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Spread the Word
DID YOU KNOW? Since our government is set up so that Representatives communicate with constituents and voice their opinions to Congress, it is our duty to write letters, set up meetings, and let our Representatives know that Global Warming and the Energy Crisis are of upmost importance to us. We also have to inform the general public about the problem and ways they can help. However, it will do no good in scaring people with statistics of Global Warming, rather, we need to tell people about the problem and show them that there is hope that we can overcome these issues. 
Recycling
DID YOU KNOW? The average family of four can reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2,400 pounds if they recycle half of their households' waste. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide produced per 120 gallons if gasoline. If 100,000 families recycled half of their waste, there would be 12 million pounds less carbon dioxide in the environment. In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, recycling more will decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills, thus, decrease pollution. |
Your Home
DID YOU KNOW? During the Winter 15-20% of heat generated by your furnace is lost due to air leaks in your home. Getting a free energy audit can help you identify the most prevalent air leaks in your which will reduce your energy usage and while decreasing your bill. You can also upgrade your appliances to newer energy star products that are more than twice as efficient as standard appliances. While initially more expensive, these products will pay for themselves in as little as 3 years in energy savings. Additionally, changing your traditional lightbulbs to energy efficient LED lightbulbs will produce the same amount of light while using 15% less energy! Power your Home with Renewables
DID YOU KNOW? Whether it is installing rooftop solar panels or simply choosing a utility company that generates at least 50% of it's power from renewable energy sources, there is no better way to reduce your carbon footprint than using renewable energy. Companies like Tesla and Forward Solar are making solar power more efficient, cheaper, and more visual appealing than traditional rooftop solar panels. Both companies have released their plans for solar shingles that will look better and be sturdier than traditional shingles. |
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NARNEA
Funding Although NARNEA is a design of a continental size system with clearly defined locations and first estimates of harvested energy per resource already outlined, the project requires accurate data of its potential impact on conventional uses of energy. The results obtained thus far strongly suggest that the project is feasible, that the amounts of harvestable energy are commensurate with the energy needs of North America, and that current knowledge can be used to accurately determine where these energies should be optimally collected. However, some results are order of magnitude estimates, requiring more study. Computer simulations will provide a strong basis for arguing for the practical transition of North America’s energy systems to renewables. |
Funding for this stage of the proposed work (~$450,000 over 3 years) will be used mainly to hire consultants during critical time intervals to complete the detailed design of NARNEA, determine its capabilities and clearly establish its limitations. Experts in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, geology and computer modeling will be hired on a temporary basis. Engineers and geologists with experience in energy systems and the ability to compile accurate data will determine the level of harvestable energy per resource. Computer modelers will work closely with the engineers to simulate the inputs and outputs from NARNEA and make accurate estimates of the cost-effectiveness of transitioning a large segment of North America’s energy to renewables. Simulations of the NARNEA system will provide clear estimates of the effectiveness of the network and a quantitative approach to optimize its functioning. Existing models of the electricity grid will be tested and areas prone to blackouts will be redesigned as well as areas needing energy efficient high voltage direct current (HVDC) lines.
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