Topic: energy security

STATEMENT: IEA Report Finds "World Is Not On Track" to Meet Climate Goals

Michael Oko — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:59:02 -0400

The International Energy Agency released a new report today, Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map, finding that global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2012 increased by 1.4 percent, reaching a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes. Energy-related emissions account for around two-thirds of total global greenhouse gas emissions. The report contains four specific recommendations to keep the world within 2 degrees Celsius temperature rise.

Following is a statement by Andrew Steer, President and CEO, World Resources Institute:

“Global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are heading toward dangerous and unfamiliar territory. Projected temperature rise is approaching thresholds where the consequences would be truly dire. It’s not too late to prevent such an outcome, but the window to avoid dire impacts is closing quickly. These are some of the takeaways from the new report from the IEA, the autonomous organization focused on energy and economics, made up of 28 member countries.

“The common assumption is that action to reduce emissions is prohibitively expensive, but the evidence confirms that this is a flawed view. In fact, inaction is far more costly, risky and irresponsible. There are clear advantages to getting ahead and investing in low-carbon energy sources today, rather than trying to make corrections and retrofit equipment and infrastructure later on.

“The IEA’s new report offers affordable and common sense measures to rein in energy-related emissions. The core steps are to increase energy efficiency; limit emissions from coal-fired power plants; reduce leakage of methane from oil and gas production; and cut subsidies for fossil fuels. Importantly, the report finds that these steps can be achieved with no net economic cost.

“The IEA’s recommendations are consistent with WRI’s recent analysis, which finds that the U.S. Administration needs additional federal actions to reach its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

“It’s time for the Obama Administration to lay a national climate plan, including the specific steps it intends to take. Fittingly, the recent announcement by the U.S. and China to work together to reduce HFCs is a welcome step to address a potent greenhouse gas outside of the energy sector.

“As UN climate talks continue this week in Bonn, Germany, IEA’s analysis should jolt negotiators into a far greater sense of urgency to develop an ambitious and equitable climate agreement by 2015. At the same time, this agreement would not go into effect until 2020, so countries need to ramp up their ambition in the near term.

“The report confirms that further delays will gravely shift the burden to future generations. They would be the ones to endure the economic cost of retrofitting infrastructure, and moreover the societal weight of flooded cities, risks to food production, far greater water scarcity, loss of coral reefs, and other climate-related impacts.

“Our national leaders—in government, business, and civil society—have it within their power to prevent this future. It’s our collective responsibility to accelerate action on this global challenge.”

Testimony: American Energy Security and Innovation: An Assessment of North America's Energy Resources

Sarah Parsons — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:21:07 -0500

Summary of Key Points

Our energy choices need to factor in both opportunities and risks. This testimony gives particular attention to why we must consider the risk of climate change, both on our resources being developed and utilized today and on our choices for development into the future. It concludes with the following recommendations:

Congress should request that the National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee review the current authorities of federal agencies and national laboratories, and recommend how consideration of risks associated with climate change can be more directly incorporated into decision-making.
Congress should support efforts to better assess the impacts of climate change on America’s energy infrastructure and incorporate this into planning and investment decisions.
Congress should keep in mind four important criteria in considering policies to drive more effective clean energy growth and competitiveness: any energy policy should be comprehensive, long-term, targeted, and inclusive.
In capturing energy efficiency across the economy, Congress can play a constructive role in two key areas:
- Informed consumer choice: supporting and expanding programs to help ensure product labeling is accurate and publicly reported in a timely manner, to encourage energy-wise investment decisions throughout the U.S. economy.
- Efficiency standards: supporting and extending the ability of federal agencies to develop and update energy efficiency standards for vehicles, appliances, and other energy-consuming equipment that is sold into U.S. commerce.
Congress must work toward reaching bipartisan agreement on national energy policies that encourage more efficient energy consumption, increase the diversity of domestic energy production, maximize deployment of low-carbon energy technologies, and minimize environmental impacts throughout our energy systems. In the near-term, it is also critical for Congress to provide funding and incentives for low-carbon and clean energy technologies.

Shale Gas

Kevin Lustig — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:10:56 -0500

WRI is providing insight into this issue by:

Creating guidance on how to define the life cycle of shale gas projects, in order to better assess their impacts
Studying how shale gas development in China affects the energy picture in the U.S. and internationally
Taking a detailed look at how we produce and consume energy in U.S. states and regions
Assessing the risk to water resources posed by shale gas development

Shale gas is a game-changer for global energy supply. It is already transforming the U.S. energy outlook (see figure below), and is expected to deliver over 40% of domestic gas production by 2025. Opinion is bitterly divided, however, over the environmental risks and benefits of this abundant new source of energy – so much so, that the different sides struggle to agree even on basic facts. The debate is raging over two key issues – on-the-ground impacts to water, air, communities, land use, wildlife, and habitats; and the broader energy and global warming implications of developing shale gas.

Upcoming Event
April 4, 2013
Launch of a new WRI working paper Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems

PRESS RELEASE: 6th Asia Clean Energy Forum Opens in Manila, Philippines

Michael Oko — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:26:18 -0400

ADB President Calls for “Radical Steps” on Clean Energy

Leaders in government, business, policy and nongovernmental organizations are gathering this week for the 6th Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila, Philippines. According to the Asian Development Bank, 800 million people in Asia live without access to electricity and a significant push is needed to fast-track new business models and policies for clean energy development. With over 550 participants from 40 countries in attendance, ACEF is being organized the World Resources Institute, the United States Agency for International Development, and ADB to promote efforts to scale up clean energy in Asia and the Pacific.

“Asia is poised to be a world leader in clean energy that can propel the regional economy, while increasing its energy security,” said Manish Bapna, executive vice president and managing director, WRI. “In order to achieve its clean energy potential, leaders in Asia need to make the right policy decisions and increase their investment in clean energy. This forum will inform this important dialogue on Asia’s energy future.”

The year’s forum, from June 22 - 24, will focus on “New Business Models and Policy Drivers: Building the Low-Carbon Future,” including discussions around best practices in energy policy and regulation, financing and investment, innovative business models, and energy access. Parallel sessions will provide opportunities to discuss successful innovation and methods to break down barriers to large-scale clean energy development and deployment. (See the full agenda here)

“Asians have more to lose from climate change than any other people. The climate fight will be won or lost by decisions made in this region,” said Haruhiko Kuroda, ADB President. “An important key to lowering energy intensity is the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and a rapid transition to renewable energy. Asia must also take radical steps to increase energy efficiency and the efficiency of entire economies.”

The opening plenary session, on June 22, will include remarks from Mr. Kuroda; Mohamed El-Ashry, Senior Fellow, UN Foundation and chairman of the Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN21); and Amory Lovins, Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute (by video). Jennifer Morgan, WRI’s Director of Climate and Energy Program, will give the closing plenary speech.

“In order to meet the challenge of climate change, we need a fundamental transformation in our global energy system with a rapid increase of renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency,” said Morgan. “With a significant increase in investment in clean energy, Asia can drive economic growth and innovation as it reduces carbon emissions that are altering the climate.”

WRI is working to support Asian countries in reaching their clean energy potential by drawing on the institute’s technical expertise, research, analytical tools, and stakeholder engagement. WRI experts work in areas such as policy and regulation, finance and investment, innovative business models and energy poverty to help a smooth transition to renewable energy.

“Hundreds of millions of people in Asia still lack access to energy and, meanwhile, energy demands are accelerating in the region,” said Athena Ronquillo-Ballesteros, Project Manager of International Financial Flows and Environment Project, WRI. “It’s up to governments, investors and other decision-makers to determine the path ahead for clean energy in the region. More investment is needed to increase energy access and move Asia toward a low-carbon future.”

Get more information about the 6th Asia Clean Energy Forum

Read an Op-ed by Jennifer Morgan and Athena Ronquillo-Ballesteros

MEDIA STATEMENT: WRI Response to President Obama's State of the Union Address

Michael Oko — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:54:01 -0500

President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address setting new goals for America’s energy future.

Here are some of the targets he announced:

By 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity should come from clean energy;
By 2015, America should have 1 million electric vehicles on the road; and
Within 25 years, 80% of Americans should have access to high-speed rail.

Following is statement by Jonathan Lash, President, World Resources Institute:

“President Obama made a renewed call for American leadership in clean energy that will create jobs while helping protect the environment. Obama’s declaration of a Sputnik moment is a reminder of the opportunity before us to shift to an energy future that can make America’s economy the most competitive and innovative in the world.

“Setting a new clean energy goal, the President made a strong commitment to America’s clean energy future. America should be setting the pace by investing in sustainable infrastructure, developing new technologies, and finding innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“But more is needed to truly protect the planet– especially from the threats of climate change. After a year of record-breaking temperatures and a string of notable extreme weather events, the urgency of shifting to low-carbon energy and tackling climate change is as clear as ever. Yet there is a widening gap between what the science tells us is needed and action on the ground– and America needs to do more to reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020.

“We hope leaders across the country– from business executives to mayors to legislators– recognize the threats we face and will rise to achieve the goals the President has set.”

Hu's Visit Is A Clean Energy Catalyst

Jennifer Morgan — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:57:59 -0500

Note: this post originally appeared on the National Journal.

The United States and China both have a lot to gain from collaborating on clean energy, and President Hu’s visit is a symbol of China’s commitment to this partnership.

As the two largest cumulative greenhouse gas emitters, both countries are looking for ways to transition to cleaner energy while advancing their private sectors. China is moving quickly on renewable energy, clean technology, and energy efficiency but still faces the energy challenges of a rapidly industrializing country, and shares the United States’ heavy reliance on coal for energy.

Hu’s visit will catalyze cooperation on these topics and more. At the summit, the leaders will discuss expansion of the Clean Energy Research Centers (CERC) agreed to during President Obama’s November 2009 visit to Beijing. The CERCs will result in joint work plans and will provide a road map for work on advanced coal technology, electric vehicles, and building efficiency. These and other joint projects can lead to economies of scale and lower costs, redounding to the benefit of industry in growth and jobs, while also addressing climate change.

In the past, Congress has eyed China’s progress on energy with suspicion. However, in the past year the country has been more open on its strategies to reduce emissions, including committing in Cancun to regularly report their progress on emissions reductions. In addition, many of the issues around trade were resolved during the December 2010 Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade meeting (JCCT). While not every contentious issue will be resolved immediately, the countries’ continued collaboration will result in new opportunities for American businesses.

In addition to the summit, Members of Congress should keep an eye on the release of China’s 12th Five Year Plan in March, which will likely include new targets for pollutants and formal adoption of China’s 40-45% carbon intensity reduction target pledged at Cancun. These commitments show that China is serious about its clean energy goals, and the United States can learn from their actions.

US and China Sign Agreement to Advance Clean Energy Research Center (CERC)

Michael Oko — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:12:14 -0500

This morning, Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu and representatives from the Chinese government, including Minister Wan Gang and Minister Zhang Guobao, signed a joint work plan to expand US-China cooperation on the Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) that was established in November 2009. The World Resources Institute is a member of the CERC, focused on advanced coal and carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).

Following is a statement by Sarah Forbes, senior associate and lead for CCS, the World Resources Institute:

“This joint work between the United States and China demonstrates the great potential for cooperation on clean energy. As the world’s largest energy consumers and producers, the United States and China recognize that advancing clean energy technology is essential to reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and to enhance energy security.

“This announcement is important for two reasons: First, it identifies the members of the bilateral teams– including leading academics, government institutions and businesses– in each consortium that will enable greater integration. Second, the joint work plans provide a road map for moving forward with work on advanced coal technology, electric vehicles, and building efficiency.

“As the United States and China embark on a new level of clean energy cooperation, this initiative is a prime example of practical, real world engagement that will accelerate knowledge sharing and advancements in clean energy technology.”

China and the United States: A Clean Energy Road to The Future

Jonathan Lash — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:50:19 -0500

This piece originally appeared in China Daily and is reposted with permission.

As the Year of the Rabbit approaches, President Hu Jintao is preparing to pay his first official state visit to the United States in five years to meet with President Barack Obama. Relations between the two major countries were mixed in 2010, with brighter spots arriving late in the year.

Hu’s visit to the US will mark an opportunity to move forward with an enhanced spirit of trust, mutual respect, and cooperation. The US and China share mutual interests and are interdependent in many key sectors. This is especially true when it comes to clean energy and climate change, which offer significant opportunities and benefits for working together.

According to the World Energy Outlook, the renewable energy sector presents a $5.7-trillion global market from 2010 to 2035. The US, a traditional leader in technological innovation, and China, an emerging clean energy innovator, both are well-positioned to take advantage of this market and help lead the world toward a low-carbon future.

The US and China face similar challenges in energy security because of their significant reliance on fossil fuels. In 2009, the US was the world’s top oil importer with 9.6 million barrels a day, while China was the second largest with 4.3 million barrels a day. Both countries are also heavily dependent on coal, which is relatively inexpensive but a major driver of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Together, the US and China consume about 60 percent of the world’s coal.

At the same time, China and the US recognize that the pursuit of alternative, cleaner energy choices offer opportunities for enhanced energy security, more innovation, and less pollution. The US government has invested nearly $70 billion in clean and renewable energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act alone. The US Department of Energy has 17 national laboratories across the country, many focusing on clean energy research and development.

The Chinese government has been on an even faster pace of growth, expanding its production and technological advancement in wind and solar power, energy efficiency, transportation and other fields. For example, China will soon have the world’s largest high-speed rail network, with railways such as the Beijing-Tianjin and Wuhan-Guangzhou already in operation. The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed line, being built at a cost of $33.3 billion, is scheduled for completion by June 2011.

As demonstrated by the 2009 joint announcement on clean energy cooperation by Hu and Obama, the advantages of working together in this area are far-reaching. One such example is the US-China Clean Energy Research Center, in which World Resources Institute is involved. This initiative - supported by $150 million in combined public-private funding from the US and China - will facilitate joint research and development of clean energy technologies with a focus on advanced coal research, carbon dioxide capture and storage, building energy efficiency improvements, and clean vehicle technology. This type of project can promote greater understanding and collaboration in the years ahead.

A shift toward clean energy carries critical environmental benefits, too. Climate change, which is primarily driven by emissions from fossil fuels, poses a major risk to developed as well as developing countries. Many governments are beginning to wake up to these threats and take action. Domestically, China has been taking steps to fulfill its pledge to reduce its carbon intensity by 40 to 45 percent from the 2005 level by 2020.

Progress has been slower in the US, especially because of the collapse of climate legislation in Congress last summer. Nevertheless, US federal agencies, especially the US Environmental Protection Agency, and some states have begun implementing policies to limit emissions. A World Resources Institute analysis shows that the US can get close to its 17 percent emission reduction target for 2020 (compared to the 2005 level) if the federal government and states move aggressively in this direction.

Internationally, the US and China demonstrated greater constructive engagement at the United Nations climate conference in Cancun, Mexico, late last year. Marked by less rhetoric and more cooperation, the result was a modest step forward with the Cancun Agreement, a set of decisions that brings emissions among the world’s major economies under the UN’s framework.

Another important area for the two countries’ cooperation is China’s rapid urbanization. By mid-century, about 1 billion Chinese are likely to be living in cities, an increase of 350 to 400 million - more than the entire population of the US. Rapid urban expansion carries challenges of more pollution, strains on infrastructure, greater traffic congestion, and pressure on natural resources. But the shift will also create more demand for capital investment in urban building, raw materials and energy production. If done properly, China can grow in efficient and sustainable ways, and give its people greater access to education, technology and other modern conveniences to enable them to lead a higher quality of life.

As China moves toward a pathway of environmentally smart urbanization, Beijing and Washington both stand to gain. The US and China can share lessons, and benefit from enhanced cooperation and technology transfer. For instance, China’s explorations to improve building energy efficiency, sustainable urban transportation, and spatial and master planning techniques, will benefit the US as well. Cooperative exchanges between the two countries should be conducted at the national and sub-national levels, allowing Chinese provincial and US state-level officials, urban planners, transportation experts and others to share their knowledge and best practices.

The time has come for greater cooperation in clean energy between the US and China, which can set the stage for a new, modern and sustainable future. Perhaps this year will mark a new phase in collaboration between the two countries. If so, clean energy and climate change will be a good place to start.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Press Teleconference: Clean Energy and U.S.-China Relations on Eve of President Hu's Visit to Washington

Michael Oko — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:24:53 -0500

Leading Experts in the U.S. and China Discuss Clean Energy and Related Issues Ahead of Presidential Meeting

WASHINGTON D.C. // BEIJING – As President Hu Jintao prepares for his state visit with President Obama next week, this is a key moment for U.S.-China relations. With clean energy high on the agenda, leading experts will provide insights into key issues that are likely to be addressed. Experts from tanks and academia in the United States and China will discuss bilateral issues, including clean energy technology, coal, CCS, urbanization, business relations, and more.

The speakers are part of ChinaFAQs, a WRI-led network of independent, U.S.-China experts formed to answer questions for U.S. policymakers about climate and energy issues in China.

WHAT:
Press teleconference on clean energy and related issues ahead of President Hu’s state visit to Washington D.C.

WHO:
Manish Bapna, Managing Director, World Resources Institute

Dr. Zou Ji, China Country Director, World Resources Institute (in Beijing)

Dr. Robert Kapp, President of Robert A. Kapp & Associates, Inc.; Senior China Advisor to Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis; and former President, US-China Business Council

Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Associate Professor of Energy and Environmental Policy and Law, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

Sarah Forbes, Senior Associate, Climate and Energy Program, World Resources Institute

WHEN:
Friday, January 14, 2011

9:00 a.m. EST

DIAL-IN:
U.S. (Toll-free): (888) 566-6506

International (Toll ): +1 (517) 308-9173

Passcode: WRI

Twitter hashtag: #chn11

A Storm Warning for the Deepwater Horizon Spill: Major Hurricanes in the Southern United States (1950 to 2005)

Susan Minnemeyer — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:18:04 -0400

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Overview

The 2010 hurricane season began on June 1, amid widespread concern over the potential for a large storm to exacerbate the damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As the map above shows, catastrophic hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) regularly hit the southern coast of the United States. NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts an 85 percent chance of an “above normal” hurricane season this year, due to conditions including exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean tropical zone. According to NOAA, a hurricane could spread the oil over a far wider area or potentially carry oil inland via storm surges. Because hurricanes rotate counter-clockwise, a storm passing to the west of the oil spill could bring oil closer to shore, while a storm passing to the east could push the oil further out to sea.

Data Sources

Hurricane tracks and data: NOAA National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center
Background imagery and map: Microsoft Bing Maps

Copyright

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License . Cite “World Resources Institute.”

Other WRI Featured Maps

Maps Resources

This map is part of a continuing project to produce maps that shed light on significant environmental issues throughout the world.

U.S. Gulf Offshore Oil Production: Moving into Deeper Water Horizons

Susan Minnemeyer — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:25:54 -0400

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Overview

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Offshore oil production in the U.S. portion of the Gulf of Mexico represents 30 percent of total U.S. oil production, with 35.6 million acres (an area the size of Maine) under active lease. As oil reserves in shallow water are declining, production is moving into ever-deeper water, incurring greater risk. The Deepwater Horizon disaster illustrates the safety, economic, and environmental risks inherent in this trend. Likewise, it illustrates why lawmakers need to enact policies that move the United States in the direction of cleaner, safer energy sources and caps harmful pollution that causes climate change.

Data Sources

Oil & gas platforms, pipelines, leases: US Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service
State boundaries, rivers, urban areas: ESRI Data & Maps collection

Copyright

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License. Cite “World Resources Institute.”

Other Featured WRI Maps

Maps From Other Organizations

This map is part of a continuing project to produce maps that shed light on significant environmental issues throughout the world.

A Roadmap for a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Economy

Tim Herzog — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

At first glance, improving energy security and addressing climate change may seem irreconcilable goals: achieve an adequate, reliable, and affordable energy supply for the United States, while at the same time reducing emissions of dangerous global warming gases into the atmosphere. After all, most of the world’s energy comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas – which are also major sources of greenhouse gases. Without scalable low-carbon replacements for these fuels, actions to reduce emissions could destabilize the current energy system. On the other hand, continued dependence on these fuels will jeopardize our climate.

The hard truth is that the United States—and the world—must now figure out how to achieve energy security and protect Earth’s climate.

There is abundant evidence that the current energy system is unsustainable. Prices are volatile, supplies tight, and security threats—from supply disruptions to geopolitical tension—have become commonplace. The expected environmental and social costs of climate change—sea-level rise, water scarcity, reduced food supplies, and damaged ecosystems—are rising. At the same time, the country is facing an economic crisis that strains public and private budgets, but also raises opportunities to stimulate the economy while building a cleaner and more reliable energy infrastructure in the process.

Solutions to these problems are not always clear. While some strategies – such as energy efficiency measures – benefit climate change and energy security goals, other possible solutions for improving energy security – such as relying more on liquid fuels produced from domestic coal – could significantly worsen climate and other environmental problems. Similarly, some possible climate solutions – such as relying more on the sun or wind to make electricity – could reduce reliable and affordable energy supplies in the short term.

This “roadmap” presents the results of a year-long effort by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS, an international policy and security-oriented think tank) and the World Resources Institute (WRI, an environmental policy think tank) to identify a set of policies to address energy security and climate change simultaneously. This document presents the results of a difficult process to reconcile the priorities of two sometimes conflicting constituencies. The resulting recommendations are designed to be implemented as a package. Policymakers must not simply pick the recommendations they favor or that are most politically palatable. The balanced approach recommended in this brief would greatly increase the United States’ chances of meeting both its energy security and climate goals.

It won’t be easy. Shifting the United States to a secure, low-carbon economy will take decades. The costs will be high, but they will be even higher if immediate action is not taken. The United States has ample natural, human, and technological resources, and if policymakers get started promptly and make smart decisions, the benefits of this transformation can be great: economic opportunity, a healthier planet, and a more secure future for the United States.

Summary of Recommendations

This roadmap creates a three-part framework for thinking about the transition to a secure, low-carbon economy. It recommends that the administration and Congress should:

Establish a vision for the future. Articulate a long-term vision for addressing energy security and climate change against which all policies will be measured.
- Integrate energy security and climate change priorities into all aspects of domestic and international policymaking.
Put the country’s energy system on the right path. “Reset the system” by updating policies and incentives to promote secure, low-carbon technologies and practices.
- Establish a price on carbon throughout the U.S. economy.
- Make and implement a public financial commitment to address energy security and climate change, including devoting resources to improved infrastructure, energy efficiency, and clean-energy jobs.
- Reform incentives to promote low-carbon technologies and remove barriers to their adoption.
- Engage constructively in an effective international response to climate change and energy security concerns.
- Invest in the infrastructure and technology necessary to transform the transportation system while improving land-use planning.
Manage the transition. Continue to meet and manage U.S. energy demand while addressing the tradeoffs that occur during the transition to a new energy system.
- Promote energy efficiency and other measures that contribute to both energy security and climate goals.
- Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from technologies that contribute to energy security (coal and biofuels) and make low-carbon technologies (nuclear power and some renewables) more secure.
- Support domestic conventional oil production during the transition to lower-carbon fuels.
- Develop a natural gas strategy to help meet short-term demand and ensure the availability of alternatives in the longer term.

Evaluating the Energy Security Implications of a Carbon-Constrained U.S. Economy

Tim Herzog — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Applying an Energy Security Lens

The authors then assess how each scenario affects eleven factors closely associated with energy security:

diversity of energy sources;
diversity of suppliers;
import levels;
security of trade flows;
geopolitics and economics;
reliability;
risk of nuclear proliferation;
market/price volatility;
affordability;
energy intensity (energy used per unit of gross domestic product); and
feasibility.

Lessons Learned

This approach, which we think of as envisioning carbon-constrained futures through an “Energy Security Lens,” produced a number of insights that could inform U.S. policymakers as they consider technologies to address energy, climate, and economic priorities:

Regardless of fuel and technology choices, some level of energy insecurity is inevitable, especially in the near term, as the United States transitions to a low-carbon energy system. Policymakers should explore ways to mitigate this insecurity during the transition.
Meeting GHG reduction goals will be more costly with only today’s technologies than with high penetration of more advanced low-carbon energy technologies. Policymakers should provide the sustained financial and institutional support necessary to advance all available low-carbon technologies, which can reduce costs and increase energy security over the longer term. This will provide the best chance for the emergence of a variety of technology options and quicken the transition to a secure low-carbon energy system.
Global—not just domestic—deployment of advanced lowcarbon energy technologies can minimize the costs and energy security risks of achieving climate change goals. The U.S. should support the adoption of advanced low-carbon technologies both at home and abroad.
Common notions of “feasibility” (economic, technical, commercial, political) must be stretched. Policymakers should prepare the public to accept higher energy prices while making significant investments in low-carbon energy technologies and infrastructure. Clearly, such investments are necessary to ensure that viable alternatives are available when they are needed. However, energy and economic security concerns make it equally important that policymakers not take overly aggressive action that could jeopardize the existing fuel system until these alternatives can be deployed at scale.
A non-carbon-constrained energy future also raises questions of feasibility and significant energy security concerns. A low-carbon future with advanced technology development, however, offers significant commercial and energy security benefits.

Energy Security and Climate Change

Kathryn Zyla — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:10:26 -0400

Over the coming decades, the world faces a daunting challenge in meeting growing global energy needs while mitigating the impacts of global climate change. Policies to address these issues sometimes conveniently align, as in the case of energy efficiency (which reduces energy demand as well as greenhouse gas emissions) and renewable power (which diversifies energy supply and provides non-emitting electricity). However, other energy options may benefit one of these challenges at the expense of the other.

WRI starts with the presumption that both of these issues will have to be addressed, and is exploring policy options that address energy needs and climate change in an integrated way, rather than putting them in opposition. We seek to improve understanding of the energy security and climate change impacts of various legislative proposals, and we encourage decision-makers to pursue security and climate policy options that are environmentally effective as well as economically and politically viable.

Through partnership with the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS), WRI has worked to evaluate energy and climate policy options and has proposed a “roadmap” of domestic policy recommendations to fulfill energy security and climate change goals.

Managing the Transition to a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Future

Kathryn Zyla — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500