Louisiana Renewable Energy Program
Like most major utility companies in the United States, those in Louisiana haven’t always embraced the idea of tapping into renewable energy sources.
Propelled by a 2010 pilot program approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), however, reluctant power companies are finally making measurable gains toward enhancing the state’s renewable energy portfolio with a renewable energy program.
According to The Times-Picayune, LPSC launched the program over two years ago in an effort to prepare for potential mandates from the state and/or federal governments.
Although it made little gains initially, progress is beginning to pick up, and utility companies are hopeful that the initiative could facilitate promising investments in renewable energy technologies.
Types of Renewable Energy Sources
- Solar –
- The energy emitted from the sun in the form of radiation is constantly being harnessed and converted to usable forms of energy thus utilizing the unlimited source of power from our very own sun. Thermal energy and electricity are examples of the type of energy that can be controlled and used through solar power.
- Wind –
- Wind is an amazing source of natural energy that is also limitless and is also a form of renewable energy that is consistently being improved and revolutionized. Modern windmills are being used to capture all the power exuded from the wind and delivering power to those nearby. As mentioned earlier, there are countless benefits of wind energy.
- Geothermal –
- Geothermal energy is the practice of using heat trapped within the Earth. An extremely common form of technology powered by Geothermal electricity is the ground-source heat pump. These pumps have been proven to significantly increase efficiency compared to air-source heat pumps.
- Biofuels –
- Alternative fuels such as Ethanol and Biodiesel (alternatives to petroleum based fuels) can be used as “Louisiana has a diverse resource base which can be exploited to produce them” says the Department of Natural Resources.
Louisiana isn’t the only state making noticeable strides towards a renewable energy program.
North Carolina has increased its renewable energy investments thirteen times over since 2007 and projects that 12.5% of its electricity consumption will come from renewable sources by 2021.
Indiana is also making impressive advancements and is now the third fastest growing state in terms of wind power capabilities.
With more and more states seeing the need for alternative energy sources, it’s a great time to pursue an education in this rapidly expanding field.
How Everglades University Can Help
The Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Alternative and Renewable Energy Management from Everglades University is a renewable energy degree program that can prepare students for advanced positions in the alternative energy industry.
Among the 123-credit hours required for graduation are classes covering
- Alternative Energy Equipment
- Wind Energy
- Energy Storage
- Hydrogen Economy
- Many other cutting-edge topics
Those interested can find out more about this promising degree program by viewing the full course description or by contacting the University for more information.
Sources:
- http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2012/10/two_years_later_state_renewabl.html
- http://www.energyviewpoints.com/more-evidence-of-red-states-going-green/