Fuel cells generate electricity by turning hydrogen back into pure water and usable heat, reliably powering cars, homes and businesses. Natural gas and other clean fuels can provide a transition to truly renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen, solar energy, wind and tide power. The electric power sector is leading the way for both new generation technology and high end-use efficiency. New England has opened up electricity markets to competition, inviting new power plants that can produce the same, cheap electricity using only half the fuel and producing 98 percent fewer air emissions. Twenty natural gas-fired plants are under construction, capable of supplying half the region s peak demand within the next 12 to 24 months.
Fair competition means lower prices, cleaner air and a stronger economy.
As with cars, end use efficiency can result in huge savings while making our domestic energy resources go farther. Buildings consume 40 percent of our electricity. High performance, energy smart buildings can save 30 to 50 percent on energy bills, while providing better light, air quality and thermal comfort to people inside. We can perpetuate an economy fatally addicted to oil, a resource that s only getting scarcer, more expensive and more dangerous to protect. But we know better.