Bill Overview
Title: Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish the Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Program to improve understanding of, among other elements, wind resources and wind energy concepts.
Sponsors: Rep. Bowman, Jamaal [D-NY-16]
Target Audience
Population: People involved or benefiting from airborne wind energy
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill focuses on airborne wind energy technology, which is still in its developmental and experimental stages, primarily involving research institutions, energy companies, and industries related to renewable energy.
- It will impact people working in the renewable energy sector, particularly those focusing on wind energy and emerging airborne wind technologies.
- The research outcomes could benefit a global audience by influencing future energy policies and energy supply frameworks, particularly those aiming for reduced carbon emissions.
- The broader public indirectly benefits through advancements in renewable energy technologies, which provide cleaner energy sources and help in combating climate change.
Reasoning
- The budget constraints imply a long-term focus on research rather than immediate widespread public impact. Hence, the individuals most directly affected will be those in specific sectors like research and development within the renewable energy industry.
- The policy will likely affect scientists and engineers developing wind technologies by providing more opportunities for funding and research advancement.
- Over the long term, the policy has potential broader implications for people as new technologies might lead to cheaper and more sustainable energy solutions.
- As with many research-focused investments, immediate impacts might be minimal for some sectors, while the benefits will be more pronounced over a 10-20 year horizon if successful technology transitions occur.
Simulated Interviews
Renewable Energy Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think increased funding certainly helps speed up our projects.
- The potential for new breakthroughs makes this exciting for us in the field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Energy Policy Maker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will direct more innovation to airborne wind, which could shape future energy landscapes.
- I'm optimistic but cautious about implementation timelines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Wind Energy Equipment Manufacturer (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Direct funding means potential growth for supply chains related to airborne wind.
- Hopeful for collaboration with new research projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Graduate Student in Renewable Energy (Chicago, IL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is exactly the push needed for innovative research in my field.
- The policy could greatly impact my career development positively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New research programs could revitalise interest in wind energy among younger engineers.
- It's a positive step, but I doubt I'll see major changes during my lifetime.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Renewable Energy Consultant (Denver, CO)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More research funding can lead to more consulting opportunities.
- This policy aligns well with future energy goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Environmental Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy to see efforts towards cleaner energy, though it feels indirect.
- It's a step towards larger climate action, but more immediate actions are also needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Academic Researcher (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Excited for new funding opportunities, but it needs proper management.
- Research outcomes should guide future actions to maximize this policy's impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Software Developer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could drive demand for specialized software solutions.
- Optimistic about an increase in collaborative innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Renewable Energy Project Manager (Portland, OR)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The move to fund research indicates more projects in the pipeline.
- Enthusiastic about new strategies to harness airborne wind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $55000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $65000000 (Low: $55000000, High: $75000000)
Year 10: $70000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $80000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The success of the program is heavily dependent on technological advancements and breakthroughs in airborne wind energy systems.
- The cost estimates may vary given the rapid evolution of energy technologies and changes in global energy markets.
- Coordination and collaboration with international partners might be necessary for the global viability of airborne wind energy.