Date of Award
Fall 12-1-2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Geography, Geology, and Anthropology
First Advisor
Ryan Jensen
Second Advisor
Greg Bierly
Third Advisor
Jay Gatrell
Abstract
Access to reliable, low cost energy production is key to the wellbeing of our economy, standard ofliving, and national security. As the cost of energy from conventional resources has increased, efforts have started to convert to alternative, renewable sources of energy production. Currently, wind and solar technologies are the best options for an alternative source of energy. Data on wind and solar energy resources, the availability of incentives, and the existence of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) were used to determine the most plausible influencing factors of wind and solar energy production. Maps generated from these data point to a relationship between the location of energy resources and the existence of RPS as major factors that influence the level of wind and solar energy production. Chi-square analysis further indicates that the existence of RPS is currently the only factor significantly influencing wind and solar energy production.
Recommended Citation
Pace, James, "Geography and Capacity of Alternative Fuel Production 1999 - 2006: The Case of Solar and Wind" (2008). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3581.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3581