Please get your notebook! Please read the board!

Today’s Game plan! Test Turbines (taking turns) Discuss Distributed power

Why fossil fuels?

Why NOT Fossil Fuels? What are the drawbacks of using fossil fuels?

Sustainable energy sources

Every power system has pros and cons

Solar power must be stored for nights and cloudy days

Are we asking the wrong question? Should we be looking for a one-to-one substitution solution? Are we asking the wrong question?

Distributed power vs centralized power Creating a paradigm shift Distributed power vs centralized power

Current electricity grid One major regional power plant, usually coal, natural gas or nuclear supplies area’s needs Same plan throughout US

Our electric “grid” = power plants connected to consumers

Our electric “grid” = power plants connected to consumers

A new energy concept Distributed Power = dispersed, small-scale power systems customized to geographic region combine to meet a region’s needs

The mix that works for Houston would be different than the mix for Detroit.

A Smarter grid – (how is it smarter? Compare to centralized)

Decentralized power Advantages Disadvantages Greater reliance on renewables Decreased climate change Protection from centralized power outages (storms, malfunction, terrorism) New jobs/new industries Promote more community Disadvantages Change is difficult Need for new infrastructure which may be costly Requires more cooperation Some jobs will be lost Shift in local economies

Process it! Describe centralized power Describe decentralized power Explain how geography would impact decentralized power