Electricity Generation

Renewable energy powers our future.

The power sector currently accounts for around 40 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, making it the highest-emitting sector, followed by industry and transportation. The solutions included in this sector have significant positive climate and financial impacts in the short, medium, and long term, since they can replace conventional electricity generation technologies such as coal, natural gas, and oil power plants.

LEARN MORE

Less Screen Time

All Electricity Generation Solutions

I will spend (___) minutes outdoors or doing something active instead of spending time in front of a screen.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Reasons to take a break from screens

Spending time outdoors is healthy

100 Things to do During Screen Free Week
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

DAILY ACTION
Turn It Off

All Electricity Generation Solutions

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

7 Bad Energy Habits

Saving energy by turning off lights

Slay Energy Vampires and Save

Smarter House: Shrink Your Dorm Footprint
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

DAILY ACTION
Careers in Renewable Energy

All Electricity Generation Solutions

I will spend at least (___) minute(s) learning about careers related to renewable energy generation.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon's Solar LRT Program

Wind Technician
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Watch a Video about Methane Digesters

Methane Digesters (large), Methane Digesters (small)

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Methane Digesters

The Anaerobic Digester at MSU (Video)

SolutionsU Collection: Methane Digesters
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Spread the Word about Energy Alternatives

All Electricity Generation Solutions

I will research and tell (___) people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Sector Summary: Electricity Generation

Solar and Energy Storage Can Protect Cities from Power Outages, Create Resilient Communities

SolutionsU news on sustainable electricity generation

RMI: how to choreograph high-renewables electricity systems
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

DAILY ACTION
Rooftop Solar Consultation

Rooftop Solar

After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will advocate for a rooftop solar panel installation in my community.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Rooftop Solar

SolutionsU Collection: Rooftop Solar
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn More about Wave and Tidal Energy

Wave and Tidal

I will spend at least (___) minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy, as well as the pros and cons of this technology.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Wave and Tidal

Tidal and Wave Technology

SolutionsU Collection: Wave and Tidal
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn More About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal

I will spend at least (___) minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy, as well as the pros and cons of this technology.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Geothermal

Future of Geothermal

Is Geothermal right for you?

SolutionsU Collection: Geothermal
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Research Companies Leading in Green Energy

Solar Farms, Wind Turbines

I will research (___) companies to see whether or not they are leading the way in purchasing green energy and discuss my findings with my family and/or peers.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Solar Farms

RE100: Companies Committed to 100% Renewable Energy

National Price on Carbon

Leading U.S. Corporations

SolutionsU Collection: Solar Farms
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn More about Biomass

Biomass

I will spend at least (___) minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass, as well as the pros and cons of this technology.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Biomass

Wisewood: Examples of Biomass done right

SolutionsU Collection: Biomass
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Communicate With My Elected Officials

Wind Turbines (Onshore), Solar Farms

I will write or call (___) elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind and solar energy generation.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Wind Turbines (Onshore)

SolutionsU Collection: On Shore Wind Turbines

GovTrack: Find your U.S. Congressperson

Find Your State Legislators
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn about Energy Storage

Energy Storage

I will spend at least (___) minute(s) learning about energy storage solutions, as well as the pros and cons of each technology.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Energy Storage

Tesla reveals the future of the power grid

Focus on Energy Storage

RMI: how to choreograph high-renewables electricity systems

Battery Types
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn about Power Plants and the Electricity Grid

All Electricity Generation Solutions

I will spend at least (___) minute(s) researching what energy sources are used to generate electricity in my region and in the US, and how the addition of solar energy and other renewables are impacting the electric grid.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

How Does Your State Make Electricity?

RMI: how to choreograph high-renewables electricity systems

Drawdown Solution: Solar Farms

Energy 101: Solar PV
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn about Agrivoltaics

Solar Farms

I will spend at least (___) minute(s) learning about agrivoltaics (agriculture + photovoltaics) and how this solution can produce clean energy while also reducing water consumption and increasing food production in arid climates.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

What Is Agrivoltaics?

Co-locating agriculture + photovoltaics to increase food and energy production while decreasing water use

Solar Grazing

German Pilot Agrivoltaic Study
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn about Smart Grids

Grid Flexibility & Microgrids

I will spend at least (___) minute(s) researching smart grids and how they can help the transition to renewable energy sources.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Grid Flexibility

What is a Smart Grid?

Smart Grid Denmark

Power Jobs: The Smart Grid Workforce
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn about How Microgrids Provide Resilience in the Face of Hurricanes

Microgrids

I will spend at least (___) minute(s) learning about microgrids and how they could make the power grid in places such as Puerto Rico more resilient to hurricanes and other intense storms.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Microgrids

Hurricane Maria Updates: In Puerto Rico, the Storm 'Destroyed Us'

Puerto Rico Sets the Stage for Microgrids

Bonneville Environmental Foundation: Teacher Lesson Plan - When the grid goes down and stays down
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
DIY Peak Reduction

Grid Flexibility

I will sign up for my utility's online portal to view daily & hourly usage and challenge my household to find ways to reduce peak usage over the next few weeks.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Grid Flexibility

Energy Tracker from PGE

Utility Example Tips for Lowering Peak Demands

Energy Trust of Oregon: Smart Thermostat Rebate
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

DAILY ACTION
Choose Renewable Energy or Purchase Renewable Energy Credits

Wind Turbines (Onshore), Solar Farms

I will encourage a homeowner to sign up for my local utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution: Wind Turbines (Onshore)

Drawdown Solution: Solar Farms

Green-e: Global standard in clean energy certification (third-party verification)
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Advocate for Solar Installation

Rooftop Solar

Using the solar study link in the resources below, I will create a plan for a solar installation at my school campus, home, or building of my choice, and share my findings from the solar study with the building owner and other stakeholders.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solution Page: Rooftop Solar

Top 10 Economic Benefits of Converting to Solar Energy

SolutionsU Collection: Rooftop Solar

Study the solar potential of your building of choice using this satellite analysis tool.
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

JOIN TO SELECT

BACK TO ALL ACTION CATEGORIES