Urban Energy Systems for the 21st Century: Transition Paths

Alternative energy systems can be expected to be a significant part of advanced, 'intelligent,' infrastructure systems for cities of the 21st Century. The question is not whether or not renewables and cogeneration will be significant generators, but how the transition will take place. The U. S. electric utility industry is moving into a transition period dominated by a 'wait and see' and 'no build' mentality. Given the near economic viability of some alternative energy systems, such as fuel cells, a logical transition to the 21st Century would be incremental deployment of alternative energy systems over the next 15 years at scales large enough that technological innovation and development on-system can take place. A regulatory environment sensitive to such a transition strategy is called for.