California Pilot Project The Crisis We are now experiencing the exponential acceleration of global warming Negative feedback cycles are pushing us into uncontrollable climate change We must act Now ID: 346293
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Global Energy “Moonshot”" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Global Energy “Moonshot”
California Pilot ProjectSlide2
The Crisis
We are now experiencing the exponential acceleration of global warming.
Negative feedback cycles are pushing us into uncontrollable climate change.
We must act. Now.Slide3
The Crisis
Pinnacle Point was the holdout for ancient humans escaping climate disaster 190,000 years ago.
The last 10,000 humans survived at the end of the earth, sheltering in place and waiting for the climate to stabilize.
We don’t have to let this happen again.Slide4
Problem: Centralized Energy Production
Electricity system produces 43% of California’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Distributed renewable power generation capped at ~15% because of grid limitations.
Integrating new renewable resources is costly and slow
.
Vast amounts of energy are lost in transmission and distribution from line loss and other inefficiencies.
Grid is vulnerable to systemic disruptions, terrorist acts, and natural disasters.Slide5
The Global Energy “Moonshot”
Our plan takes the urgency of the energy/climate crisis and combines cutting-edge research, advances in practical renewable energy technology, proven financing models, and a robust business pathway for implementation.
Researchers have proven that a shift to 100% renewable energy is possible with existing technology. Huge economic benefits of the shift include at least $1.6 Trillion in new business activity in California alone. [Jacobson,
Brutoco
]
Community micro grids with fuel
c
ell power plants are more efficient and solve key storage and transmission issues. They are ready to be piloted and scaled. [Samuelson, Schell,
Kristov
, Clean Coalition]
With the creation of new energy markets, business can take the lead
in deploying
renewable energy
systems.
Abundant sources of private capital exist to finance this transition. With a profitable pathway this solution can go global.
[
Shah,
Brutoco
]Slide6
California “Moonshot” Pilot
To change our fate, we must change our minds about what is possible.
Goals:
Start Local — Implement zero-carbon electricity system for State of California in 10 yearsMake It Pay — Identify
profitable pathways for business
to invest in the transition
Go Global — Create a scalable approach that can be
replicated across the planet
If not here… where? If not us… who?
If not now… when? Slide7
Step #1: Build Community Grids
Eliminate 19
th
century technology, Implement 21st century technology
Centralized energy production
I
nefficient long distance transmission
V
ery limited markets for local energy
Distributed energy production
A
lmost zero transmission
L
ocal management, local energy markets
Massive Statewide Grid
Community Micro GridsSlide8
Why Community Grids?
Community grids use new and existing infrastructure and advanced technology to improve efficiency and vastly increase the potential for local energy production.Slide9
Why Community Grids?
Local grids allow for integration of renewables at a much faster rate.
Currently locally produced renewable energy is limited to ~15% of total grid load because of limits imposed by old grid technology. Community Grids enable much higher
percentages of local renewable energy
.
Local energy production is much more efficient. Communities make power where it is used, reducing transmission
and overall energy consumption.
Local management can actively manage the system, increasing flexibility and more easily integrating renewable energy systems.
Local energy production leads to innovation, entrepreneurship, and job growth within the service area.Slide10
Step #2: Add Fuel Cell Power
Integrate fuel cell power plants as “buffer” for local grids.
(14.9 MW Grid Support Fuel Cell Energy Plant, Bridgeport CT)
Gas
Electricity
No
NOx
,
SOx
, and Particulates Slide11
Why Fuel Cell Power?
Fuel
c
ell power plants provide clean energy support for local grids, create pathway for 100% carbon-free base power.
Utility scale fuel cells are almost silent and emit zero criteria pollutants, thus can be easily sited. Much cleaner than any existing turbines.
Can be powered by methane gas and transition to renewable hydrogen gas with only minor alterations.
S
moothly shift from current energy paradigm (methane) to the next energy paradigm (renewable H
2
gas).
Provide load balancing and robust backup power for grid reliability.
Enable long-term storage and use of renewable energy (stored as H
2
gas).
Fuel cell production is ready to scale now. Slide12
Step #3: Pilot–Community Grids with Fuel Cell “Buffers”
Two substations are transformed into Community
microgrids
.Elected
Officials, Regulators, Utility Companies, and the Business Community see Community Grids in action.
The to pathway to achieving carbon reductions, stabilizing the energy system, and creating massive economic growth in California becomes undeniable.Slide13
Step #4: Community Grids Take Over
Community grids remain connected to the statewide grid while making rapid up-scaling in distributed energy production viable.
Distributed energy production becomes
an unprecedented growth
industry
.
California’s energy system becomes a series of interconnected local grids, each producing as much of their own power as possible.
This transition is modular (one substation at a time), scalable (as many substations as desired), with a predictable implementation pathway to distributed renewable energy.
Local GridSlide14
The Ask
Help us prove this pathway in the real world. The pieces are in place, we need the funding to make the strongest case possible to the California Public Utilities Commission. Our estimate for the three interventions required is ~$600,000.
Spread the word. Financial support is essential, but we need to continue to bring this solution to the business leaders, thought leaders, and politicians who can help make it happen.
Join in. We invite collaboration in our activities. Please ask questions, make suggestions, send introductions, and find others who can write checks.
If not here… where? If not us… who?
If not now… when?