Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
MARCH 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Executive Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
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FOREWORD
The way we think about energy is changing. Americans understand that the development of our countrys clean energy sources is critical to a sustainable energy future. By investing in a balanced energy portfolio that prioritizes the reduction of harmful emissions, we can protect both our economy and our environment for future generations. While American citizens and businesses will always be quick to take advantage of electricity sources that provide us with affordable power in the near-term, we must also recognize that decisions we make about energy today will have an impact on the availability and cost of energy tomorrow. In the following white paper, the Clean and Safe Energy (CASEnergy) Coalition examines the role that natural gas and nuclear energy play in a diverse energy portfolio, outlining the short- and long-term benefits of each electricity source. With electricity needs projected to increase steadily in the coming decades, now is the time to take a closer look at the investments in infrastructure that will provide reliable electricity at costs that will remain affordable and stable for years to come. We hope that this paper inspires more conversations about our energy options and the importance of a diverse and balanced energy portfolio.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The United States historically has been quick to capitalize on cheap, plentiful electricity. The country has taken advantage of affordable and available coal, oil, nuclear energy, natural gas and renewables. American businesses and citizens alike have been the primary beneficiaries, given access to abundant, cheap electricity. But Americans arent just interested in cheap energy today. They also want energy pricing thats going to be stable over the long term. They want the security of knowing energy costs wont spike tomorrow because of the weather, and they want assurances of no disruptions in the supply chain, no instability in energy markets, or radical changes in resource availability. Ultimately, a diverse energy portfolio will ensure reliable, predictable and manageable costs for energy users. Such diversity provides greater access to cost-stable energy sources and reduces overreliance on energy sources that are vulnerable to unpredictable supply or cost fluctuations. America must commit to the development of an energy portfolio built with an eye toward balancing the short-term advantages of plentiful, low-cost energy sources like natural gas alongside reliable, affordable sources like nuclear energy that provide long-term benefits. These two energy sources are essential components in any discussion about building a secure, domestic energy portfolio. This paper explores the importance of long-term electricity planning in the context of short- and long-term opportunity, taking into account the following:
Christine Todd Whitman Former Governor of New Jersey and EPA Administrator Co-Chair, Clean and Safe Energy Coalition
How shifts in consumer demand for and consumption of electricity, along with a focus on cleaner energy, are changing the way the United States is prioritizing energy development. How immediate and long-term electricity costs are impacting critical energy decisions. The arguments for and against taking advantage of short-term drops in energy prices versus long-term investment in projects that deliver predictable electricity at stable costs. The advantages of longer-term energy investments, taking into account jobs, environmental impact and energy security. How existing programs and strategies help communities manage the cost of up-front investments in large energy infrastructure, allowing them to accrue benefits for the long term.
OF AMERICANS WANT
THE MAJORITY
STANDARDS
Source: Gallup
EMISSIONS
STRICTER
28% INCREASE
37.4%
Coal
2040
ELECTRICITY
2013
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
IN DEMAND FOR
6%
30.4%
6.7%
Natural Gas
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Hydroelectric
ENERGY PRODUCTION
COSTS DRIVEN BY
GREATER VOLATILITY
ARE SUBJECT TO
FUEL PRICES
31%
COAL
78%
NATURAL GAS
88%
Source: Ventyx Velocity Suite; Energy Resources International, Inc.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
IS THE NATIONS
PRODUCER OF CARBON-FREE
LARGEST
ELECTRICITY
1.3% 9.6%
Wind
Geothermal
0.1%
Solar
25.7%
Hydro
63.3%
Nuclear
CARBON-FREE ELECTRICITY
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$470 MILLION
4701,060
400700
100200
Hydro
Energy facilities dont just power the homes, businesses and communities they serve. They also power local and state economies, as well as the job market. On average, each nuclear energy facility generates $470 million in sales of goods and services in the local community, and nearly $40 million in total labor income. Natural gas development has injected billions of dollars of state and federal tax revenue into the economy, both directly and by spurring economic activity in areas where development occurs. Moreover, as the energy sector grows, so do other industries that benefit from the opportunities created by new infrastructure development, by energy exploration and production, and by ongoing plant operation and maintenance. For example, for every 100 permanent jobs created by nuclear energy facilities, local economies indirectly produce 66 new jobs, and an additional 726 jobs are created indirectly nationwide. Whats more, the reliable and affordable electricity produced at these facilities provides an additional boost to the economy by keeping costs low for American businesses.
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Blog: Clean Energy Buzz at blog.casenergy.org Twitter: @CASEnergy YouTube: CASEnergy Coalition www.CleanSafeEnergy.org 202.338.2273
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