Exploratory Thinking 7: Why is it important to research?

Why is it important to research?

This research is important in important because of the benefits that it provides:

Environmental Benefits

Renewable energy technologies are clean sources of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies.

Energy for our children's children's children

Renewable energy will not run out. Ever. Other sources of energy are finite and will some day be depleted.

Jobs and the Economy

Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and workmanship to build and maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports. Renewable energy investments are usually spent within the United States, frequently in the same state, and often in the same town. This means your energy dollars stay home to create jobs and fuel local economies, rather than going overseas.

Meanwhile, renewable energy technologies developed and built in the United States are being sold overseas, providing a boost to the U.S. trade deficit.

Economic Development

According to two studies by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)², if the U.S. were to supply 10% of its electricity from renewables by 2020 the following would occur:

• Consumer savings: $22.6 billion to $37.7 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills
• Jobs: 91,220 new jobs—nearly twice as many as generating the electricity from fossil fuels
• Economic development: $41.5 billion in new capital investment, $5.7 billion in income to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners, and $2.8 billion in new local tax revenues
• Healthier environment: reductions of global warming pollution equal to taking from 25 million to 32 million cars off the road, plus less haze, smog, acid rain, mercury contamination, and water use

Energy Security

After the oil supply disruptions of the early 1970s, our nation has increased its dependence on foreign oil supplies instead of decreasing it. This increased dependence impacts more than just our national energy policy.

Renewable energy provides reliable power supplies and fuel diversification, which enhance energy security and lower risk of fuel spills while reducing the need for imported fuels.  Renewable energy also helps conserve the nation’s natural resources.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/why

Price Stability
Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal do not entail fuel costs or require transportation, and therefore offer greater price stability. In fact, some electric utilities factor this into their retail electricity prices, exempting customers that buy renewables from certain fuel-related charges.

Reduce First

Energy efficiency is a key step to reducing our impact on climate change and creating a sustainable energy future. Every time you flip on a light switch, use your computer, take a hot shower, or turn on your heater, you’re using energy. The average U.S. home uses about 11,000 kWh per year,1 and a large portion of that energy is wasted. By using less energy without sacrificing comfort, you can save money while helping the planet.

Small changes can add up to big savings. Here are 5 actions you can take today to start saving energy:

1. Use compact florescent (CFL) light bulbs in your home and workplace
2. Turn down your water heater to the warm setting
3. Unplug your cell phone and laptop chargers when you’re not using them
4. Use the energy-savings settings on the appliances you have and buy Energy Star–labeled appliances when you replace them.
5. Replace the filters in your furnace and air conditioner

http://buycleanenergy.org/why