Green Energy News | September 14, 1997

September 14, 1997 – Vol.2 No.24

ENERGIES... week of September 14, 1997

THREE TRILLION U.S. DOLLARS in worldwide power generation infrastructure will be needed by 2020, according to a report just issued by PowerGen PLC. A world population growth of 50% and booming economies in Asia, as well as population shifts and life-style changes are reasons cited for the needed investment.

Aside from powering toasters, television sets and factories, electricity is also needed to support the growing worldwide energy-dependent information technology revolution. Electric cars and buses too will eventually require their own infrastructure improvements.

The biggest challenge for electricity producers will be how to balance the power needs of growing economies while facing increasing concerns over the environment and carbon dioxide emissions contributing to global warming.

According to the study, the U.S. will still be the largest energy user in the world, with China a close second by 2020.

MORE WASTE-TO-ENERGY facilities could add to the worldwide power infrastructure. DTE Biomass Energy of Michigan already produces enough electricity to power nearly 11,500 homes by burning methane gas recovered from landfill dumps. Another biomass energy plant is ready to go on line to power an additional 2000 homes.

Methane is also a greenhouse gas and and is released into the atmosphere unless it is recaptured for productive use. Burning methane for power generation makes CO2, but can reduce CO2 from other fossil fuel fired plants by reducing demand on those facilities. DTE’s facilities in Michigan prevent some 17,700 tons of methane each year from being released into the atmosphere.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are about 700 landfill operations in the U.S. that could become waste-to-energy facilities.

STATE FARM INSURANCE has issued an El Nino alert for the media. Included are tips on how to prepare for expected foul winter weather and the potential for natural disaster caused by the flare up of “The Little One”

California residents in particular should be prepared for an especially nasty winter with its effects on life, limb and property, according to State Farm. Some reports claim that El Nino events in the Pacific Ocean are getting more frequent and powerful - perhaps because of a warming planet.

Property insurers are concerned about global warming, since they pay much of the tab for damage from extreme weather events. Property owners should check their coverage with their insurance agent.