06 September 2007

Energy Official Discusses Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy

USINFO Webchat transcript, September 6

Mark Ginsberg of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy (Photo courtesy of Mark Ginsberg)

Mark Ginsberg, a member of the board of directors for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, answered questions in a September 6 USINFO Webchat on the impact of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy on the environment.

Following is the transcript:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript

A Discussion on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Guest:     Mark Ginsberg
Date:      September 6, 2007
Time:      9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT)

Mark Ginsberg: Good morning from Washington, DC! It is a great pleasure to join you today from the U.S. Department of Energy. I work in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We see the connection between energy security, climate and economic development. I am particularly interested in big concepts that can transform our economies to become highly productive and sustainable. This ranges from zero energy buildings and communities to biofuels, wind, solar, and industrial energy efficiency. Energy has become so much more widely appreciated in the last few years. So, I am eager to get your questions. Let’s begin our discussion.

Question [Chat Participant]: To what extent is the US truly making an effort to break from "oil addiction" in favor of renewable or alternative energy sources? Oil is a limited resource.

Answer [Mark Ginsberg]: In his most important speech of the year, the State of the Union Address, President Bush declared in 2006 that "the United States is addicted to oil." That launched a number of efforts throughout the Federal government. Here at DOE, we have increased our research into cellulosic ethanol so we can produce ethanol from non-food crops. He have also been working with the auto industry to help produce more FFVs, flexible fueled vehicles, that can use E-85, or fuel that contains 85% ethanol. It will be difficult to break our addiction, but we are committed to trying.

Q [CHPStar]: I wish to submit a future issue on new renewable systems. My remark is, placing Cooperative CHP (combined heat and power) between Public Electricity and Private Industry at socially optimal level. Please discuss the impact for international standards (IEC, ISO and ITU). Yours: Tjahjokartiko, Indonesia

A [Mark Ginsberg]: CHP, or combined heat and power, is a very efficient strategy. I am a big believer in the concept that was promoted by Bill McDonough that “everything is a resource, nothing is waste.” Capturing waste heat and re-using it makes great economic sense. Reliable standards are needed to serve as a baseline for performance. National and international standards and testing organizations are needed to develop, introduce and enforce widespread application of technologies such as CHP.

Q [Kuba]: What is the status of President Bush's so-called 10/20 plan to reduce gasoline consumption? Given the American love of the automobile I see this as a daunting challenge.

Does your office work to reduce the upfront consumption in addition to efficient energy?

A [Mark Ginsberg]: Yes, you are right that 20% reduction of oil in 10 years is a big challenge. We have embarked on a major effort to support that goal. About 15% of the 20% would come from increased use of ethanol and the other 5% from efficiency improvements. We are investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to support increased use of ethanol. And we are very actively pursuing the concept of cellulosic ethanol, from non-food crops. Efficiency improvements can come from light weight but strong materials and engine efficiency. We work primarily on technologies and not so much on things like trip reduction or other things you call upfront consumption. Here is a website that outlines the 20 in 10 goals in more detail.

http://www.doe.gov/media/20in10FactSheet.pdf

Q [cam238]: Can you please discuss new technology or improvements on old technologies which will cause "green" cars such as hybrids to become more affordable.

A [Mark Ginsberg]: The introduction of hybrids has been a very positive step toward more fuel efficiency. Among the so-called old technologies, I think that reducing weight of vehicles while retaining their strength and safety is a key. Rolling friction from tires is another strategy that the tire industry is exploring. There is a whole category of engine optimization that our researchers are working on. Generally, as volume of sales of a product goes up, prices come down. All these factors should contribute to helping make hybrids more affordable

Q [cam238]: Do you think it is time for the U.S. government to sponsor a "manhattan project" to bring about effective energy technology.

A [Mark Ginsberg]: I personally have liked the idea of a "moonshot" or "Manhattan project" to significantly increase our efforts to increase energy efficiency and bring renewable energy into widespread use. Even without that singular attention, we are making great progress. We have been investing billions of dollars in these technologies and the results are showing up in more efficient buildings, industry and transportation.

Q [Kuba]: Dear sir, perhaps you are aware of the small city in Austria with a bold plan to become 100% carbon emission free (or something close to that). The town is on the forefront of true energy efficiency. Is there such an experiment n the US?

A [Mark Ginsberg]: I'm not familiar with the Austrian town, but I know Sweden is committed to being oil free by 2020 (I believe). There are a number of small scale communities here in the US that are committed to becoming much more energy efficient. We have a zero energy buildings effort and there are several housing projects of hundreds of homes that are moving toward that goal of net zero fossil energy. I find these activities very exciting.

Q [Kuba]: You mention "zero energy" buildings. Is this the same as "green roof" and that sort of approach?

A [Mark Ginsberg]: Green roof applies to reflective coatings on roof to reflect the sun's heat. Green roofs can also be gardens or other plants to improve air quality and reduce heat loads. Our definition of ZEBs is a building that is so efficient, and produces its own energy, that over the course of a year, it produces as much as it consumes. Solar and geothermal, maybe small wind can power the house. Who knows, maybe some day, hydrogen will run our cars and homes.

Q [Kuba]: What do about oceanic wave turbines? With two large coastlines US has a great potential.

A [Mark Ginsberg]: We have begun to explore ocean and tidal sources, but it has not been as high on the radar screen. I hear a number of investigations going on here in the US and around the world. We know tides are pretty reliable - then it becomes a matter of technology and economics. I suspect you'll see more interest in this area.

Q [cam238]: I have heard mixed reports on the use of wind energy i.e. wind farms for producing electricity. Common criticism being the unsightliness of the windmills on the scenery and the effect on bird migratory problems. Do the costs out weigh the benefits?

A [Mark Ginsberg]: One person's ugly is another person's joy. I personally don't find windmills to be ugly. But I don't have one in my back yard. The common criticism is also noise - and bird kill. We have been working to overcome both concerns. In fact wind is one of the fastest growing sources here and around the world. We are looking at the possibility of 20% of our electricity from wind. And in some cases, it can be a "second crop" for farmers who can put windmills over their fields!

Q [cam238]: What are the best practical methods for people to make their homes more energy efficient?

A [Mark Ginsberg]: Good old common sense that my Mother taught me still works: turn off unnecessary lights, turn the thermostat to 68 in the winter and 78 in the summer, use fans, don't leave doors open, etc. Some low cost investments can work too: weather-stripping, shading windows. For more information, you can try our website at energysavers.gov

Q [Regina]: How much of an overall increase in vehicle fuel efficiency does the U.S. need to seriously counteract our dependence on oil (Middle Eastern and other)? Couldn't improved fuel efficiency replace the need for renewable energy? Thank you.

A [Mark Ginsberg]: I think our energy challenges will require both efficiency and renewables. Sometimes, people think that we can find one magic "silver bullet" and rely only on that. I think a diverse energy supply (often based on local resources, whether it is sun, wind, geothermal) needs to be combined with efficiency. Our fuel use is so dependent on imported oil from volatile parts of the world that we must do everything we can to reduce our imports.

Q [Svitaly]: Please research Nicola Tesla's patents and you will revolutionaries Energetic Industry of the whole world.

A [Mark Ginsberg]: I’m a big fan of Nicola Tesla! He was a creative genius, who, it is said, “invented the 20th Century.” His inventions ranged from radio, to electromagnetic devices and the foundation of Alternating Current. So many of his concepts were embraced, he already revolutionized the energy industry. Imagine if he were alive today!

Q [Marek]: For most of the world, intercity travel is by TRAIN. European rail networks are becoming more integrated, faster, even easier than jet travel (if we are to consider delays and cancellation of flights). My question: Why America is so undeveloped in passenger rail? Surely this is a sustainable way to move large volume of people from city to city with the result of less autos and less emissions,

A [Mark Ginsberg]: I like the idea of trains. They are much more efficient that single passenger vehicles. I live in Washington and the trains along the eastern seaboard to New York and Boston are frequent and comfortable. There is enough volume and the distances are not so great. I think the long distances in much of the US make air more attractive. As oil prices remain high, I suspect you will see more interest return to trains, especially in densely populated corridors. And we can also look to the day when the fuel for trains may come from renewable, domestic sources - doubling the benefit of trains.

Q [Student_Participant]: please discuss initiatives in developing economies?

A [Mark Ginsberg]: Energy affects developing countries. The uncertainty of power or not having lights for kids to study is a major hurdle. There have been a number of rural power initiatives over the years. Bringing small photovoltaic (solar cell) water pumps to a rural village can help assure reliable water supply. A small wind turbine can provide a clean source of energy. Both the US and international agencies are pursuing active programs in developing economies to bring more reliable and affordable power.

People are sometimes surprised about how much the US government is doing. Here is a website www.eere.energy.gov that can give you some information on the many programs we at the Department of Energy are doing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Here's an example of how much more visible energy has become. The 2008 Olympics in Beijing promised to be the "greenest." We have been working with them to significantly improve the energy efficiency at the Olympic Village which will house 17,000 athletes. In the middle is a building that will receive the athletes during the games and become a child care center afterward. That building will be a zero energy building! And the Olympics will get much of its power from wind farms in Mongolia!

Q [adolatkal]: Many multinational/international companies today invest heavily in their people as the most valuable assets. What are the best places for creating/developing high calibre top managers, who can challenge all issues of the 21 century, debated so hot in the webchat? Where are the most prepared faculty with their relevant research and practices? An emeritus MBA professor on IHRM Implications and Career Strategy Development.

A [Mark Ginsberg]: I'm not so knowledgeable about how to train or where to find high caliber managers. I do know the energy industry will rely on technical experts as well as good managers. Our universities and technical schools need to continue to emphasize science education. We have to have a trained workforce of skilled installers and repair people to make energy systems run most efficiently. As with much in life, we need balance between good human skills and good technical skills.

Mark Ginsberg: Thanks for your interest in energy issues and thanks for the opportunity to discuss it with you. Quite literally, our world will depend on efficient and affordable energy technologies. We at the Department of Energy will continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy as a key way to make the world a better place.

Moderator: We wish to thank Mark Ginsberg for joining us today. The webchat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO Webchat Station homepage for more information on upcoming events and a transcript of today’s discussion (posted within one business day).

(Guests are chosen for their expertise. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of State.)

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