Efficiency Becoming the 'First Fuel'
FERC Chairman Tells Forum
Energy efficiency is set to overtake solar energy as the prime new energy investment of 2010, said Jon Wellinghoff, chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Managers and policy makers alike are referring to efficiency as the 'first fuel' and as 'virtual generators,'
Wellinghoff told the US Energy Association's energy forum. Citing and showing Lawrence Livermore lab's energy flow chart,
he pointed out that of the 94 quadrillion BTUs of energy consumed in the US, only 40 quads resulted in useful work or comfort.
The remaining majority of 54 quads were lost as heat or other forms of waste.
Wellinghoff was among speakers who included former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Shell executive vice president Russ Ford at the forum.
Complete Video of Energy Forum