Rice Business Report February 2019 February 2019 Rice Business Report | Page 4

Rice Business Report February 2019
Renewable Energy Production Can Be Made Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels Through
Surge Protection
The debate over the development of green energy resources in America is
generally framed with the discussion of climate change, and the harmful
effects that greenhouse gasses have on the planet. It would seem odd to
supporters of renewable and clean energy production methods why anyone
outside of the fossil fuel industry would support a method of producing
power that produces pollution over those that do not. Obviously those who are directly employed by the
fossil fuel industry would argue for it over renewable sources, but why would the general public who
have no ties directly to the industry choose to support dirtier methods of production over the cleaner
ones. The answer comes down to the discussion of money.
Fossil fuels being burned are a cheaper method of producing power for consumer consumption than re-
newable energy sources like wind and solar. While there is obviously no support for harming the atmos-
phere, the actual damage is difficult to perceive and will not effect the daily life of a consumer. The only
effect they see on a day to day basis is the price they pay for each unit of power that they consume, and if
asked to pay a higher price for that same product they will weigh the price increase against the immedi-
ate perceived damages. Because the entire discussion of atmospheric change as a result of fossil fuels be-
ing burned relates to the future of the planet, most consumers quietly support the method that will cost
less today. The entire debate would immediately be ended in favor of renewable energy sources if it were
that they cost less than fossil fuels
Renewable energy resources are utilizing all methods and technologies at their disposal in attempts to
make the power cheaper to produce. The fact of the matter is that the sun does not shine all the time and
the wind does not blow all the time, making the amount of hours each day that wind and solar farms are
producing limited. Each of these industries can only produce power for limited times each day when the
source of the power is available, as opposed to fossil fuel production plants which can generate power 24
hours a day. Most technology with respect to renewable energy is geared at getting more power pro-
duced within the timeframes that the resource is available, and reducing the costs associated with man-
power and maintenance. In many respects, the renewable energy industry has maximized the amount of
power that can be produced by using the extent of technology available at the current time.
4