Alternative Energy Fuzzy

2030 — the year of energy independence.

America’s goal of producing enough energy to meet all our domestic needs was born in the oil crisis of the 1970s. The war against terrorism in the first decade of the 21st century only made matters more urgent. Dependence on foreign oil threatened our economy and political standing in the world. But now America is energy independent. There are no more crippling blackouts or fuel shortages: we actually sell more energy than we consume.

How was this miracle achieved? One thing must be clearly understood: America did not solve the problem with conservation. Today we use almost twice as much energy as we did in the year 2000, and we still consume more energy than any other nation on earth. Rather than reducing demand, we achieved energy independence through highly focused and aggressive development of new sources of power.

The first steps, taken in 2002, were aimed at significantly increasing the efficiency of fossil fuels. Experimental gadgets and chemical additives were rushed to market, each promising to produce better gas mileage and make engines operate more effectively. Since the government relaxed regulations on testing, many unproven and potentially harmful technologies made their way into the marketplace — and the environment. Major automobile manufacturers introduced models that used alternative fuels, such as coal sludge and grain alcohol. But it was General Motors that ultimately prevailed with cars, trucks, vans, and even buses that used disposable electric batteries powerful enough to win stock car races.

Most of the nation’s energy (64%) is now generated from nuclear power. Although not a new source of energy, nuclear power staged a dramatic comeback in the 21st Century with the development of small nuclear stations rather than huge, expensive power plants. Cities, states, and even businesses set up tens of thousands of miniature reactors to serve their energy needs. Richmond alone has 87 stations. One reactor is hidden on the grounds of the state capitol and supplies enough power to heat, cool, and provide electricity for the entire government complex.

The quest for sources of alternative energy has also led to novel energy generating devices. Fully half of the new homes built in the last decade use microwave heating technology. Microwave home systems (similar to microwave ovens that cook food) warm people and objects rather than air. A microwave house uses less than a quarter of the energy of a traditional gas heating system.

Probably the most popular development in energy consumption has been the intelligent power grid. This allows individual consumers to produce their own energy and sell it to power companies. One Franklin resident set up fifty solar collection panels on his yard, and a Virginia Beach business installed seventy wave turbines at the oceanfront. Thousands of windmills line Interstate 95.

Brainstorm challenges presented by America’s strategy of achieving energy independence through increased production and technological innovation. Develop an action plan to deal with one major concern.