Photo Credit: NREL

Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director and Chief Executive of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), gave a very detailed presentation on how to “Realize a Clean Energy Future” at WREF 2012. He started off his presentation by talking about the pressing energy issues we currently have: energy security, the economy, and protecting the environment. Currently, the U.S. is producing about 74.9 Quadrillion BTUs of energy while consuming more than 98 Quadrillion BTUs of energy. Arvizu pushed the idea that our country is still focused on natural gas, coal, and petroleum for energy but 12.9% of global energy supply comes from renewable energy generation. The problem with incorporating more renewable energy generation is that costs are still high and haven’t reached a competitive state with current energy production. Energy like geothermal, hydro, wind, and biomass are reaching a point where they will be soon cost competitive, therefore it is more likely that these sources will grow in production.

One of the points Dr. Arvizu came back throughout his presentation was that globally, renewable energy potential is enormous but a profound transformation in our energy system is required. Our current energy system is dependent on non-domestic sources, subject to price volatility, vulnerability to energy delivery systems, wasted source energy, and increasing amounts of carbon emissions. To have a sustainable energy system, Arvizu stated that we need carbon neutrality, efficiency, diverse supply options, sustainable use of resources, economic development, and a system that is accessible, affordable and secure. In order to get there, the challenges that need to be overcome are legal, market, and institutional barriers; coordination between all agencies to create a shared vision; public support by understanding importance; and finding a solution that works for our country and our needs. Some ways to deal with these issues is by more investment in research and development, utilizing the asset, capital investment for long term, and national strategies to drive the energy market.

After discussing where renewable energy stands on a national and global level, Dr. Arvizu took a look into the current status of renewable technologies. He recognized that many states have Renewable Portfolio Standards and goals while also having great potential for a variety of renewable energy options. Because of this, the improvements in a variety of renewable and efficient technologies is necessary. He discussed the promising technologies in a bunch of different sectors including solar, wind, biofuels, transportation, building innovation, and efficiency/integration innovation. Throughout all of these sectors, he pressed the idea that their is huge potential for this field because of the variety of options within each sector. For example, for solar power alone there are three impressive PV technologies that are being developed to perform more efficiently and effectively: CPV, Thin Films, and Crystalline Silicon. Arvizu went into detail on all the different sectors and the prevalent innovation occurring right now to strengthen renewable energy.

Dr. Arvizu wrapped up his discussion by leaving this final statement:

“To achieve a clean energy vision, we must invest in innovation, invent the future we desire, improve access to capital, and partner on a global scale.”

To learn more about WREF 2012 and see the proceedings from the event, please click here. View below to see part of Arvizu’s powerpoint presentation:

The question is no longer if clean energy will become competitive with conventional energy forms of energy; the question is, when will it happen?

The first question from the audience during Q&A vocalized the frustration many feel in the renewable energy world at the political debate around energy in Washington. The issue this question referred to was on subsidies for renewables without recognizing that fossil fuels have been receiving subsides for decades. The list goes on and on.  The audience member urged Steven Chu to lead the DOE to create a new dialog for public discourse around energy. Chu responded that the last thing we want is to let clean energy get bogged down in a political debate. It is on its way to becoming a cheaper form of energy. Conversation should be to phase out all subsidies because technology is going at such a pace where we should not need subsidies. Chu is a scientist, not a politician, and his perspective that politics should stay out of rational decisions about this country’s energy future is probably a wise one. Toxic politics are rendering useless to much of our public discourse about the future. If the energy world can embrace both sides of the aisle in Washington and keep the focus on logical strategies that will support a better future for everyone, their cause will benefit.