Renewable Energy: Myths, Legends, and Reality

With many States setting goals in the 2010–2020 timeframe for increased U.S. electricity production from renewable energy sources totaling nearly 100,000 MW nationwide, innovative solutions are required; as well as the suspension of several myths of conventional wisdom concerning renewable energy. Since Wind, Hydro and Solar are “opportunity” energy supplies not necessarily available when electricity demands are high; there is a great need for a renewable, “dispatchable” energy source that would be available anytime. Building on the experience of the Pulp and Paper Industry, waste-wood fueled IGCC units of 100MW size are practical today; and new gasification technologies being developed for power plants promise high efficiency, and competitive electricity pricing. With these new IGCC technologies, the US Department of Agriculture estimates there is more than enough wood waste to meet the renewable energy goals currently being considered, cost-competitively and environmentally responsibly.