Interactive Renewable Energy Map
Posted in Energy Industry | Solar Power | Wind Power
These days we are incessantly debating over one of the hottest issues, i.e. environmental pollution and rise in temperature throughout the world. An intelligent person always likes to foresee the near future a bit and try to prepare himself /herself for the impending battle raising from the horizons of the past. He or she won’t start digging a well when the thirst strikes. Most of us want to do something about this and contribute positively to make this earth a better place to live. But we are most of the time clueless. We don’t know from where to begin? Where we can find relevant information? If we are able to track down information then how to process it for our own and community’s good?
If you empathize with above-mentioned feeling you can take the help of the renewable maps introduced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Nathanael Greene, who is the director of renewable energy policy at NRDC, explains enthusiastically, “You can find your county on the appropriate map, select the different map layers to see current renewable energy sites and resource potential, and then read about the latest technologies to see what mix of energy opportunities might work for you and your community.”
You can find detailed information about the alternative energy scene about Florida, Ohio, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. NRDC considers these states as “key battlegrounds” in the alternative energy scenario. They are trying to include statistics of other states in near future soon. The Natural Resources Defense Council has introduced maps showing the correlation between natural resources (sunlight, wind, crops and livestock ) and the renewable energy potential that can be trapped from a particular area.
The map on NRDC’s Renewable Energy for America site colors the different regions of the country differently, according to regional resources and shows the sites of existing and planned wind, biofuel and biodigester plants. If you want to know about the energy mix of any state, the information is just a mouse click away. If you feel lost in the vast states of the country and want to view the stats of a particular area enter the zip code.
Nathanael Greene wrote on his blog about the objective of introducing such idea, “We definitely plan to use the site as a tool for getting people excited about what they can do in their state with renewables”.
Right now the map on NRDC’s Renewable Energy for America site is still in the process of development. NRDC is gearing up to add data on solar, geothermal power projects and potential in the other fields in the coming months. They are updating state-by-state features continuously. Soon you will be able to view data of states like Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, Virginia and Nevada too. NRDC has gathered much of its data for the new map from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. They are collecting data on solar energy for decades. Other maps and online tools highlight energy efficiency data too. The Green Grid, an industry group formed to encourage energy efficiency in data centers, has online tools, including a map, to show which parts of the country hold the greatest potential for using outside air to cool data centers (see Green Grid: Free Cooling for Data Centers).
This map service is not for investors or research purposes only. Everyone, be it a farmer, politician, financier or a scholar, can benefit from it. This site (http://www.nrdc.org/renewables/) can help you in taking a decision that from various energy options (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass or anaerobic digesters) which one will best suit you or your community. You can watch the current and proposed renewable energy projects in your area; get yourself acquainted with new technology and legislations debated by the politicians and arrive at the right decision you a right kind of energy mix for yourself or your area.
The objective of such a step is to be self reliant and use local resources for one’s energy need. They have conviction that local action can make a difference. Ideal renewable energy mix technology will help in improving the environment, less dependence on fossil fuel, create employment opportunities during the time of recession and outsourcing and protect natural resources of the country.