% to over 100%.Ó mately $3 million over the 25-year life The leasing of land for wind power of the project, or about $120,000 plants pays well in other parts of the annually. country, too. In California, for example, the City of Santa Clara leases 640 acres ÒPublic education in Texas will of land to Zond Systems, Inc., which benefit by receiving millions of owns and operates a wind farm at dollars in lease money from this Altamont Pass, one of the largest project. ... I hope to see more wind developed wind sites in the United States. Zond sells the electricity to the power projects on state lands local utility, Pacific Gas and Electric dedicated to the public schools.Ó Company, and pays a royalty to the — Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro, speaking city Ñ about $152,000 in 1994 alone. at the dedication of the Culberson County wind project, November 1995 The existing lease contains a buyout option for the city, and Santa Clara At the other end of the scale, a small may purchase the wind power plant school district in northwest Iowa is from Zond once the city has learned making money from the sale of elec- enough to be comfortable managing tricity generated by its very own wind the project. turbine. A project that started out as a According to William Reichmann, a response to environmental concerns senior electric utility in Santa turned out to have a substantial finan- ClaraÕs Electric Department, ÒOur lease cial benefit for the local community. agreement has been lucrative both The project began in 1990, when a financially and in terms of information group of high school biology students we gained from the site.Ó In fact, the challenged Harold Overmann, superin- city has recently signed a lease agree- tendent of the Spirit Lake Community ment with Zond for another site that School District, to find a renewable shows promise for wind energy source of energy for the district. development. Instead of ignoring them, Overmann Wind Projects Bring Money took them up on their challenge. District staff began a dialog with the

Jerry Miller, Northern States Power Company/PIX01490 Jerry Miller, to Schools local utility company, Iowa Electric, Farmers can earn extra income by The Louisville Gas and Electric and investigated various renewable leasing land for wind power plants, Company operates a 35-MW wind energy technologies before deciding such as this one on Buffalo Ridge in farm in Culberson County, Texas, southwest Minnesota. on wind power. They then gathered about 100 miles east of El Paso. The data on wind speeds at the proposed Lower Colorado River Authority buys site and worked hard to find a way to the electricity generated at the wind finance the project. site and distributes it to its customers. Three years later, at a cost of As a result of an innovative partner- $238,000, the district installed a wind ship with the Texas General Land turbine at the local elementary school. Office, lease revenues from the wind A grant from DOE paid for half of the project go directly into the Permanent cost and a loan from the Iowa School Fund, which helps to finance Department of Natural Resources public schools and universities in covered the rest. Since then, the turbine Texas; in effect, school children are has been generating 324,000 kWh of benefiting financially from the wind electricity annually, worth about energy harnessed in west Texas.

10 Dollars from Sense $25,000. The elementary school, Once the districtÕs loan is repaid, Not only is the district helping however, uses only $20,000 worth of all of the electricity generated by the itself, it is also saving the environment, electricity. Surplus power is sold to turbine will represent a direct saving to just as it set out to do. The electricity Iowa Electric. With the $25,000 yearly the district and, therefore, local taxpay- generated by the replaces savings, the loan will be completely ers. The money saved can be directed 225 tons of coal and prevents 750,000 paid back within a five-year period. into education. ÒWeÕre using our non- pounds of emissions instructional costs for instructional from polluting the air every year. ÒIÕve never done anything thatÕs costs,Ó said Overmann. ÒWith the ÒWeÕre proud that we are helping to been so popular in the community.Ó money we save we can fully equip solve the pollution problem,Ó said — Superintendent Harold Overmann, Spirit Lake a computer lab every year instead of Overmann. School District, quoted on the Iowa Department paying for electricity.Ó of Natural Resources internet site Lower Colorado River Authority/PIX02355 Lower Colorado River Lease revenues from this west Texas wind farm are used to finance public education in Texas. The local electric utility leases the land from the state, paying an average of $120,000 annually.

Dollars from Sense 11 Photovoltaics: Electricity from Sunlight

Overview hotovoltaics is a technology in transition. Photovoltaic (PV) PP power has long been cost- competitive in a variety of off-grid applications; and as the cost of PV electricity continues to fall, this envi- ronmentally benign technology is becoming increasingly attractive to electric utility companies. In the United States, photovoltaics is currently mak- ing the move from primarily remote, stand-alone applications to utility grid support. Acording to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), total grid-connected photovoltaic generat- ing capacity in 1994 was about 18 MW, spread across 36 states. Although stand-alone applications are difficult Sacramento Municipal Utility District/PIX02439 to quantify because they are so widely Through its PV Pioneers program, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District dispersed, there are an estimated (SMUD) installs and operates grid-connected, rooftop PV systems on 25,000 homes in the United States customersÕ homes. The program creates jobs in the utilityÕs service area and powered exclusively by photovoltaics. reduces the need for SMUD to purchase electricity from other regions. More than 850 U.S. companies are currently involved in the manufacture production and 21% of total world and sale of photovoltaic modules and Success Stories production that year. To help meet system components. The industry The United States leads the world in growing worldwide demand, SSI brings in more than $300 million in photovoltaic research and manufactur- completed a $3 million expansion of its revenues annually and employs 15,000 ing, accounting for 43% of global PV facility in Vancouver, Washington, in people Ñ most of them in high-quality module production in 1995. The February 1996. The expansion created jobs, such as manufacturing, engineer- growing international popularity of 33 new jobs in the Vancouver area, and ing, sales, installation, servicing, and photovoltaics is creating an increas- all on the facility was awarded to maintenance. ingly buoyant domestic PV industry, local contractors, further contributing and U.S. manufacturers are scaling International sales continue to drive to the local economy. SSI employs a up their production facilities to take the PV industry. The largest market total of approximately 350 people at its advantage of emerging markets. These for photovoltaics is in the developing facilities in California and Washington. world, where two billion people still expansions are creating skilled jobs in Solarex, the second largest PV do not have electricity in their homes. several states. manufacturer in the United States, has Photovoltaic systems are particularly U.S. Manufacturers Lead the Way been in business for over 20 years. well suited to this market because of During the late 1970s and early 1980s, their high reliability, their suitability Siemens Solar Industries (SSI), based as oil prices rose, major oil companies for applications of almost any size, and in Camarillo, California, is the worldÕs began investing in renewable energy the fact that they do not need costly largest manufacturer of photovoltaic as a hedge against an uncertain future transmission lines. Approximately 70% cells and modules. In 1995, the com- in fossil fuels. Amoco Corporation of U.S. photovoltaic manufacturing pany shipped 17 MW of photovoltaic bought Solarex in 1983. Most of the oil output is exported. modules, representing half of U.S.

12 Dollars from Sense companies concentrated on developing ÒThis dynamic expansion project their renewable energy for the long- by Solarex will provide the kind of How It Works term utility market; in other words, high quality [jobs] that Maryland they were not very concerned with Photovoltaics is the direct conversion short-term profitability. Amoco, on the needs to continue building a of (“photons”) into electricity other hand, treated Solarex as part of prosperous, vibrant economy.Ó (“voltage”). the business from the very beginning, — James Brady, Secretary of the Maryland The basic unit of a typical photovoltaic producing revenues from existing Department of Business and Economic Development system is the PV cell, which is made of products at the same time as investing (Solar Industry Journal, First Quarter, 1996) layers of semiconducting materials similar in technology development. Solarex is also building a $25 million to those used in computer chips. When Today this strategy is paying off. In manufacturing plant in James City, incoming photons of light strike atoms 1995, Solarex captured 27% of the U.S. Virginia. The company was lured in the semiconductor material, some market (12% of the global market), there by state incentives specifically electrons are knocked loose, causing with total sales of $45 million. In designed to create jobs and strengthen electricity to flow. The greater the intensity January 1996, the company broke the stateÕs economy by attracting PV of the light, the more power is generated ground on a new wing at its manufac- manufacturing companies to the area. by the cell. turing facility in Frederick, Maryland, The new plant will employ a total of which already employs 240 people. approximately 80 people. PV cells, which produce DC electricity, are usually connected together and enclosed in protective casings called modules. Photovoltaic systems can provide an independent, stand-alone power supply or can be connected to the . In stand-alone applications, modules can be connected to inverters to supply AC electricity and to batteries to store electrical power for periods when the sun is not shining. Grid-connected systems both feed power into the grid and use the grid as a source of backup power. David Patryas Photography/PIX01545 U.S. manufacturers are expanding their output to meet the growing demand for PV systems. This creates skilled jobs at production facilities in several states, such as this thin-film plant in Golden, Colorado.

Dollars from Sense 13 Craig Miller Productions/PIX03500 The U.S. PV industry employs 15,000 people, most of them in high-quality jobs, including installation, servicing, and maintenance. This 340-kW system was installed on the roof of the aquatic center for the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the worldÕs largest building-integrated, rooftop PV system.

Another PV manufacturer, Atlantis plantation past behind and heralding encourage,Ó said Ann Broadwater Solar Systems/Solar Building Systems, its future in high technology.Ó Virginia of the Virginia Department of also took advantage of VirginiaÕs has increased its investments in Development. incentives; Atlantis is constructing a science and math education at all Other U.S. manufacturing compa- production facility in Cape Charles that levels, and is looking to attract indus- nies have also been expanding their will create 25 jobs. tries that will provide high-paying operations. Solec International, for According to an August 1995 article jobs for its home-grown graduates in example, the countryÕs third largest PV in The Newport News Daily Press, the fields of engineering, chemistry manufacturer, more than doubled its ÒVirginia, whose economy once was and science. ÒPV is exactly the kind workforce between 1993 and 1996. The rooted in tobacco, is leaving its of industry that Virginia wants to company now employs 130 people.

14 Dollars from Sense And AstroPower, Inc., a tiny start-up A growing number of electric venture 10 years ago, now has 145 utilities are also becoming familiar employees and annual revenues with the advantages of photovoltaic exceeding $10 million, 80% of which power for remote applications. In 1994, are from exports. Southern California Edison (SCE) started an off-grid PV program called Growing Utility Interest Partnership with the Sun. John Bryson, According to the Utility PhotoVoltaic SCEÕs chairman, says it is a win-win Group (UPVG), ÒUPVGÕs market program: ÒHomeowners and busi- evaluation work has shown that PV nesses in remote locations get clean, can make a contribution to every utility quiet electricity. Independent contrac- in every part of the country.Ó UPVG tors get jobs and construction projects. is a group of more than 80 electric And Edison is able to serve new utilities formed in 1992 to investigate customers who otherwise have no utility applications of photovoltaics. dependable source of power.Ó Today, 39 U.S. utilities are actively testing grid-connected photovoltaic Saving Money for Ranchers systems, including CaliforniaÕs Photovoltaics can be a winner for Sacramento Municipal Utility District rural electric cooperatives. KC Electric (SMUD), a UPVG member and, with Association, a rural electric 480,000 customers, the nationÕs fifth in eastern Colorado, is saving its largest customer-owned utility. members money by providing them More than half of SMUDÕs projected with photovoltaic power. The associa- load requirements have been met with tion serves 4000 square miles of prairie with an average of only two customers

renewable-source electricity, such as NREL/PIX01860 Taylor, Roger per mile of distribution line. Every the utilityÕs PV Pioneers program, and Worker installing a grid- energy efficiency programs. SMUD year, winter storms knock out as many independent, PV-powered street also operates the countryÕs largest PV as 1000 utility poles and 38 miles of light. power plant, a 2-MW facility on the lines. With replacement costs of $10,000 grounds of the utilityÕs now-closed per mile of line, the association has Rancho Seco plant. been spending up to $380,000 on These programs have created jobs maintenance every year. within the utilityÕs service area and The lines provide little revenue. mean that SMUD has to purchase less About half of the associationÕs cus- power from other regions. tomers use the electricity primarily to power small irrigation pumps. In 1990, ÒOur customers want more from KC Electric began using photovoltaics us than just a good price; they as a more practical and affordable want long-term reliability, a clean alternative to replacing damaged distribution lines serving remote environment and local economic livestock wells or extending lines to development. Solar can help us new well sites. The cooperative can meet these needs.Ó provide PV-powered water pumping — Don Osborn, SMUD solar program manager at a cost of $1800 to $6000 per well Ñ (Solar Industry Journal, Third Quarter, 1995) saving its members thousands of dollars when compared with the cost of providing grid electricity.

Dollars from Sense 15 Solar Thermal Electricity: Power from the Sun’s Heat

are still operating successfully, produc- ing more than 90% of the worldÕs solar thermal electricity and saving the energy equivalent of 2.3 million barrels of oil every year.

ÒThe SEGS provide employment to over 250 skilled operators, craftspersons, and professionals, and millions of dollars in contracts to local vendors.Ó — KJC Operating Company, which manages five of the SEGS plants (Clean Power Day 1996 prospectus)

In 1991, Luz employed more than 700 people. According to Michael Lotker, formerly LuzÕs vice president of business development, each of its 80-MW SEGS plants required about

Sandia National Laboratories/PIX01332 1 million job hours (500 job years) to The assembly system used by Luz International for its parabolic-trough construct. Because maintenance of the generating plants. SEGS solar field is more labor-intensive than maintenance of a fossil-fuel power plant, the solar plant pays higher Overview Success Stories payroll taxes. olar thermal electric systems The three types of solar thermal electric It has been estimated that, over their provide utilities with a variety technologies Ñ troughs, power towers 30-year life, the operation and mainte- SSof modular power options, some and dish systems Ñ are in different nance of each of the 80-MW plants will of which can be constructed in a stages of development. Troughs have a contribute $11.6 million in taxes to the relatively short period of time. There proven track record, power towers are local government, $65.8 million to the is currently about 365 MW of utility- in the demonstration stage Ñ which state, and $228.9 million to the federal connected solar thermal generating means that they are close to commer- government. capacity, all of it installed in cialization Ñ and dish/engine systems California. are still under development. The Solar Two Power Tower Solar Two, in CaliforniaÕs Mojave More than 250 people are directly Solar Troughs: Proven Success employed in the operation and mainte- Desert, is a 10-MW, second-generation nance of 354 MW of solar thermal systems have already demonstration project to confirm the trough systems in California. A fossil- proven themselves in the field. Nine technical and economic viability of fuel-fired plant producing the same solar electric generating systems power towers. The plant uses a field amount of electricity would employ (SEGS) totaling 354 MW have been of 1926 located around a only about 100 people. A 1994 study operating successfully in California, 300-foot tower to focus solar by the California Energy Commission some for more than a decade. Their onto a central receiver. Molten salt is also revealed that solar thermal power availability to produce power when used as the heat exchange and storage plants yield twice as much tax revenue the sun is shining is greater than 92%, medium, providing up to three hours as conventional, gas-fired plants a statistic that rivals utility-scale of dispatchable power after the sun producing the same amount of power plants of any type. goes down. electricity. The SEGS systems were all built by The project has been financed by a a private company, Luz International, consortium of electric utilities and between 1984 and 1991. These systems high-tech companies (led by Southern

16 Dollars from Sense California Edison) and the U.S. the plantÕs control systems plus a Department of Energy. The industry maintenance crew consisting of two How It Works consortium is currently involved in full-time mirror washers and their discussions about using the experience truck driver, an instrument technician, Unlike photovoltaic systems, which gained from Solar Two to build a an electrician, and a mechanic. generate electricity directly from light, commercial 30-100 MW power tower solar thermal power systems use the heat Dish/Engine Systems: in Nevada, a project that would create from the sun’s rays to generate power. Future Opportunity many new jobs. Reflective surfaces concentrate the sun’s Although dish/engine systems are rays to heat a receiver filled with oil or ÒSolar Two represents both a new still under development, the prospects another heat-exchange fluid. The heated source of clean power for California for this technology look promising. fluid is then used in some form of heat The systems are transportable and engine to generate electricity. Mechanical and neighboring states, and a new are appropriate for both on-grid drives slowly turn the reflective surfaces source of export technology for and remote applications. Science during the day to keep the solar radiation America and jobs for American Applications International Corporation focused on the receiver. There are three workers.Ó (SAIC), a solar dish developer, plans main types of solar concentrators used — John Bryson, chairman of Southern California to produce five precommercial, 25-kW in solar thermal electric systems: Edison, at the Solar Two dedication in June 1996 systems by 1999. SAIC also expects Parabolic trough systems concentrate to be producing 1000 commercial solar rays onto a receiver pipe located Solar Two gives an indication of the dish/engine systems per year by 2002, along the focal line of a curved, trough- range of jobs that would be required creating 500 high-tech jobs at a manu- shaped reflector. The synthetic oil flowing to operate and maintain power towers facturing facility in the Southwest and through the pipe is heated to as much as once they are commercialized. The an additional 1000 jobs at supplier 750°F. The hot oil is used to boil water to demonstration project employs nine facilities throughout the United States. full-time staff: three people to operate make steam, which runs a conventional steam turbine to generate electricity.

Power towers, also called central receivers, use a field of sun-tracking mirrors (heliostats) to reflect solar radiation onto a receiver that sits on top of a tall tower. The fluid in the receiver is heated to as much as 1050°F before being passed through a heat exchanger to produce the steam used to generate electricity.

Parabolic dish systems are similar to trough systems except that they use a dish-shaped reflector. The dish concen- trates solar radiation onto a receiver mounted at the focal point of the dish, heating the receiver fluid to as much as 1500°F. Instead of boiling water to run a steam turbine, most dish systems today generate electricity by using the hot fluid

Warren Gretz, NREL/PIX02407 Warren to run a Stirling engine mounted at the Solar Two technician Hugh Reilly inspecting one of the 1926 heliostats dish’s focal point. (mirrors) that track the sun during the day. Power towers provide a variety of jobs in systems operation and maintenance.

Dollars from Sense 17 Geothermal Energy: Power from the Earth

Overview eothermal power is a com- mercially proven renewable GGresource. Geothermal generat- ing capacity in the United States is currently about 2300 MW, distributed among baseload power plants located in four states Ñ California, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii. Geothermal energy accounts for around 2% of the coun- tryÕs renewable-source electric generat- ing capacity. In 1996, the U.S. geothermal energy industry as a whole provided about 12,300 direct domestic jobs, and an additional 27,700 indirect domestic jobs. The electric generation part of the industry employed about 10,000 people to install and operate geother- mal power plants in the United States and abroad, including power plant construction and related activities such as exploration and drilling; indirect employment was about 20,000. Success Stories Providing Jobs and Tax Revenue NevadaÕs geothermal plants produce about 210 MW of electricity, saving energy imports equivalent to 800,000 tons of coal or three million barrels of oil each year. Although California has much greater installed capacity, Nevada, with just over a million residents, uses more geothermal energy per capita than anywhere else in the country. Taxes received from geothermal operations are a significant source of revenue for NevadaÕs local and state governments. In 1993, NevadaÕs plants paid $800,000

Jeff Hulen/PIX04133 Jeff in county taxes and $1.7 million in The drilling of production wells, such as these at (above) and property taxes. In addition, the U.S. Imperial Valley (opposite) in California, accounts for a third to a half of the Bureau of Land Management collects cost of a geothermal project. About 10,000 people are directly employed in the nearly $20 million each year in rent geothermal electric industry. and royalties from geothermal plants

18 Dollars from Sense Most of the electricity produced from the Coso geothermal field comes How It Works from power plants located on U.S. Navy land near Lake in Inyo Geothermal (“Earth-heat”) energy comes County. Tax revenues paid to Inyo from the residual heat from the Earth’s County by CalEnergy amount to more formation and from the than 20% of the countyÕs annual of atoms deep inside the Earth. This heat income. In addition, the Navy gets is brought up to the Earth’s crust by royalties and cheaper electricity from molten rock (magma) and by conduction the plants; in one year alone (1993), the through solid rock. There it raises the Navy saved $4.2 million in electricity temperature of groundwater trapped in costs, which equates to a one-third the fissures and pores of underground reduction in the total electricity bill for rock, forming zones called hydrothermal the China Lake Naval Air Weapons . Geothermal power plants are Station. driven by hot water and steam produced from wells drilled into these hydrothermal Displacing Imported Fuel Oil resources. in Hawaii Hawaii has no conventional energy In most geothermal power plants, the resources and is forced to import steam from hydrothermal reservoirs is virtually all of its energy, including used to generate electricity by spinning a

Warren Gretz, NREL/PIX0045 Warren every drop of oil. Fully 85% of the turbine generator directly; in others, the Geothermal production well at stateÕs electricity is generated from geothermal hot water is used to vaporize Imperial Valley, California. products, primarily fuel oil, a working fluid that boils at a low temp- compared with only 3% for the United erature. This vapor is then piped to a States as a whole. Importing oil repre- turbine to generate electricity. producing power on federal lands in sents a significant drain on the stateÕs Nevada Ñ half of these revenues are Potential geothermal energy reserves are economy, and creates a strong incen- returned to the state. so large that they are considered inex- tive to develop domestically available haustible. Nevertheless, the fluid in renewable energy resources. ÒNet proceeds tax, property tax and individual hydrothermal reservoirs can be Geothermal energy has been identi- county tax payables have increased depleted to the point where the fied as perhaps the best near-term becomes economically unproductive. For for geothermal plants throughout indigenous resource to meet the energy this reason, sustainable use of specific the state, especially in rural areas.Ó needs of the Òbig islandÓ of Hawaii. A hydrothermal resources always requires — Flynn, University of Nevada single 25-MW geothermal plant on the the reinjection of water into the under- (Geo-Heat Center Bulletin, May 1996) island produces 19% of the baseload ground reservoir to maintain pressure. needs of the Hawaiian Electric Light Injection of fluids from the Earth’s surface The California Energy Company Company, replacing 1000 barrels of can also help to increase output from (CalEnergy) operates geothermal imported fuel oil per day. reservoirs after they have become power plants in California, Nevada depleted, a strategy that is being pursued and Utah. In California, the company ÒThe [Salton Sea Geothermal] at The Geysers field in California. employs 226 people at its Salton Sea Project will provide economic geothermal field in the Imperial Valley and 121 people at the Coso geothermal benefits to the State of California field. In 1995, CalEnergy contributed in the form of additional jobs and more than $45 million to CaliforniaÕs an expanded tax base.Ó tax base through income taxes, payroll — David Sokol, CalEnergy chairman taxes, local (county) taxes and unem- (CalEnergy press release, April 1995) ployment taxes.

Dollars from Sense 19 For More Information

General Contacts Biomass Center for Renewable Energy and National Industries Sustainable Technology (CREST) Association 1200 18th Street NW, #900 122 C Street NW, Fourth Floor Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20001-2109 Tel: (202) 530-2202 Tel: (202) 383-2540 Web: http://www.crest.org Web: http://solstice.crest.org/ renewables/nbia CRESTÕs Web site has information on documents, databases, discussion Publishes the quarterly magazine, groups, and organizations in the Biologue, which includes information field. about regional biomass energy programs.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Wind Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) PO Box 3048 American Wind Energy Association Merrifield, VA 22116 122 C Street NW, Fourth Floor Tel: (800) DOE-EREC (363-3732) Washington, DC 20002-2109 Fax: (703) 893-0400 Tel: (202) 383-2500 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.igc.apc.org/awea This free service has information on AWEA can provide information on renewable energy and saving energy. the use of wind energy for utility It is funded by the U.S. Department applications across the country. of Energy. Solar (Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Electric) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) Solar Energy Industries Association Web: http://www.eren.doe.gov 122 C Street NW, Fourth floor Washington, DC 20002 The on-line version of EREC. An Tel: (202) 383-2600 excellent resource, with links to Web: http://solstice.crest.org/ hundreds of related sites. renewables/seia

National Association of Regulatory Geothermal Utility Commissioners Geothermal Resources Council Subcommittee on Renewable Energy 2001 Second Street, Suite 5 PO Box 684 PO Box 1350 Washington, DC 20044 Davis, CA 95617-1350 Tel: (202) 898-2200 Tel: 916/758-2360 Web: http://www.erols.com/naruc Web: http://www.geothermal.org

20 Dollars from Sense Glossary

Text in italics refers to other glossary Kilowatt-hour (kWh) Ñ A unit of Ñ are used to measure the entries. , equal to 1000 watts of total quantity of electricity. One watt power delivered for a period of one is the power developed by an electric Biomass Ñ All of the EarthÕs plant hour (see Watt) current of 1 ampere across a potential and animal matter. In the renewable of 1 volt. energy industry, biomass usually Megawatt (MW) Ñ 1,000,000 watts refers to the wood, wood-processing (see Watt) 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 watts residues, agricultural residues, and Multiplier effect Ñ Additional jobs 1 megawatt (MW) = 1000 kilowatts = energy crops that are used to create and income created in the economy 1 million watts electricity, generate heat, or produce as a result of an initial expenditure. liquid transportation fuels. 1 gigawatt (GW) = 1000 megawatts = See page 2 for a detailed explanation. 1 billion watts Energy crops Ñ Crops grown specifi- Municipal solid waste Ñ Trash or cally for their fuel value, including Both kW and MW are used to describe garbage; it can be used to produce food crops such as corn and sugarcane, the maximum output of an electric heat or electricity by burning it or by and nonfood crops such as willow trees generator at a particular moment. capturing the gases it gives off and and switchgrass. Power plant capacities are usually using them as fuel. quoted as Òrated capacity,Ó measured Fossil fuels Ñ Energy sources formed Nonrenewable fuels Ñ Fuels that are in kW or MW, which is the greatest by the decay of plants, dinosaurs, and not naturally replaced as we use them. amount of power that the plant can other animals over millions of years; This includes fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, deliver at a given instant. The amount coal, oil, and natural gas are fossil and municipal solid waste. of electricity generated or used during fuels. These energy reserves form so a period of time is typically expressed slowly in comparison to our rate of Photovoltaics Ñ A technology for in kilowatt-hours (kWh). energy use that they are regarded as a using semiconductors to directly finite resource. convert light into electricity. Wind farm Ñ Another name for a wind power plant, so-called because the Geothermal energy Ñ Heat energy Renewable energy Ñ Sources of turbines are usually spread out over stored in the EarthÕs crust, which can energy that are either continuously a relatively large area of land. be harnessed to produce electricity or resupplied by the sun or tap inex- to heat water and living spaces. haustible resources, such as wind, Wind power plant Ñ A group of solar, biomass, hydropower, and wind turbines connected to a common Gigawatt (GW) Ñ 1,000,000,000 watts geothermal energy. electricity grid. (see Watt) Solar heating Ñ Various technologies Hydropower Ñ The energy of flowing for using the sunÕs energy to heat water, which can be harnessed to make water and living spaces. electricity or to do mechanical work. Solar thermal electric Ñ A technology Kilowatt (kW) Ñ 1000 watts (see Watt) for generating electricity from the sunÕs heat.

Dollars from Sense 21 NOTICE: This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsi- bility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof. Printed in the United States of America Available to DOE and DOE contractors from: Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (615) 576-8401 Available to the public from: National Technical Information Service (NTIS) U.S. Department of Commerce 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161 (703) 487-4650 Information pertaining to the pricing codes can be found in the current issue of the following publications which are generally available in most libraries: Government Reports Announcements and Index (GRA and I); Scientific and Technical Abstract Reports (STAR); and publication NTIS-PR-360 available from NTIS at the above address.

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