379/384Class Presentations

12/7/06

Nuclear EnergyNuclear EnergyThe Case for Surging ForwardThe Case for Surging Forward

December 7, 2006

Audrea Buckley

Historical OverviewHistorical Overview 1974- Energy Reorganization Act: founds Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)1974- Energy Reorganization Act: founds Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Regulate civilian use of nuclear materialsRegulate civilian use of nuclear materials Protect Public and EnvironmentProtect Public and Environment

1985- Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act: authorized states to 1985- Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act: authorized states to dispose of low-level radioactive waste generated within their territory in facilities dispose of low-level radioactive waste generated within their territory in facilities serving a given group of states serving a given group of states

2001- Price Anderson Act extended to 2025: limits insurance coverage of power 2001- Price Anderson Act extended to 2025: limits insurance coverage of power plants and protects public from potential plant accidentsplants and protects public from potential plant accidents

2005- Energy Policy Act: allows continuation of nuclear energy licenses but vows 2005- Energy Policy Act: allows continuation of nuclear energy licenses but vows to improve environmental laws while pursuing a “Comprehensive Energy Plan”to improve environmental laws while pursuing a “Comprehensive Energy Plan”

THE POINT: Legislation processes are slow, ambiguous, and often contradictory.THE POINT: Legislation processes are slow, ambiguous, and often contradictory.

The Status QuoThe Status Quo Political gridlock regarding expansion of Political gridlock regarding expansion of

nuclear energy infrastructurenuclear energy infrastructure Humanitarian and environmental Humanitarian and environmental concernsconcerns

vastly disproportional to benefits due tovastly disproportional to benefits due to Chernobyl disaster (1986)Chernobyl disaster (1986) Three Mile Island accident (1979)Three Mile Island accident (1979)

Technology Technology know-howknow-how, including waste , including waste disposal options (2006!)disposal options (2006!)

RegulationRegulation

TechnologicalTechnological Advantages Advantages of Nuclear Energyof Nuclear Energy

Nominal, if any, environmental pollutant Nominal, if any, environmental pollutant emissionsemissions

Safety and operating performance of Safety and operating performance of power plants steadily improvespower plants steadily improves Waste volumes are small and federally Waste volumes are small and federally

regulatedregulated DOE, NRC, EPA, DOD, DHHSDOE, NRC, EPA, DOD, DHHS

Energy efficiency output is economically Energy efficiency output is economically viable in terms of operating costsviable in terms of operating costs

PoliticalPolitical Advantages of Advantages of Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy

Satisfies short- and long-term energy Satisfies short- and long-term energy demand demand Already have technologyAlready have technology Already have basic infrastructureAlready have basic infrastructure

Complies with domestic and international Complies with domestic and international normsnorms Energy InitiativeEnergy Initiative Kyoto ProtocolKyoto Protocol

ATTN: SummaryATTN: Summary Considering contemporary and prospective Considering contemporary and prospective

energy needs amid the political demands of energy needs amid the political demands of society, present U.S. policy ought to compel society, present U.S. policy ought to compel immediate nuclear energy developmentimmediate nuclear energy development in in order to provide an energy source that isorder to provide an energy source that is sufficient sufficient reliablereliable economicaleconomical securesecure

http://www.fotosearch.com/DGT070/cb028405/

Promoting Cleaner Coal Practices for the Promoting Cleaner Coal Practices for the Generation of ElectricityGeneration of Electricity

Ben BayerBen Bayer NeedNeed: Coal Usage to Increase 53% by 2030: Coal Usage to Increase 53% by 2030 Current Federal Policy is TwofoldCurrent Federal Policy is Twofold

– DOE sponsorship of “clean coal” technologiesDOE sponsorship of “clean coal” technologies Clean Coal Power Initiative – partners with industry to develop more Clean Coal Power Initiative – partners with industry to develop more

efficient and lower cost pollution control technologiesefficient and lower cost pollution control technologies FutureGen - FutureGen - prototype “zero emissions” coal gasification plant with prototype “zero emissions” coal gasification plant with

integrated CO2 sequestrationintegrated CO2 sequestration – EPA regulations force utilities to develop better pollution EPA regulations force utilities to develop better pollution

control equipment to stay in compliance or risk finescontrol equipment to stay in compliance or risk fines Strong Future Policy Necessary for Environment and Strong Future Policy Necessary for Environment and

Energy IndependenceEnergy Independence– Iraq war currently costs $2 billion/week – this could buy 1 Iraq war currently costs $2 billion/week – this could buy 1

FutureGen plant and 5-500 MW state of the art SOFutureGen plant and 5-500 MW state of the art SO22 scrubbers scrubbers per week – every week!per week – every week!

Biomass Energy Policies

Priscilla HoDecember 7, 2006CHE 384

Policy Timeline 2000 – Biomass Research and Development Act

Outlined need for biomass research Created Technical Advisory Committee Called for R&D cooperation and coordination

between the DOE and USDA Biomass Initiative

2002 – Farm Bill Supported bio-based products Biorefinery development grants Provided funds for biomass initiatives

2003 – Healthy Forest Restoration Act

Energy Policy Act of 2005 First national energy plan in more than a decade

Started in 2001, finished in 2005

Provide tax incentives and loan guarantees

Promote national security and economic growth

Increasing energy efficient consumer products, homes, and Federal facilities and usage

Extend daylight savings time

Promoting hybrid cars by tax credits

Renewable Energy Portfolios

Biomass Policy Recommendations

State initiatives All states participate Renewable Portfolio Standards (electricity) and Renewable Fuel

Standards (ethanol) Policy – vision, roadmap, task force Research and Development

Feedstock collection – wide variety Cost effective conversion technologies Funding for research Collaborations between DOE, USDA, etc. and industry (Genencor) to

share information Market Development – lower cost of alternative fuel Easing biomass to take the place of fossil fuels

Questions?

References http://www.awea.org/policy/rpsbrief.

html http://www.ethanol.org/rfs.html http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomas

s/biomass_basics_faqs.html#incentives

Coal Gasification and CO2 CreditsBy David Fenton

• Benefit of IGCC lies mainly in CO2 capture and sequestration– COE of IGCC / with capture is 65% higher than that of conventional coal

• Currently no national regulations on CO2 emissions

• Several state governments have established long-term CO2 caps

• Congress considering “cap and trade” type CO2 emission regulation

• IGCC technology becomes favorable at CO2 prices above $30/ton– This is in the high range of economic estimates

• IGCC does not appear to be an economical choice unless credits are given for sequestered CO2

ETHANOL POLICY ETHANOL POLICY RecommendationsRecommendations

Redesign the Redesign the federal ethanol federal ethanol incentive programincentive program

Change the ethanol Change the ethanol MandateMandate

http://www.ethanolrfa.org/resource/facts/economy/images/hist.jpg

By Eloka Okonkwo & Jayna Bhatt

Fischer-Tropsch PoliciesFischer-Tropsch PoliciesJoe WendlandJoe Wendland

HistoricalHistoricalMontanaMontanaFederalFederal

ExecutiveExecutiveLegislativeLegislativeJudicialJudicial

Department of DefenseDepartment of DefenseDepartment of EnergyDepartment of EnergyRecommendationsRecommendations

Fusion Policy ConclusionsFusion Policy Conclusions

Fusion research has had an erratic history of budget inflations and Fusion research has had an erratic history of budget inflations and cutscuts

United States has recently entered the international fusion United States has recently entered the international fusion research agreement: ITERresearch agreement: ITER

It is imperative that funding remain more constant so that the U.S. It is imperative that funding remain more constant so that the U.S. can uphold their international commitmentscan uphold their international commitments

Currently, DOE and Congress disagree on allocation of fusion Currently, DOE and Congress disagree on allocation of fusion fundingfunding

DOE wants to focus funding on ITERDOE wants to focus funding on ITER Congress wants to fund ITER but also maintain domestic fusion Congress wants to fund ITER but also maintain domestic fusion

research research Retaining a domestic fusion program is important since there are Retaining a domestic fusion program is important since there are

other technologies that ITER will not examineother technologies that ITER will not examine It will be difficult to get fusion to work It will be difficult to get fusion to work Thus, the current funding is enough given the risk that fusion Thus, the current funding is enough given the risk that fusion

energy could never be commercializedenergy could never be commercialized

Katharine Harrison, 12-7-2006Katharine Harrison, 12-7-2006

Wind Energy Policy SummaryWind Energy Policy SummaryHaley NorrisHaley Norris

Federal Production Tax CreditFederal Production Tax Credit 1.9 cent per kWh electricity sold1.9 cent per kWh electricity sold First ten years of project lifeFirst ten years of project life

Renewable Portfolio StandardsRenewable Portfolio Standards State goal to reach % renewable capacityState goal to reach % renewable capacity

Electricity Feed Laws - EuropeElectricity Feed Laws - Europe Pay fixed price to generators of renewable Pay fixed price to generators of renewable

electricityelectricity

Michael Metting Hydrogen Fuel Policy Recommendations

• Increase Government Funding (Currently Spend 50% Less Than Japan)

• Focus On Public Transportation

• Develop Small Scale Technology

HH22ICE Policy RecommendationsICE Policy RecommendationsScott OwensScott Owens

Proactive Safety Standards CreationProactive Safety Standards Creation Market PressureMarket Pressure

– CAFE – ramp up, credits for HCAFE – ramp up, credits for H22ICEICE– Similar emissions requirementsSimilar emissions requirements

Existing InfrastructureExisting Infrastructure– Federal support of existing infrastructureFederal support of existing infrastructure– Public AccessPublic Access– Fleet Vehicles (Public Transit, USPS, etc)Fleet Vehicles (Public Transit, USPS, etc)

IncentivesIncentives– Tax DeductionsTax Deductions– RebatesRebates

DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE WITH PLUG-IN HYBRIDS:

POLICIESPresented By:

‘Banke FunshoTemi Phillips

11/28/06

What are Plug- in Hybrids? Automobiles which can run on multiple sources of fuel.

Improved technology from regular hybrid; > 100mpg

Aim of Policies?

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foreign dependency on oil, creating more efficient vehicles

What are the Applicable Policies?Oil-Saving Policy- More efficient cars on the road

Transportation Policy- HOV lane access at all times

Federal Income Tax- By virtue of purchase

State Tax Incentive- Removal of state sales tax

Rebate Incentives- Rebate on license plate registration

Insurance Incentives- Reduced car insurance premium

Proposed: Program granting funds to authorities contributing to development of PHEV’s.

Policy – Global warming Global dimming – Nick

•Policy is driven by need–Pin the problem to health affects

•Old policy = coming of ice age•New policy = heating up

•SOLUTION: Kyoto and the U.S.•Necessary to combat together

–Reductions in So2, NOx, CO2, particulates

Electric Vehicle Policy

Anna Paredez and Amish Dalal

Recommendations:

•Re-initiate Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate

•Offer competitive incentives to producers of EV’s

•Initiate legislation to improve battery technology

•Introduce new campaigns in Texas to promote EV’s

•Ask your congressman/woman to increase spending on EV research and development

•Grant larger tax breaks and insurance discounts to consumers

Policy on Diesel in AmericaPolicy on Diesel in AmericaRyan Macaluso & Wayne LaDowRyan Macaluso & Wayne LaDow

•Diesel engine efficiencyDiesel engine efficiency•America’s policy towards dieselAmerica’s policy towards diesel

– More geared towards environment

•Comparisons to European policyComparisons to European policy– Not many can be made

•Revised policyRevised policy

RecommendationsFelicia and Vanessa

• Enact new policies • Pay -as-You-Drive• Powered truck stops• Phase out school/public busses to renewable energy

• Follow lead of other states • California Low Emission Vehicle Program• CO2 emissions trading program• Attract companies to promote Global Warming reducing

programs in Texas• Legislators

• Comprehensive plan • Long term plans for combating effects of Global Warming

• Costal areas shrinking• Drought/ floods

• Look at alternatives to coal fire plants

Recommendations for Biomass Technology in India & TexasAndrea French and Nicole Munguia

Encourage Autonomy Within Indian Villages

• Involve women• Increase training for use,

maintenance, repair, finance • Use existing village groups• Stock materials, tools,

accessories, and spare parts in decentralized stores

• Maintain regular and open communication

• Beneficiary contribution for stake

Government Strategies• Streamline funding• Refine alternative feed stocks

Texas• Federal subsidies should be

shifted from nuclear and fossil power to renewable resources.

• Implement more “green pricing” programs across the country.

• City governments should join The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and create a ‘Carbon Reduction Strategy’ with finite goals.

Wind Power Wind Power RecommendationsRecommendations

• Federal Policyo Strengthen environmental legislationo Stabilize the Production Tax Credit (PTC) scheduleo Keep benefits for public utilities and rural areaso Pass Rural Energy for America Act

• State and Local Policyo Increase Direct Investment Incentiveso Continue tax incentives (Income, Property, Sales)o Keep updating Renewable Portfolio Standards

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Solar Power Policy SummarySolar Power Policy SummaryBruce and RobertBruce and Robert

Past Policies Past Policies – Benefited businesses more than residentsBenefited businesses more than residents

• Current Policy– California – “California Solar Initiative”– Texas – Exemptions and deductions on franchise tax

• Future Policy – Reduction in fees and tax credit extensions

• Recommendations – Modify current tax incentive– Offer low interest loans for solar installations– More Govt. investment into R&D

CO2 Capture PolicyBy: Michael Ng

CO2 Capture Policy United States does not believe global

warming is a major concern President Bush believes carbon intensity can

be reduced without slowing the economy Advocate the use of post-combustion CO2

capture technology (PCT) or integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) for reduction of CO2 levels

Different CO2 capture strategies differ for each regions around the world

Solar Photovoltaic PolicySolar Photovoltaic PolicyChris LombardoChris Lombardo

Research FundsResearch Funds $648 million from 2007-2010 to become cost $648 million from 2007-2010 to become cost

completive by 2015completive by 2015 Tax IncentivesTax Incentives

Income tax credit – 20% - 30% of invoiceIncome tax credit – 20% - 30% of invoice Property tax – no added taxable valueProperty tax – no added taxable value Sales tax – makes large difference to Sales tax – makes large difference to

consumer but little to governmentconsumer but little to government RebatesRebates

Need to offer over $4/Watt rebateNeed to offer over $4/Watt rebate Tie into technology industry like Austin EnergyTie into technology industry like Austin Energy

ConclusionsJorge M. Plaza• Future of world’s energy supply is an intricate

problem. – Solution must include economic development and

sustainability. • Hydrogen is one of the options

– Technical Challenges– Policy conditions that need to be established. – The answer needs to include all possible technologies.– Consistent policies on a local and global scale. – More investment in R&D is needed.

• Hydrogen depends on CO2 sequestration + Security Policy

• Hydrogen can not depend on market forces – Government involvement (subsidies, taxes, incentives)– Financed by stakeholders

SummaryAdam Womack and Patrick Blomberg

• Multinational cooperation needed to develop wave energy rapidly

• United States policy should include more than political buzzwords

• West Coast between 40 and 60 latitude (N&S) could provide 10% of world need

• Severn Barrage alone could manage 6% Wales/England need

U.S. Nuclear Policy RecommendationsU.S. Nuclear Policy Recommendations

For sustainability…For sustainability…– Proliferation-resistant reprocessing – Proliferation-resistant reprocessing –

implement when mature, subsidize if needed implement when mature, subsidize if needed – Permanent disposal measuresPermanent disposal measures

Additional sites besides Yucca MountainAdditional sites besides Yucca Mountain

To foster growth in the industry…To foster growth in the industry…– Change negative public attitudeChange negative public attitude

Outreach programsOutreach programs– Economic incentivesEconomic incentives

Carbon emissions creditCarbon emissions creditRobert Tsai

Hydrogen PolicyHydrogen PolicyMatios YeknianMatios Yeknian

ChE 379ChE 379

• President Bush’s 2003 State of the Union President Bush’s 2003 State of the Union addressaddress– $1.2 billion $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel InitiativeHydrogen Fuel Initiative, describing , describing

it as a clean and secure energy future. it as a clean and secure energy future. • In 1999, the In 1999, the California Fuel Cell California Fuel Cell

PartnershipPartnership was formed was formed– So far this partnership has built 16 hydrogen So far this partnership has built 16 hydrogen

fueling stations with plans to build an fueling stations with plans to build an additional 15 and is operating 95 hydrogen additional 15 and is operating 95 hydrogen powered vehicles. powered vehicles.

– On July 21, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger On July 21, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a hydrogen highway bill. signed a hydrogen highway bill.

• Billions of dollars needed to realize a Billions of dollars needed to realize a hydrogen futurehydrogen future

US Hydrogen PolicyUS Hydrogen PolicyMatios YeknianMatios Yeknian

ChE 379ChE 379

• Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development and Demonstration Act of Development and Demonstration Act of 1990 –R&D program1990 –R&D program

• Hydrogen Future Act of 1996-184 million Hydrogen Future Act of 1996-184 million dollars appropriated to hydrogen dollars appropriated to hydrogen researchresearch

• FreedomCAR – Agreement between DOE FreedomCAR – Agreement between DOE and Council of Automotive Researchand Council of Automotive Research

• President’s Hydrogen Initiative-1.2 billion President’s Hydrogen Initiative-1.2 billion dollar programdollar program

• Energy Policy Act 2005 – more R&D, Energy Policy Act 2005 – more R&D, Storage, Distribution and ProductionStorage, Distribution and Production

• MORE MONEY NEEDED!MORE MONEY NEEDED!

Wind Power Wind Power RecommendationsRecommendations

• Federal Policyo Strengthen environmental legislationo Stabilize the Production Tax Credit (PTC) scheduleo Keep benefits for public utilities and rural areaso Pass Rural Energy for America Act

• State and Local Policyo Increase Direct Investment Incentiveso Continue tax incentives (Income, Property, Sales)o Keep updating Renewable Portfolio Standards

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Biodiesel ProductionBiodiesel Production Economic GrowthEconomic Growth

U.S. economic contributions of BiodieselU.S. economic contributions of Biodiesel

Creating Demand for BiodieselCreating Demand for Biodiesel While Keeping Cost LowWhile Keeping Cost Low

Increasing Economy of ScaleIncreasing Economy of Scale Plants not operating at full capacityPlants not operating at full capacity

State vs. Federal IncentivesState vs. Federal Incentives