Powering the Planet

Related Links: Energy Research

By CNBC.com
WATCH LIVE

The reports below offer analysis and research on different parts of the energy industry, such as the potential for wind energy, higher energy efficiency for low-income neighborhoods and the affects of biofuels on the economy.

20% Wind Energy by 2030
Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy with contributions from more than 50 organizations, this report outlines how to have 20% of the United States’ electricity needs met through wind power by the year 2030.

U.S. Geothermal Energy Market Report
Produced by Iceland-based bank Glitnir, the September 2007 report identifies which states have the potential to produce significant geothermal energy and the projects estimated costs.

Geothermal Technologies Program
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy are working on a better way to convert geothermal energy into heat and electricity.

Energy Efficiency to Low-Income Households [PDF]The study, conducted by Enterprise Community Partners, found that about 25 million low-income families in the US struggle to pay their energy bills, and explains how implementing energy efficiency measures can improve their standard of living.

Rising Oil Prices [PDF]
This research report, released by Goldman Sachs, outlines the effects of persistently high oil prices and whether biofuels like ethanol are effective in keeping the environment clean or reducing energy dependency.

$100 Oil Reality: Has the Super-Spike End Game Begun? [PDF]This GS report, which created a stir when first published in 2005, studies whether the end is near for high-energy prices. It also identified energy stocks at that time as buys or sells.

Energy & Natural Resources: Energy Policy [PDF]
This report by FBR Capital Markets analyzes whether surcharges on greenhouse gases, proposed by two US senators, would ever have enough support to be passed by Congress.

Biofuels: The Promise and the Risks
The World Bank released this report assessing the impact biofuels will have on food prices, competition for land as well as water and the environment.