2024-11-27
2024-03-28
Manuscript submitted September 22, 2023; revised October 18, 2023; accepted November 10, 2023; published January 24, 2024.
Abstract: Three important issues facing humanity are global warming, air pollution, and finite fossil fuels. Scientists suggest they can be solved by replacing fossil fuel-generated energy with renewable energy. This paper focuses on methods of transferring Connecticut from using fossil fuels to 100% Wind, Water, and Sunlight (WWS) energy based on energy output during 2021. The study will calculate the total energy consumption in Connecticut for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors based on 2021 data (A total of 61,658 gigawatts hour and 53,733 gigawatts hour needed to be produced from new installations). It will then present a proposal for establishing WWS infrastructure in the state, including the nameplate capacity for rooftop PVs (9.685 GW), utility PVs (9.638 GW), onshore wind turbines (8.945 GW), and offshore wind turbines (4.645 GW). The estimated costs in terms of money are (71,782,612,500 dollars). Connecticut also needs 50.7 square kilometers for rooftop PVs and 117.8 square kilometers for utility PV installations. In the end, the paper analyzes the limitations of the current 100% renewable energy proposal with possible improvements and estimation of prospects of renewable energy in Connecticut.