Energy-technology choices: Shaping our future
The report provides a broad overview of energy choices facing the Nation. It is not an exhaustive analysis of any one technology; rather, it draws together the main themes of OTA reports from the past 16 years, and other documents, into an outline of the main directions the country could follow. The report contrasts a baseline scenario (no major initiatives or surprises) with five variations representing different paths the Nation could follow: emphasizing production of conventional fuels, improving efficiency of use to the economic optimum, minimizing the use of energy as far as is technologically possible, emphasizing renewable energy sources, and emphasizing nuclear energy. Any of these scenarios could be the most appropriate path depending on the resolution of uncertainties over climate changes induced by the greenhouse effect, technological developments, and resource discoveries. Each scenario presents risks as well as opportunities. The report describes the choices available to policymakers and the implications of choosing one path versus another.
- Research Organization:
- Office of Technology Assessment (U.S. Congress), Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 5202849
- Report Number(s):
- PB-91-220004/XAB; OTA-E-493
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Also available from Supt. of Docs
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
China's sustainable energy future: Scenarios of energy and carbonemissions (Summary)
Strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime : focus on the civilian nuclear fuel cycle.
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
EVALUATION
BIOMASS
COAL INDUSTRY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DECISION MAKING
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
NUCLEAR POWER
OIL SAND INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
CLIMATIC CHANGE
CONVERSION
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY POLICY
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
POWER
RESOURCES
293000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety
294000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Fossil Fuels
290600 - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
291000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation
299000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation