Tech Connect - Cloud Computing 2010

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ScienceFoundation arizona ::

The Time Is Now
A move to meet Arizona Clean
Energy Vision within three decades

here is no clear vision for
the future of energy in
Arizona similar to those
developed by other states
such as Texas, New Mexico
and California. The purpose of Arizona
Clean Energy Vision—100% by 2040 is
to start the dialogue that could lead to
such a vision for market-based economic
development through cleaner electricity
and demonstrate. Arizona has the
resources, including the nation’s greatest
potential for solar energy, to move ahead
of sister states that are already moving
ambitiously to increase their production
of electricity from wind and solar. Arizona
has set a goal of 15% renewable energy
production by 2025.

The first phase will count primarily on solar and wind to meet all new energy demand in Arizona since technical maturity and economic viability are rapidly narrowing the competitive advantage currently enjoyed by conventional generating sources. The 2009 Arizona legislation providing tax incentives for solar companies is an excellent first step in the

regulatory reform needed to implement a transition to a clean energy future. The second phase will focus on the replacement of our current aging energy infrastructure as it becomes obsolete. This phase should consider the inclusion of a new generation of nuclear power, since Arizona has substantial supplies of uranium, equivalent perhaps to the entire energy content of the Alaskan North Slope.

The major sources of power in this plan are nuclear, hydro-electric, wind and solar energy. Arizona’s current share of the power production of the Palo Verde nuclear reactors is about 2 gigawatts. It would certainly be possible to expand this facility in order to generate a significant increase in nuclear power. However, this would be expensive and require a significant amount of time for permitting and construction--perhaps as long as 20 years. Moreover, nuclear power is high in water usage; Palo Verde uses 65 million gallons of water daily.

There is enough solar potential in Arizona to provide all of the power the state needs plus a large amount for exporting. The plan assumes a peak generation of only 60

gigawatts from solar, which is more than the amount needed to meet the projected load demand plus the additional amount for long-term energy storage. There are 10 hours in the day during which the energy generation would exceed the demand. This is critical to producing a reliable source of electrical power using renewable resources that are intermittent. It demonstrates the importance of long-term energy storage. The excess energy produced can be stored and used to generate power when needed at night or on cloudy or calm days.

Much of what is needed to be done to fulfill this vision is described in the Arizona Economic Resource Organization’s Solar Task Force Report (2008). Now what is required is a broad-based dialogue leading to a unified commitment of the people of Arizona—political and business leaders, and utility companie—to move this plan into reality. The vision can be accomplished if we encourage development of energy and demand response technologies through support of research and implementation. We also must support the development of grid infrastructure and management techniques, including smart grid and demand responsive load.

From a practical point of view, the implementation of this plan will have to be done step by step. For example, the first step might be to consider building only renewable energy generation systems when the demand for additional power exceeds current generation capacity. Defining the exact pathway to achieving the goal requires thorough economic, land and water-use analyses.

Now is the time to utilize the great natural resources of Arizona to solve the daunting economic and social problems that need to be overcome for the future wellbeing of the state. Now is the time to discuss, refine and then implement the “Arizona Clean Energy Vision—100% by 2040.” Science Foundation Arizona and Research Corporation for Science Advancement stand ready to convene meetings with all interested parties to foster dialogue to this end.