Energized By Renewable Resources
Posted: 4:36 pm EDT October 8, 2008Updated: 11:31 am EDT October 9, 2008
By John Masiello, director of DSM & Alternative Energy Strategy for Progress Energy Florida.
Electricity enriches our lives. But when you flip the switch, do you think about the source of that electricity? Like the sun rising in the morning, you simply except the light bulb to come on.
With rising fuel prices and climate change being hot topics worldwide, we are looking at alternative ways to generate cost-effective, environmentally responsible electricity.
Progress Energy Florida, one of Florida’s largest utilities, believes cost-effective sources of renewable energy must play a role in securing Florida’s energy future. That’s why it is aggressively researching ways to expand technologies such as biomass and hydrogen and solar power.
Biomass is a renewable energy source derived from organic materials such as wood byproducts, plant material or agricultural waste, which can be burned to produce energy or converted into a gas and used for fuel. With Florida’s long growing season, biomass may be one of our most cost-effective and reliable fuels. Progress Energy is partnering to build the largest biomass plant of its kind in the world. It will be fueled by E-grass™, a giant reed resembling bamboo. A second biomass project uses wood waste to generate electricity.
Hydrogen , the most abundant element in the universe, can be converted into clean renewable energy through a chemical reaction in a device called a fuel cell. One of the ways we are researching its tremendous potential is by taking part in a national project testing hydrogen-powered vehicles. To fuel the vehicles, we helped create the Southeast’s only two hydrogen fueling stations, located in Orange and Seminole counties. We’ve also tested hydrogen fuel cells as backup power for a critical health facility, and we’ve created a sustainable hydrogen generator and fuel cell at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State park that requires only sunlight and water to generate electricity.
Although our high humidity and clouds make our sunny skies less efficient than those in the dry Southwestern U.S., solar energy is on the minds of most Floridians. One of our more efficient available technologies is solar water heating. To help our customers utilize solar energy, we’ve created a special rebate program that supports installation of solar water heaters, which save up to 85 percent on water heating costs.
One of my favorite solar programs is SolarWise for Schools. This program gives customers the opportunity to earn credits on their bill, and then use them to fund the installation of solar energy systems at Florida schools. We’ve supported the installation of photovoltaic panels at 14 schools. Our ultimate goal is to provide a solar system to each school we serve.
Since many renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent in nature, we are researching an advanced energy storage system that can store this energy until it is needed. We’re also testing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which may someday provide additional energy storage, and small-scale, cutting-edge wind turbines.
Even with these exciting developments, alternative energy is only part of the solution. Providing reliable power for the future will require a balanced approach that combines energy efficiency, alternative energy and state-of-the-art plants. That is why we also are moving ahead in ensuring that new carbon-free nuclear generation remains a viable option for securing our energy future. For more information on Progress Energy’s renewable programs, visit http://www.progress-energy.com/environment/ras/index.asp.
Article courtesy of Progress Energy. For more information, please visit www.savethewatts.com.
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