Clean Energy Solutions
Milton L. Charlton
Chief for Environment, Science, Technology and Health Affairs
U.S. Embassy Seoul
Global Energy Challenges
Rapid growth in demand Air pollution Energy security Climate change
Rapid Growth in Demand
50 – 60% increase by 2030 Coal demand is rising fastest
Source: International Energy Agency
Source: International Energy Agency
Air Pollution
Coal, oil and other fossil fuels produce pollutants and particulates
Energy Security
Few suppliers to international markets
Threats include supply disruptions and price instability
Climate Change
IPCC report
Human causes of global warming especially from burning fossil fuels
Climate Change
IPCC forecasts significant social disruption caused by rising global temperatures
Needed: Clean Alternatives to Fossil Fuels
Research is showing us positive paths forward
Clean Energy Solutions: Transportation Sector
Ethanol
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hybrids
Ethanol
New research shows environmental benefits
Cellulosic Ethanol
Feedstocks can be switchgrass, wood waste
Cellulosic Ethanol
Source: Renewable Fuels Association
Hybrids
Plug-in Hybrids
Promise 60 KM per charge – range of most commutes
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Produces only water and heat, not GHG
Clean Energy Solutions: Power Generation
Clean Coal Carbon Capture and Sequestration Nuclear Energy Renewables
Clean Coal
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle – removes pollutants and some GHG
Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Source: Energy Information Administration
Nuclear Energy
Near Zero Emissions
Renewable Energy Cost Trends
Levelized cents/kWh in constant $20001
40 COE cents/kWh 100
Wind
30 20 10 0 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
80 60 40
PV
20
0 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
10 COE cents/kWh 8 6 4 2 0 1980 1990
Geothermal
2000
2010
2020
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1980
Solar thermal
15
Biomass
12
9 6 3 1990 2000 2010 2020 0 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Source: NREL Energy Analysis Office (www.nrel.gov/analysis/docs/cost_curves_2002.ppt) 1These graphs are reflections of historical cost trends NOT precise annual historical data. Updated: October 2002
U.S. Support for Clean Energy Solutions
More than $12 billion since 2001
“Twenty in Ten”
Cutting U.S. Gasoline Consumption 20% by 2017
U.S. Industry Cooperation
Big automakers promise
50% of products will be flex-fuel-ready by 2012
FutureGen
Near-Zero-Emissions Coal Plants
International Partnerships
--Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate --International Partnership for a Hydrogen Economy --Methane to Markets --Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum --Generation IV Nuclear Forum --International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
The Future is Almost Here
Experts believe that Cellulosic ethanol can be commercialized within 5 to 10 years
Automakers expect to sell plug-in hybrids by 2012
A Strong Sense of Mission
“I
would hope that Congress would move expeditiously on our plan to reduce gasoline usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years. It’s in our national security interest that we do this, it’s in our economic security interest, and it will help us be better stewards of the environment.”
President George W. Bush, March 26, 2007