Chapter 6. Biopower TechnologiesBain, R.; Denholm, P.; Heath, G.; Mai, T.; Tegen, S. (2012). "Biopower Technologies," Chapter 6. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Renewable Electricity Futures Study, Vol. 2, Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory; pp. 6-1 -6-58. Chapter 7. Geothermal Energy Technologies PerspectiveThe Renewable Electricity Futures Study (RE Futures) provides an analysis of the grid integration opportunities, challenges, and implications of high levels of renewable electricity generation for the U.S. electric system. The study is not a market or policy assessment. Rather, RE Futures examines renewable energy resources and many technical issues related to the operability of the U.S. electricity grid, and provides initial answers to important questions about the integration of high penetrations of renewable electricity technologies from a national perspective. RE Futures results indicate that a future U.S. electricity system that is largely powered by renewable sources is possible and that further work is warranted to investigate this clean generation pathway. The central conclusion of the analysis is that renewable electricity generation from technologies that are commercially available today, in combination with a more flexible electric system, is more than adequate to supply 80% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2050 while meeting electricity demand on an hourly basis in every region of the United States.The renewable technologies explored in this study are components of a diverse set of clean energy solutions that also includes nuclear, efficient natural gas, clean coal, and energy efficiency. Understanding all of these technology pathways and their potential contributions to the future U.S. electric power system can inform the development of integrated portfolio scenarios. RE Futures focuses on the extent to which U.S. electricity needs can be supplied by renewable energy sources, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind.The study explores grid integration issues using models with unprecedented geographic and time resolution for the contiguous United States. The analysis (1) assesses a variety of scenarios with prescribed levels of renewable electricity generation in 2050, from 30% to 90%, with a focus on 80% (with nearly 50% from variable wind and solar photovoltaic generation); (2) identifies the characteristics of a U.S. electricity system that would be needed to accommodate such levels; and (3) describes some of the associated challenges and implications of realizing such a future. In addition to the central conclusion noted above, RE Futures finds that increased electric system flexibility, needed to enable electricity supply-demand balance with high levels of renewable generation, can come from a portfolio of supply-and demand-side options, including flexible conventional generation, grid storage, new transmission, more responsive loads, and changes in power system operations. The analysis also finds that the abundance and diversity of U.S. renewabl...

The authors would like to acknowledge and express their appreciation to the US Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) for overseeing and funding this study to perform a critical review of hydropower geotechnical foundation practice and innovation opportunities. The following DOE WPTO staff were heavily involved in reviewing this report and supporting this study:

Although DOE and Reclamation have been funding some technology development on small hydropower and hydrokinetic devices in recent years, more such work is needed to reduce the uncertainties associated with precommercial designs and their longer-term performance.

The role of the telephone company has evolved over the years and is still changing. “Telcos” are now solution providers helping businesses and people gain business advantage through communication. Examines the potential for telecommunication providers as Internet service providers and e‐commerce facilitators. Summarises the results of the first year of the trials for BT Array, the company’s first micro billing service which has explored that demand from both consumers and retailers wishing to buy and sell on the Internet. Argues that the ability to transfer small payments will lead to new business models and encourage new entrants to the market. Highlights the importance of user friendly e‐commerce Web sites, ease of use and “valued” content to ensure success.

No abstract