The Tallahassee City Commission Unanimously Approved A R
The Tallahassee City Commission Unanimously Approved A R
The Tallahassee City Commission unanimously approved a resolution establishing a goal of powering municipal operations entirely with renewable sources (like wind and solar) by 2035, and community-wide by 2050 ( link ). Based on what you have learned so far from this class, discuss the following: What advantages and disadvantages are there to going to 100% renewable energy? Assume Miami were to also go 100% renewable energy and you were in charge of the transition. Give a specific plan on how you would phase in the renewable energy and phase out the non-renewable energy and in what time frame. Make sure to: Write a short essay or paragraph of at least 300 words.
Use concrete examples/details and avoid generalities. Address both bullet points above. Use proper grammar and punctuation. Include at least 2 references in your discussion and cite your sources. Do not plagiarize. You will not be able to edit your assignment once you post, so please proofread and spell check before hitting post! As part of the assignment, you must also reply to ONE of your classmates with at least 150 words. You will have to POST FIRST to see your classmates' postings. Make sure your replies are thoughtful and relevant to what your classmate has posted. Try to build the discussion and keep it going.
Paper For Above instruction
Transitioning to 100% renewable energy offers significant advantages, yet it also presents notable challenges that must be carefully managed. One primary benefit of adopting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower is the environmental impact reduction. Unlike fossil fuels, renewables do not emit greenhouse gases, thereby mitigating climate change effects (Jacobson et al., 2018). For example, cities like San Diego have made considerable progress in reducing carbon emissions by investing in solar power, demonstrating the tangible benefits of renewable energy adoption. Additionally, renewable energy sources are sustainable and abundant, which can lead to long-term economic savings. Once infrastructure is established, operational costs for renewables are generally lower than those for fossil fuels, ultimately reducing energy costs for municipalities and residents (IRENA, 2020).
However, transitioning to 100% renewable energy also presents disadvantages. One major challenge is the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind power; they depend on weather and time of day, which can lead to periods of low energy production. This intermittency requires investments in energy storage solutions, such as large-scale batteries, which can be costly and technologically challenging (Denholm et al., 2015). Furthermore, the transition demands significant upfront infrastructure investments, including upgrading the grid, constructing solar farms, and installing wind turbines. These costs and logistical challenges can be barriers, especially for economically constrained municipalities.
If I were responsible for transitioning Miami to 100% renewable energy, I would implement a phased approach over a 20-year period. The first phase (Years 1-5) would involve extensive planning, stakeholder engagement, and the development of renewable infrastructure in strategic locations. During this period, the city would also begin replacing fossil fuel-based power plants with solar and wind farms while incentivizing residential solar panel installations (Miami Climate Alliance, 2021). The second phase (Years 6-15) would focus on the rapid expansion of renewable generation and deployment of advanced energy storage systems. Simultaneously, the city would retire traditional coal and natural gas plants incrementally, aiming to eliminate all fossil fuel dependency by Year 15. The final phase (Years 16-20) would optimize the grid, enhance storage capacity, and ensure a reliable supply of clean energy. This phased plan allows for manageable infrastructure investments, minimizes disruptions, and promotes economic and environmental sustainability.
This transition, though complex and costly initially, would ultimately position Miami as a leader in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions substantially and enhancing resilience against climate impacts. It requires political will, community support, and technological innovation, but the long-term benefits for public health, economic stability, and environmental preservation are worth the effort.
References
- Denholm, P., O'Connell, M., Brinkman, G., & Jorgenson, J. (2015). Overgeneration from Solar Energy in California. The Implications for Grid Integration. IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting.
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). Renewable Cost Database.
- Jacobson, M. Z., Delucchi, M. A., et al. (2018). 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for All. Energy & Environmental Science, 11(7), 1766-1777.
- Miami Climate Alliance. (2021). Miami's Path to Renewable Energy. City of Miami Publications.