A realizable renewable energy future

Abstract

The ability of renewable resources to provide all of societyÕs energy needs is shown by using the United States as an example. Various renewable systems are presented, and the issues of energy payback, carbon dioxide abatement, and energy storage are addressed. Pathways for renewable hydrogen generation are shown, and the implementation of hydrogen technologies into the energy infrastructure is presented. The question is asked, Should money and energy be spent on carbon dioxide sequestra-tion, or should renewable resources be implemented instead. Interest in renewable energy has depended on the perceived risks of using fossil fuels. During the energy crisis of the mid-1970s, the perceived risk of running out of con-ventional fossil fuels led to crash programs in developing renewable sources and ener-gy conservation measures, including highe