Electricity |

Electricity

Overview

No discussion about sustainability would be complete without a discussion of electricity production. The modern world could not exist without electricity. At the same time though, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production are a major contributor to climate change which is threatening the world.

In the United States in 2019, fossil fuels, primarily natural gas and coal, were used for 62% of electricity generation, with nuclear providing 20% and renewable sources, mostly wind and hydro, providing an additional 17%* (Electricity in the United States). Because of the heavy reliance on fossil fuels, electricity production in the United States accounted for 27% of 2018 greenhouse gas emissions (Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions). Worldwide, the figure is similar, with electricity and heat production accounting for 25% of 2010 global greenhouse emissions (Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data). Globally, this is more than any other economic sector.

In 1970, renewables accounted for 16% of total energy production (252 out of 1535 billion kilowatt-hours) , so overall, since that time, the United States has made little progress (Electricity in the United States). Any serious efforts around climate change will require substantial changes to how electricity is produced.

*Note that totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Electricity at the Field Station

As an off-the-grid facility, the field station produces all of its own electricity. Though equipped with a backup propane generator, the vast majority of electricity produced at the field station comes from 72 200-watt solar panels which point south and are mounted at a fixed angle that maximizes annual energy production. The panels produce DC power, which is stored in a high-efficiency bank of lithium-ion batteries, and converted to AC power on-demand as needed. Your electronics cannot tell the difference between field station power and power from the regular grid!

CRFS Solar Panels

CRFS Solar Panels

CRFS Battery Bank

CRFS Battery Bank

Electricity and You

The best way an individual can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production is to use less electricity, or not to use it at all! Conservation is an important step anyone can take in the battle against climate change. Simple things, such as turning off lights when not in a room, air-drying dishes, utilizing natural light, and using energy-efficient appliances, add up and can make a significant difference. Numerous additional tips are a quick internet search away.

One significant energy-waster that many do not know about is idle devices. According to a study completed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (Home Idle Load), idle, always-on devices, used nearly 23% of all household electricity. This electricity costs an average of $165 per year per home. At an average cost of 12.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, this represents approximately 150 billion kilowatt-hours, which is more than all but about 25 countries worldwide! (List of countries by electricity consumption).