1. B. S. E. E., M. S. Space Technology
An Introduction to Renewable Energy
Frank R. Leslie,
B. S. E. E., M. S. Space Technology
10/08/2002, Rev. 1.3
(321)
(321)

2. Overview
Renewable energy is sustainable indefinitely, unlike long-stored energy from fossil fuels that will be depleted
Renewable energy from wind, solar, and hydroelectric power emits no pollution or carbon dioxide (although the building of the components does)
Biomass combustion is also renewable, but emits CO2 and pollutants
Nuclear energy is not renewable, but sometimes is treated as though it were because of the long depletion period
Sustainable energy comes from the sun or from tidal forces of the moon and sun; usually implies not using it faster than can be replenished
Nonrenewable energies come from combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas. Their creation took millions of years, and we are using it faster than it was produced and faster than it is being created.
Renewable energies come from the sun. Collection is from natural occurrences. While the energy is free, it costs money to collect it.
Nuclear and geothermal energies aren’t renewable but are treated that way since the quantity is so large.
Revised

3. Energy Considerations for 2050
Fossil-fuel energy will deplete in the future; took millions of years to create that much fuel
US oil production peaked about 1974; world energy will peak about or so
Renewable energy will eventually become mandatory, and our lifestyles may change
Transition to renewable energy must occur well before a crisis occurs
Revised

4. Conclusion
Renewable energy offers a long-term approach to the World’s energy needs
Economics drives the selection process and short-term (first cost) thinking leads to disregard of long-term, overall cost
Increasing oil, gas, and coal prices will ensure that the transition to renewable energy will occur ― How will we choose to do it?
Revised

5. References: Books
Brower, Michael. Cool Energy. Cambridge MA: The MIT Press, , TJ807.9.U6B76, ’4’0973.
Duffie, John and William A. Beckman. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 920 pp., 1991
Gipe, Paul. Wind Energy for Home & Business. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Pub. Co., , TJ820.G57, 621.4’5
Patel, Mukund R. Wind and Solar Power Systems. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1999, 351 pp. ISBN , TK1541.P , ’2136
Sørensen, Bent. Renewable Energy, Second Edition. San Diego: Academic Press, 2000, 911 pp. ISBN
Revised

6. References: Websites, etc.
Wind Energy elist
Wind energy home powersite elist
geothermal.marin.org/ on geothermal energy
rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/maps/chap2/2-01m.html PNNL wind energy map of CONUS Elist for wind energy experimenters
Site devoted to the decline of energy and effects upon population
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
on OTEC systems
telosnet.com/wind/20th.html
solstice.crest.org/
dataweb.usbr.gov/html/powerplant_selection.html
Revised