The increased use of semiconductors to regulate home power use and to manage the electrical grid could sharply cut energy use, a new study finds.
An 11% reduction in power seen in 20 years even as the economy grows 70%
The reduction could be profound enough to whack the need for electricity by 11 percent in 20 years, even as the economy grows 70 percent.
The study was issued Wednesday by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and was paid for by the Semiconductor Industry Association.
Despite it obvious self-serving nature, the study focuses on improvements widely thought possible. According to a statement from Brian Halla, an SIA board member, chip technologies are available or under development to accomplish these goals.
“Chip-enabled technologies will soon deliver solutions to the complex problems involved in harnessing solar and wind power and integrating electricity from these sources into the nation’s distribution grid. New technologies can also achieve dramatic efficiencies in the use of energy in homes, factories, commercial buildings, and all modes of transportation,” Halla said in a statement.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
The all-electric luxury sedan – comparable to a BMW 3-series or a Mercedes C-class – will cost half the price of Tesla’s sporty Roadster, at around $50,000 (after a federal tax credit) when it goes on sale in 2 years; allowing time for more rigorous testing before it actually hits the road.
