2000 PPL CHALLENGE #1
Determine which biofuel renewable energy sources have the greatest potential in Pennsylvania to reduce dependence on fossil fuel electricity generation in the near future, as well as long term.Background Information:
Determine which biofuel renewable energy sources have the greatest potential in Pennsylvania to reduce dependence on fossil fuel electricity generation in the near future, as well as long term.Background Information:
PPL has committed to allocate approximately $3.2 million of customer
charges in each of the next six years to an investment fund which will
promote the development and use of renewable energy and clean energy technologies.
One category of renewable energy is biofuels that includes methane extraction
from animal manure, as well as direction combustion of plant and tree fibers.
Because agriculture is an important part of Pennsylvania's economy, biofuels
will not only reduce emission levels from electricity production, they
will provide another source of income for farmers and other landowners.
*Research the different potential sources of biofuels energy
*Determine applicability to PennsylvaniaÐclimate, geology, land availability, animals
*Research technologies to convert manure and plant fibers to energy
*Determine difficulties in developing, promoting, and using the technologies
*Recommend how to market the biofuels with the greatest potentialÐhow to increase development, installation, and use by consumers
Suggested Research Areas:
U.S. Department of EnergyÐOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy http://www.eren.doe.gov/
Union of Concerned Scientists http://www.ucsusa.org/energy/index.html
The Energy Guy http://www.TheEnergyGuy.com/
The Edison Electric Institute http://www.eei.org/
The student team is expected to recommend where PPLÕs fund should invest its money in order to produce the greatest benefits in Pennsylvania to the environment, the public, and to agricultural businesses. The recommendation should include a projection on how much energy can be generated from each source and how much land would have to be allocated for the energy production. Also, consider the costs involved and if there are any other social or environmental concerns.
If you are selected to give an oral presentation for this problem, the presentation will be held at PPL Headquarters in Allentown, PA. You will be given directions and notified of the exact date and time later.