| Popis: |
The amount of power generated in the U.S. from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines that will be required in order to replace the amount of power generated from fossil fuels, bio fuels, and nuclear fission is analyzed. The relatively small capacity factors of solar PV and wind generation are not ideal. However, increased efficiency due to switching from equipment such as gas furnaces and internal combustion engine vehicles to electric heat pumps and battery electric vehicles helps to lessen the amount of power needed. Nonetheless, as an initial estimate, an installed nameplate capacity of 3.4 TW of electricity sourced from a combination of solar PV and wind generation may be required to match the amount of power that was generated in the U.S. in 2021 from a combination of fossil fuels, bio fuels, and nuclear fission. Also as an initial estimate, 0.7 to 1.1 TW of installed battery storage capacity may be needed. Actual power generation and storage capacity will depend on energy efficiency and energy demand. With concerted focus and effort, there is an opportunity to reduce energy demand and therefore minimize the amount of solar PV panels, wind turbines, and batteries that need to be manufactured, installed, maintained, and recycled. |
