THE OPPORTUNITY OF EFFICIENCY

Study Cites Substantial Efficiency Savings
Kate Galbraith, December 9, 2009 (NY Times)

"[Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States (2009)] from the National Research Council has found that energy efficiency measures in the United States could cut energy use by 30 percent below 2030 projections.

"The report, which received funding from the Department of Energy as well as several private companies and foundations, argued that energy efficiency represents an enormous money-saving opportunity for the country. Measures to achieve it include fuel-economy standards, stricter building codes and efficiency requirements for home appliances…"

Shifting to industrial combined heat and power is an essential efficiency change. (click to enlarge)

"Buildings account for 41 percent of the energy used in the United States, according to the report, and they could cut their electricity use cost-effectively by 1.2 percent per year…Other studies, such as one in July by the consulting firm McKinsey, have also found enormous savings potential in buildings.

"The findings in the transportation sector — not covered by the McKinsey study — may be of particular interest. Some 28 percent of the country’s energy is used in transportation (nearly all of it is oil)."

click to enlarge

"In the near term — at least until 2020 — any efficiency gains will probably come from improvements to the internal combustion engine, the report states. Plug-in vehicles may be a “promising mid- to long-term option,” but they will be difficult to roll out quickly on a mass scale. As for the long term, the report says that it could take perhaps until 2050 for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to gain significant share.

"The report also acknowledged the many potential barriers to energy efficiency initiatives…[such as Americans’ lifestyle preferences,] high initial costs, volatile energy prices, and a lack of information or incentives…"