Study Debunks Six Myths About Electricity in the South

December 1, 2011

FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011

CONTACT:
Erin McKenzie

DURHAM, N.C. — Clean energy can help meet
growing electricity demand and minimize pollution in the Southern United
States, but progress to adopt renewable energy strategies has been hindered by
a number of myths, according to a new study by Duke and Georgia Tech
researchers.

These myths, encompassing both sides of the
clean energy debate, may affect how the South responds to what is expected to
be a 28 percent rise in population within the next 20 years.

A study by researchers at Duke University
and the Georgia Institute of Technology, published in the journal Energy Policy, spells out and debunks popular
myths about clean energy that have been promulgated by policymakers, business
leaders and advocacy groups in the South.

“Myths about clean electricity shape
perceptions and have delayed progress in the South,” said Etan Gumerman, the
study’s co-author and senior policy analyst at Duke’s Nicholas Institute for
Environmental Policy Solutions. “We hope that by casting doubt on these myths,
we can begin a productive discussion about affordable clean electricity and how
it could shape public policies.”

Using an energy-economic modeling tool,
researchers analyzed the following six myths, identified through their earlier research
on energy in the South:

Energy efficiency and renewable energy by
themselves cannot meet the South’s growing electricity demand;
The South does not have sufficient
renewable energy resources to meet a Federal Renewable Energy Standard;
Renewable energy cannot be promoted without
escalating electricity rates;
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
policies are not compatible;
Cost-effective energy efficiency and
renewable energy policies are sufficient to retire existing coal plants and
reduce air pollution;
Power resource decisions have little impact
on water resources.

The researchers found that energy
efficiency and renewable energy can work together to meet projected growth
without escalating electricity rates.

They say that implementing renewable electricity
standards and other complementary policies could stabilize greenhouse gas
emissions. Coupling these policies with stronger regulations, such as a $15 per
ton carbon tax, could help retire coal-fired power plants and reduce emissions by
23 percent compared to today’s levels. And they found that while energy impacts
on water usage are largely ignored, renewable and efficiency options could hold
water-saving benefits—up to one trillion liters in 2030—for this drought-prone
region.

“The South has an abundance of sustainable
energy technologies and resources, but misperceptions about their availability
and readiness result in support for conventional energy systems,” said Marilyn
Brown, co-author and professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy. “Our
research is motivated by the hope that promoting fact-informed dialogue can
tackle such barriers and clear the way for a more sustainable energy future.”

To review the paper, “Myths and Facts about
Electricity in the U.S. South,” visit http://www.nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/myths-and-facts-about-electricity-in-the-u.s.-south.

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