Energy Basics

Overview of Electricity Production and Consumption

Current Energy Landscape

Dominance of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas)
Growing share of renewable energy sources
Centralized power generation and distribution

Power Generation Capacity

Total U.S. capacity: approximately 1,100 Gigawatts

Breakdown by source:

Steam Turbines: 580,420 MW
Gas Turbines: 388,609 MW
Hydro: 77,910 MW
Wind: 34,683 MW
Other sources: 40,064 MW

Engines, Fuels, and Electricity in Power Currency

Engines

Definition: Machines that convert various forms of energy into usable power
Examples: Steam turbines, gas turbines, wind turbines, solar panels

Fuels

Traditional: Oil, coal, natural gas
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, biomass
Role in Power Currency: Stored potential energy

Electricity

The primary form of energy in the Power Currency system
Measured in kilowatt-hours (KWH)
Instantly producible and consumable

Importance of Distributed Energy Resources

Resilience: Reduces vulnerability to large-scale outages
Efficiency: Minimizes transmission losses
Democratization: Allows individuals and communities to participate in energy production
Innovation: Encourages development of new energy technologies
Economic benefits: Creates local jobs and stimulates local economies