1. Report on Masters Project Making Connecticut Energy Independent by 2050? By Burton Bruce December 7,2015

2.  Throughout the History of Connecticut energy has come form a variety of sources.  Some of these sources are unique to Connecticut such as whale oil or are unique to New England such as Hydro Mechanical or Hydroelectric power. Historical Energy Epochs in Connecticut

3.  The trend seems to be weaning Connecticut off of fuel oil and substituting natural gas and electricity.  Heat Pumps (operated by electricity) are increasing in popularity due to tax incentives and proven efficiency. Connecticut’s Home Heating Methods are Evolving

4.  In 2015 Connecticut's electricity is provided by:  Nuclear  Natural Gas  A smattering of renewables: hydroelectricity, wind (just coming on line), solar Connecticut's Sources of Electricity in 2015

5.  The issue currently with wind and solar produced electricity is that it is variable.  A future built on renewables must have developed storage capability to mitigate the variable nature of renewables. Energy Storage is Critical to an Energy Independent Connecticut Elan Musk’s “the Wall” “Hydrostor” Candlewood Lake

6. Some Current Energy Storage Technologies “The Wall”” Pumped Hydro is the oldest form of large scale energy storage, Candlewood Lake, CT was created nearly 100 years ago. “Hydrostor” underwater compressed air storage.

7.  The ability of the smart grid to initially quickly react and eventually predict electricity needs at the very local level will minimize the need for over production of electric power to meet unknown needs.  The smart grid will be able to take advantage of variable power form solar and wing and direct it to storage facilities for later use. The Key Technology That Makes an Energy Independent Connecticut Possible

8.  The above chart is a compilation of predictions based on moderate assumptions to overall energy needs in 2050.  Connecticut's electric needs for 2050 will be ~ 170 Trillion BTUs (~50 TW-hrs)  Connecticut will still need some petroleum products. Connecticut's Energy Needs in 2050

9.  Connecticut's needs for electricity are met and with an over production of capacity.  Connecticut can trade for the energy resources it does not have such as petroleum products. Connecticut Can Meet its Total Electricity Needs in 2050 Total Renewable Sources Sorce Plant CharacteristicsPlant Costs (2012$) Nominal Capacity (MW) Nominal Capacity (kW) Energy capacity (TW-hr) Overnight Capital Cost ($/kW) Fixed O&M Cost ($/kW-yr) Fuel Cost ($/MWhr) Unit s Comment Photovoltaic8,0008,000,00032.0 $ 3,873$24.69080 km 2 Offshore Wind1,5001,500,0009.0 $ 6,230$74.000300Turbines Tidal turbines3,0003,000,0006.0 $ 3,500$75.000600Turbines Conventional Hydroelectric 500500,0003.0 $ 2,936$14.130 4 Times 2015 capacity Pumped Storage 5050,0000.3 $ 5,288$18.000 Total 11,550 50.353 Billion $430 Million $

10. Notional Hybrid Energy Reef 150 m Wind Turbine Compressed Air Energy Storage Farm Two Tidal Turbines Example of what can be placed in Long Island Sound In addition the Energy Reef could generate Hydrogen and store it in some of the energy storage farm balloons to be used when needed. This storage method would minimize the “Hindenburg fears” that still hover around Hydrogen Hydrogen can be used to power either fuel cells or gas turbines.

11.  Connecticut has the resources in:  Offshore wind  Hydroelectric Potential  Solar capability and the land to dedicate to it.  Tidal power  Underwater energy storage.  So technologically the answer is defiantly “YES”.  Ultimately the decision rests with “we the people”… Connecticut Can Be Energy Independent by 2050!