Chem321:Discussion 9

THE SUSTAINABLE WORLD (Chemistry 321)
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This discussion will be held on EtherPad.

Future energy: Solar/wind or fossil fuels

Solar & wind are now becoming cheap enough to compete with fossil fuels, and now 30% of electricity in the EU comes from renewables (of which solar/wind comprise 11% - rising rapidly). By 2050, the EU expects to have much of its power from renewables (see p33). In contrast, the US Energy Information Administration predicts that fossil fuels will still dominate US power production in 2040, with renewables predicted to only contribute 17% of the total by 2040. Are the Europeans just optimistic and the US realistic, or are the US forecasters stuck in the fossil fuel past? What about trying to reduce CO2 emissions?

Use of biomass as a resource

Is the biorefinery idea mentioned in Hill a viable one? Consider the pros and cons of biological material resources.

Locations

• Group A: 6:30pm-7:30pm Wednesday, July 22, 2015 here
• Group B: 11am-noon Friday, July 24, 2015 here