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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Efficiency

Renewable Heat Incentives Save You More Than EnergyThe Renewable Heat Incentive is for everyone, whether for households, landlords, businesses, schools, hospitals and many more. It is a beneficial scheme which you can be used to save money and energy, both together!

There have been various attempts to enhance the usage of renewable energy across UK. One of the best examples is of the Feed-in Tariffs. A scheme which went live in April 2010 accelerated the installation of renewable energy capacity in Europe. And now comes the more effective, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which was launched in April 2014. Through this scheme, who make use of renewable energy to heat their buildings are awarded financially. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Wind Energy

Wind Energy and Compressed Air Energy Storage Represent Environmentally Friendly Baseload PowerIn a discussion of one of our cleantech investment opportunities that happen to implement wind energy with compressed air energy storage, a friend writes, “compressed air as a storage medium is a commodity along with other storage mediums, so the success of this company depends upon whether the subject company has patented a defensible technology that takes CAES, a technology from the 70’s, and increases its efficiency and cost over other storage mediums. Comparing it to coal and nuclear plants is not a relevant comparison.”

I respond:  (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

People's Climate March -- Looks Like a Huge SuccessI’m sorry I was unable to be a part of this historic event.  “People in the streets as far as the eye can see,” reported the NY Times, a reporter for which took this shot a few hours ago.  Wow, that’s good news; it certainly is gratifying to see that the march is proceeding so successfully.

As the great abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass told us, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

More Advice to Young Reader on a Career in Renewable EnergyA young reader asked me for more clarification on what coursework he should pursue, given that he intends to make his career in renewable energy.  I respond:

It really depends on your strengths and interests.  Check out how broad “environmental science” is.  If you’re a math/science guy, that’s a great thing in which to major if you want to pursue renewable energy.  If you have a fantastic resume, you could aim for the Bren School at UCSB (near me); it’s probably the top school in the world in this discipline.   (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

People's Climate March in New York CityThe 1883 eruption of Krakatoa produced the loudest sound ever known. It could be heard 3000 miles away and it reverberated around the globe 7 times before diminishing.  Pictured here is the relatively tiny eruption of the same volcano in 2008.

As long as we’re on the subject of impressive numbers, here are a few that describe the People’s Climate March on Sunday in New York City.  I wish I could be there, but since I can’t, I’ll join the solidarity march in Santa Barbara. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

Advice To a Young Man on Renewable EnergyA young reader named Brendan writes:

Hi, I am a student currently in the 12th grade. With your knowledge and expertise in the field of renewable energy, I would really appreciate it if you could guide me in making an important decision. I would like to take up a course related to renewable energy (solar) for my higher studies, but I was told not to specialize too early, as there are several things to learn before that, in order to build a strong foundation.

As a professional in the field of renewable energy, what would you recommend?

I’d be very grateful to you for helping me out on the matter.  Thank you. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Nuclear

Are Nuclear and Renewable Energy Really Enemies?Eventually, the pro-nuke—anti-solar/wind people with whom I’ve recently been corresponding are going to lose patience with me and delete me from their email distribution list. Earlier today, a gentleman by the name of George Erickson sent the 100-or-so of us this piece on one of the negative environmental consequences of wind energy. Sadly, what these folks do for a living is digging up stuff like this.  Why?  Of the many millions of scientists who study the energy industry, why do these pro-nuke people follow the fraction of a percent of them who believe that renewable energy is a bad idea? (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Geothermal

Geothermal Heat Pump Tips and GuidelinesGeothermal pumps can be of great help when you need to save up some money on your utilities and heating. The greatest thing is that they are essentially in balance with the natural world around you. A geothermal system however costs quite a bit to install and may prove to be too expensive in most cases, but it will be an excellent long-term solution to your heating and energy needs if you can afford it. (more…)

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Eco-Education beyond Eco-AwarenessAccording to an article published on The Telegraph, new survey indicates that most people are aware and concerned about the damages that are constantly being inflicted on the environment. They are also troubled by continuous loss of biodiversity, changes in the countryside, and the deterioration of the earth’s natural resources.

While it is indeed reassuring to know that most people are willing to do something to ensure environmental sustainability, the real game changer is what people actually do to achieve this. This is where environmental education comes in. (more…)

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Green Energy - The Future Energy SolutionEverywhere you look, it seems, terms green energy and renewable energy all the rage. There can be little doubt that our climate is changing and that we as humans need to do something if we can. But what exactly is green energy? (more…)

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