Renewable Energy Technologies in Europe

The development of the ‘‘new’’ wind and solar technologies is of great importance for the future contribution of RESs to energy supply. Although the present wind and solar technology contribution of 0.4% to total primary energy consumption per capita is still very small, the growth of these industries has been considerable in the past 6 to 8 years. Today they provide 10 times the energy of 10 years ago. Wind energy shows the most remarkable growth dynamics; its contribution is now reaching energetically relevant dimensions. (more…)

The Role of Governments in Energy Research and Development

Not surprisingly, most Energy Research and Development takes place in industrialized countries where both the public and private sectors are involved in the development of energy technologies. Given that most energy technologies are deployed through the marketplace, the predominant focus of Energy Research and Development is within firms. Still, governments have historically played an important role in the Research and Development of new energy technologies through direct financial support (e.g., gas turbines) as well as through policies that promote Energy Research and Development within firms. (more…)

Future Energy Use and Performance

Current forecasts call for solid growth in world energy use over the next 20 years, potentially increasing 60% above current energy use. With the forces in place to keep energy use patterns the same, a safe, conservative assumption would be that the commercial sector will contribute about 12% to final total energy consumption in the year 2020. (more…)

America Pursuit for Oil and America Oil Consumption

For years it was out of desperation that observers have advised and viewed of American energy policy and geopolitical risks regarding American obsession with oil. United States have become very sensitive to permanent events in the Gulf region. But the great surprise was the American public seems quite happy to give thousands of young soldiers in a desert war against other nation with huge cost inline. (more…)

Reducing the Use of Gasoline | Corporate Average Fuel Economy

gasoline consumption

Whatever the actual motivation, American policymakers perceived a need after 1973 to restrict automobile and light truck consumption of gasoline. How The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 imposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards on all auto and light truck manufacturers who sold vehicles in the Unite d States. The weighted average of miles per gallon (MPG) for each manufacturer’s car sales was required to be at least 18 MPG by 1978 and 27.5 MPG by 1985. Manufacturer s that failed to meet this standard were to be fined $50 per vehicle sold for each gallon (of MPG rating) by which they failed. (more…)