www.energysfuture.org        Opened June 20, 2006      Modified July 6,   2008    (v1)

The conclusions appearing below do not represent the opinions of the IEEE.and are solely those of  B K Richards and D. P. Perry, Editor.

Conclusions (B K Richards)

• · There is an “energy problem” (a carbon problem), an unsustainable dependance on fossil fuel
• · Market forces and innovation will play a major role, but are not responsive enough to deal with mass scale, current low costs of energy, and long time constraints
• · The economic impact of a forced shift from fossil fuels is unacceptable
• · Policy shifts and long term investments are needed
• · Natural gas to solar is the most visible path to sustainability today
• · Major, near term investment in natural gas infrastructure is needed
• · Cost of a major solar power infrastructure is daunting, but we should organize ourselves for this eventuality
• · Hydrogen can/will become an important transport system (start with methane derived hydrogen and move toward renewable source driven hydrogen)
• · Known efficiencies can produce near term gains. e.g. Distributed power (with co-generation of heat) “smart power”, hybrids
• · Substantial investment in renewable energy research is justifiable
• · Sufficient research is needed to achieve attractive economics of scale

Conclusions (D P Perry)

Evidence reported here indicates that the cost of pollution to health could run in the area of $100B globally. The cost of compliance with the Kyoto protocols should be balanced against this health cost.

As climatologists do not all agree on a connection between climate and greenhouse gasses we are not ready to make a connection here but to continue to present information. With levels of carbon in the atmosphere increasing exponentially, it is natural to wonder if the atmosphere is affected. As evidence of a connection is mounting, to ignore it would be a great risk.

Complete elimination of carbon from energy production would require major investments in R&D. Federal spending on R&D research has continued to decrease and at present federal spending for energy R&D is lower than for other areas.

Numerous articles have been published extolling the advantages of various energy source. Articles on converting wind and wave energy appear regularly. The comparative costs provided here should show where each type of energy source stands with respect to others.

· Incorporating energy efficient technology into construction projects can reduce consumption by 40%

• · Reducing heating temperatures by 6 degrees would save 570,000 barrels of oil every day

· (Chevron ad)

• · The US Air Force is the largest purchaser of green power in the country. Two of it’s bases are powered solely by renewable energy, mostly wind
• · The Army is building more energy efficient buildings.

· (The Economist, November 26 - December 2, 2005)