Strategic Plans: US and Europe

"Remember, if you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail."

first in print by Rev. H.K. Williams 1919

As we have seen the potential for renewable energy in the US is real possibility but it is unlikely to happen quickly. The quote above not withstanding it does seem like planning is a critical aspect of any endeavor with many interlocking parts. For renewable energy there are significant developments needed in the grid, in various technologies, in the management of distributed and intermittent energy sources, as well the energy storage technologies to accomodate these intermittent sources.

A quick search for overarching strategic energy plans will take us to here for European plans:

European Strategic Energy Plans:

...and here for the US:

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE): Strategic Plan

It is fascinating (distressing?) to note that this plan from 2006 is the only available strategic plan from our Dept of Energy:

Dept of Energy Strategic Plan:

Exploring a Strategic Plan:

Lets take one of these plans (the EERE plan) and explore it as an example of the process we might use to understand and critique such a plan.

Goals:

Generally a strategic plan has a number of goals and indicators of progress towards those goals. Here are the goals articulate in the EERE Strategic Plan:

I trust you will note that the first 3 goals align rather nicely with two of the primary uses of energy that we discussed. Transportation (which is the bulk of our petroleum use) and energy efficiency in buildings which is a major personal and business energy use. Goals 4 to 6 address the need for grid improvements, manufacturing considerations, and the impact of national initiatives and leadership on the future of energy generation in this country. Goal 7 is focussed on the operations of the Dept of Energy itself which is probably important but not directly targeted at our energy infrastructure. All seems pretty reasonable except for the fact that this plan is dated from 2016-2020 and there is no sign of a new plan coming along.

Indicators:

It is customary, when one has established some goals, to identify ways in which you will know that you are making progress towards those goals and not just wandering around in the wilderness. For discussion purposes I am presenting the indicators for the first 6 goals.

Transportation Indicators:

As we look at each indicator we will consider the following:

i: Is it measurable?

ii: Is it meaningful (will it make a difference)?

iii: Who will it impact?

iv: How are we doing?

Electric Generation from Renewables:

Building Efficiency:

Clean Manufacturing:

Grid Improvements:

Federal Leadership:

What would you want?

When you are invited to participate in the development of future goals and indicators what would you want to see added to the list?

Do you feel more prepared to participate and contribute to these discussions in your future?