We know how much electrical power is needed today. Using this as a baseline we can forecast three scenarios for future power needs: 1) a recessive scenario, i.e. our needs decrease; 2) a normal growth scenario based on anticipated population increase; and 3) an economic boom scenario.
We know that continued production of electricity using fossil fuels weakens our homeland security and puts us at the mercy of OPEC, the oil producing countries.
We know that there are alternative methods for producing electricity that do not depend on burning fossil fuels and we know, generally, the pros and cons of each of these for our location and economic situation. In my opinion, the alternative energy sources in order of preference based on cost, environmental friendliness, and feasibility are as follows: wind power; photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight to electricity; self contained nuclear powered electrical generators, about the size of a small house; OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Currents); and geothermal utilizing our northern volcanic islands. My rationale for putting wind and solar first and second, is that these devices can be installed little by little or rapidly as the availability of funds is realized, i.e. no huge amount of financial outlay is necessary. Individuals and businesses can begin this process, but the Legislature needs to provide financial motivation in the form of tax breaks. This can be done right now. It’s up to the CNMI lawmakers. Make this top priority. Do it now!
My research on the cost of wind generated electricity on an islandwide basis indicates that it should cost the consumer no more than $0.15 per kilowatt hour. If this path is undertaken, a private company should be hired to install and maintain the system including the transmission lines. According to the American Wind Energy Association (www.awea.org/faq), electrical energy from the wind can now be generated at less than $0.06 per kilowatt hour, even in the most difficult of terrains and wind conditions. So at $0.15 per kilowatt hour, over 100 percent mark-up, any business should prosper. This route for producing electricity for Saipan will take three years to put in place if we start now and keep the politicians out of the process. The CEO and president of Synergy Power Corp was quoted as offering a price of $0.30 per kilowatt hour We need closely examine that amount and shop around to obtain the best price and most reliable company. Checking with the American Wind Energy Association might be a good place to start
A detailed plan for how this wind generated electricity is to be accomplished needs to be presented to the U.S. Department of the Interior, accompanied by a request for funding. But it is not feasible to provide islandwide, dependable electrical power using only the wind. Therefore, planning and implementation of the previously described steps to dependable power needs to be accompanied by the installation of several nuclear powered units as has been described by Dr. Thomas Arkle. (How many units are needed will depend on the applicable economic growth scenario.mentioned in paragraph two) These units will give a steady back-up, dependable power generation capability for twenty years. The capital outlay for these units can be requested from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The CNMI legislators or executive branch officials still need to present a concise plan to DOI. As I recall, setting up this source of electricity can be done fairly quickly. What did Dr. Arkle say, less than a year?
Generating electricity using Ocean Thermal Energy Currents or from the volcanoes up north requires time to put such a system in place and large outlays of capital. Upon the accomplishment of the steps described above, the CNMI planners have the time to weigh the feasibility of these two sources and plan for the necessary funding. These two sources of generating electricity should definitely be included in the long range plans to make the CNMI electrically self-sufficient. Eventually, the CNMI could wean itself from dependency on uranium for the nuclear powered electric generating units and free the minds of those who still feel that nuclear fission is dangerous.
For those with limited planning experience, this plan should consist of the following components:
1) Description of the geographic and demographic characteristics of the CNMI. This will include the three forecasts described in paragraph two above.
2) A problem statement. Example: The CNMI has recurring power outages. How can these outages be prevented now and for the next 50 years?
3) A listing of the objectives to be accomplished. Example: The village of Garapan will have dependable, affordable electrical power continuously;
4) The activities to accomplish the objective. Example: A nuclear powered substation will be installed on government land and its power will be dedicated only for Garapan, plus businesses and residential dwellings will be given a 100 percent rebate on taxes for two years after becoming electrically self-sufficient.
5) A timeline for the activities which indicates when each activity will be started and completed.
6) Budget worksheets indicating estimated cost per activity and including further detailing of costs for personnel, materials, equipment, etc.
This skeleton of the plan may have additions depending on the source from which the CNMI is requesting financial assistance. Congressman Gregorio Sablan recently told us via the newspaper that additional funds are going to be made available to the CNMI, but will be administered by different federal agencies, each of which will have its own regulations for becoming a funding recipient.
We have a new president in Barack Obama. He wants the entire United States to become free of dependency on foreign fossil fuels for generating electricity. He wants the U.S. to resume its position of leadership among the nations of the world. He wants our homeland to be secure. Wouldn’t it increase the stature of the CNMI in the eyes of the president and the U.S. Congress to be the first U.S. territory or state that has a plan such as I have described and is implementing it? What are we waiting for?
ROGER N. LUDWICK
Sadog Tasi, Saipan
