National Energy Independence Plan (NEIP)
The National Energy Independence Plan (NEIP) ends the need for oilimports within 15 years, eliminates 86% of carbon-based (fossil) fuelsbefore mid-century, and averts oil pricing crises likely to occurwithin 20 years. It meets all of the Gulf Challenge’s criteria and canbe initiated immediately, using proven technology. It deliversreliable, clean, domestically-sourced energy to achieve strategicenergy security, jobs at home, and an improved climate. The NEIP isexpandable, long-lasting, and affordable (self-funding from energysales, yet fuel prices remain no higher than current levelsnationwide). A federal agency is proposed to manage the process; apublic utility model assures public and private interests are aligned.
These goals are achieved in two overlapping phases. Ending oil importsquickly is accomplished by electrifying the US light vehicle fleet,reducing the use of oil for heating, and temporary coal gasification(until biomass is grown) to assure the liquid fuel supply. To meetlong term needs, electricity generation is comprehensively replaced bysolar and wind power, efficiently transmitted over a new direct-currentgrid. CAES, compressed air energy storage, enables intermittent windand solar energy to provide steady, reliable 24/7 base load power toreplace coal and natural gas.
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