Ensuring Energy Security in a Renewables World

Ensuring Energy Security in a Renewables World. Atlantic Council.  Ben Hertz-Shargel. February 4, 2021

Renewable sources of energy are gaining an increasing share of the US energy mix, bolstered by state-level commitments as well as corporate power purchase agreements. However, while renewables have become increasingly cost competitive, they still face challenges, especially related to intermittency and storage.

The Global Energy Center’s new issue brief, “Ensuring Energy Security in a Renewables World,” by Ben Hertz-Shargel explores the energy security implications of greater integration of renewables into the grid. The issue brief looks at intermittence and the need for flexible capacity, grid stability, long-distance transmission, and cybersecurity. Hertz-Shargel also examines the episodes of wildfires and extreme weather in the summer of 2020 and the affects of extreme weather events on a decarbonized grid system.  [Note: contains copyrighted material].

[PDF format, 17 pages].

European Energy Diversification: How Alternative Sources and Routes Can Bolster Energy Security and Decarbonization

European Energy Diversification: How Alternative Sources and Routes Can Bolster Energy Security and Decarbonization.  Atlantic Council. Richard L. Morningstar et al. January 9, 2020.

The European Union’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral economy present a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen European energy security. What is the EU currently doing to meet its decarbonization goals, address the role of natural gas in Europe’s low-carbon future, and explain the potential for new gas sources, alternative gas routes, and clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions? And how can this be done while simultaneously increasing European energy security and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?  [Note: contains copyrighted material].

[PDF format, 16 pages].

Increasing Prosperity, Resource Stewardship, and National Security: An Energy Policy Strategy for the Next President

Increasing Prosperity, Resource Stewardship, and National Security: An Energy Policy Strategy for the Next President. Center for a New American Security. Elizabeth Rosenberg, David L. Goldwyn, and Robert McNally. October 17, 2016.

On January 20, 2017, a new U.S. president will take the oath of office. He or she will assume responsibility for assuring the safe, reliable, and affordable provision of energy for the country, a critical component of the economic health and security of the nation. This task will involve addressing a number of grave deficiencies in current energy policy and prioritizing several urgent energy initiatives. Laying a strong, early basis for new energy policy will enable the incoming administration to set the country on a path to aligning national energy capabilities and technological developments with economic and security needs, now and in the future. [Note: contains copyrighted material].

[PDF format, 32 pages, 1.05 MB].

Biomass: Comparison of Definitions in Legislation Through the 112th Congress

Biomass: Comparison of Definitions in Legislation Through the 112th Congress. Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. Kelsi Bracmort. November 14, 2012.

The use of biomass as an energy feedstock is emerging as a potentially viable alternative to address U.S. energy security concerns, foreign oil dependence, rural economic development, and diminishing sources of conventional energy. Biomass (organic matter that can be converted into energy) may include food crops, crops for energy (e.g., switchgrass or prairie perennials), crop residues, wood waste and byproducts, and animal manure. Most legislation involving biomass has focused on encouraging the production of liquid fuels from corn. Efforts to promote the use of biomass for power generation have focused on wood, wood residues, and milling waste.

[PDF format, 20 pages, 331.50 KB].