GeothermalGeothermal power is abundant in North America. In the US, prime locations are clustered in most of eastern and southern California, southeastern Idaho, western Oregon, northwestern Utah, northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and northeastern Texas. The benefits of geothermal energy are numerous, including a small environmental footprint, low water usage and very few emissions, while being a completely renewable, continuous and dependable resource.
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Photos Courtesy of Alex Serra
WindThe US has the largest installed wind capacity with 85 GW, yet only four percent of electricity generated in the US comes from wind power. The highest wind potential for North America is found over the central plains of the United States and along the northwestern and northeastern coastlines of the United States and Canada and along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan peninsula.
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SolarIf the sunlight only falling on a 30-mile square was harnessed, it could generate 3,125 GW of power. This is slightly more than the United State's average primary energy rate of 3,000 GW that is consumed by electricity and transportation. There are virtually no environmental effects associated with solar energy other than the use of water for cooling, circulation and mirror cleaning. Not to mention, there are no geographical restrictions with solar energy, because wherever there is sunlight, there is potential for solar power.
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Hydropower involves the conversion of gravitational energy in falling or flowing water to electrical energy. There are many benefits with hydropower because not only is water a plentiful resource in many areas of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, but the plants are relatively easy to construct, use little land space, and are easily maintained.
NARNEA plans to utilize 350 GW of hydroelectric power.
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Biomass/BiofuelTo convert algae into usable bio-oil or natural gas, a technique called Hydrothermal Processing (HTP) is used. In essence, this process does what would naturally take millions of years in about half an hour. The bio-oil and natural gas are nearly identical to their naturally produced equivalents. HTP is a carbon-neutral process as new algae will consume the carbon dioxide that is emitted when burned. Furthermore, HTP produces nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as byproducts which can be used as fertilizer. PNNL studies have proven that they can turn 100 pounds of algae into 53 pounds of bio-oil. Currently, the problems with using algae as a fuel source are the high prices per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) and seasonal variability in algae production. The ideal growing locations for algae are warm and humid climates. More research will need to be conducted in order to make biofuel cheaper and a feasible alternative to petroleum.
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CALIFORNIA'S SOLAR GIANT
The Ivanpah Solar Plant in the Mojave desert is one of the world’s largest solar power plants and is an example of how solar power can be effectively harnessed. The plant currently generates 377 MW of power.
The Ivanpah Solar Plant in the Mojave desert is one of the world’s largest solar power plants and is an example of how solar power can be effectively harnessed. The plant currently generates 377 MW of power.
