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362 Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

FIGURE 18.4 Agile Energy Infrastructures: central grid and on-site generation.

have had energy base locations. As shown in Fig. 18.4 (Agile Systems
expressed as a model like the “Internet”) and in the United States case study
(among others), there are regions within nations and communities that are well
endowed with special energy (and other) resources.
The southwest United States has abundant sunshine, so concentrated solar
and photovoltaic energy generation provides the opportunity for an energy
base. Likewise the mountains of the western United States have both
hydroelectric and geothermal energy bases. Along with the energy base, related
economic and educational opportunities exist that supplement and support
these resources.
l Establish and set public policy(s) with standards, protocols, rules, and
regulations, which need to include decision making, ownership, and
accountability. Central government policy and rules are important but are
often meant as a guide and goal. Local and regional governments can
exceed those rules and go further. These policies can facilitate transitions
as new emerging technologies come into the marketplace. Leadership and
meeting the vision for IMAR is doing just that.