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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

As I continue to learn more about the world’s energy supply, I naturally bump up against water issues, as the two subjects are closely connected across different axes – the so-called “water-energy nexus.”

Of course, energy can be extracted from moving water; in fact, hydro-electricity accounts for about 7% of our power in the U.S. (19% worldwide).  Having said that, we usually consider the ways in which energy is used to provide the water we need – largely pumping and purifying.  I live in California, which, granted, is an extreme case, but here, 19% of all electricity (about 30% of all energy) is consumed in conveying and distributing water, and in treating waste water. 

Virtually all experts believe that water issues will become more severe as: (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

In the last two days, I’ve written a couple of pieces on the presidential debates here in the U.S., and so my head’s been caught up in the subject of the psyche of the American voter.  Of course, the rest of the world hasn’t stopped just because we have a couple politicians saying whatever they think they need to in order to win votes.  For example, here’s an article on climate change and the melting of the polar icecaps.  (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Here’s a conversation I’m having with the friend who suggested that I write my “Open Letter on Energy to Mr. Obama.”

Craig:  I took your excellent advice.  Here you go:  http://2greenenergy.com/an-open-letter/32059/.

Friend:  Excellent. Well done!

Craig:  Thanks.  As you know, I view this more as theater than as reality; I feel a bit ashamed to be taking it so seriously.  I normally don’t publish stuff like this.  But the Republicans really will tear a huge hole through environmental regulation if given the chance. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

After Wednesday night’s debate, I became one of literally millions wishing to give U.S. President Barack Obama advice, and, for that reason, I certainly do not believe that what I’m about to write has any particular importance. Having said that, here’s a brief “open letter.”

 

Mr. President:

A great number of us who viewed your debate on October 3rd were astonished that you were either unwilling or unable to defend yourself vis-à-vis America’s energy policy, and thus I offer a few “talking points” for your consideration on the subject: (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

Yesterday started with a drive south to visit my friend, WindStream CEO Dan Bates.  WindStream is one of the very few micro-wind products that I favor, in that it appears that they have come across one of the very few strategies that has driven out costs without doing the same to quality.

From there, it was another 40 miles or so south to a fantastic luncheon in which I was introduced to the executive director of the National Water Research Institute.  The connection between water and energy, the so-called “water-energy nexus,” is an increasingly important facet of the drive towards sustainability, and it was great to get to know one of the real movers and shakers.

Then it was back north, barely beating the late afternoon traffic, enabling me to hit an IEEE cleantech conference on the way home, where my friend Ron Pretlac, CEO of Green Tech Motors, was talking up his new Large Air Gap Electric Ring (LAGER), a new take on high-efficiency electric motors.

After a day like that, it was indeed time for a lager – a cool one.

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

A friend writes:

Is it only my imagination, or did Obama fail to defend body blows on clean energy last night? I thought he gave a horrible performance on energy issues! Very, very weak. Are you planning to comment on your blog?

Yes, it was discouraging. 

Part of me excuses Obama because, 24 X 7, he’s actively managing the most important single entity on the planet.  His opponent, admittedly a smart guy, can spend all his waking hours sharpening his tongue.  But regardless, Romney did a terrific job.  My congratulations to a master in his craft.

The other part of me suggests that Obama, whose expressed energy policy is “all of the above,” (i.e., that we need to pursue clean coal, gas, nuclear, and renewables in all their forms) really deserved exactly what he got.  His lack of clarity and leadership in a critical time makes his position only slightly less ludicrous than Romney’s. 

It’s a symptom of the political zeitgeist, based squarely on Big Money, where real integrity is pretty-much entirely absent. 

As you know, I applaud Obama for having rescued the U.S. from the “drill baby drill” mentality that he inherited from his predecessor (whose name is no longer used in polite company  — nor any other, as far as I can discern).  But the state of our current political discourse has most certainly sunk to a new low.

In the period that precedes each election Tuesday, the Ghost of Democracy Past is paraded out in front of us in an effort to convince us that We the People have some legitimate participation in our government.  On cue, the ghost returns silent to its grave each election Wednesday, at which point we go back to living under the brutal pounding of the will of the aforementioned Big Money. 

Sorry, but it’s hard to take this theater too seriously. 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Here’s a two-minute interview with Steve Jobs in which he tells you that you can be a greater person and live a more dynamic life than the world around you would have you believe.  That’s profoundly beautiful, and completely true.

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

In response to my piece calling for an energy policy in the U.S., frequent commenter Dr. James Gover, author, speaker, and professor of electrical engineering at Kettering University, made a few interesting points, for which I thank him:

1) In the U.S., policy is established in response to the wishes of the public.  Each president establishes energy policies believed to be consistent with public wishes, with particular attention given to the wishes of those who support the president.  The process of policy development in the U.S. requires the public to be well informed on the alternatives and the costs and benefits of each. 

I’m a bit surprised to see this. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

PhotobucketPerhaps I should clarify what I mean when I write that the U.S. should have an energy policy; maybe an example would serve.  Here’s one: Finland just announced their plan to phase out coal and retire it completely by 2025.

Can’t the U.S. do something similar?  It’s not like we don’t have policies around here.  We have policies that govern our policies.  How hard would it be to say something like: “People are dropping like flies as a result of burning hydrocarbons, we’re empowering our enemies by buying oil from them, our utilities have no incentive to change what they’re doing, and we’re ruining our environment.  And here’s what we’re going to do about it over the next 20 years.” 

It doesn’t sound like an insurmountable challenge.  I could write the outline in about 20 minutes. 

And, btw, Finland, on behalf of all seven billion of us who share this tiny planet:  Congratulations, and thank you.

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

People often ask me to tell them what’s happening in the energy world in an abbreviated form.  That’s not particularly easy, as there are many forces at work right now that are pushing in two different directions at the same time.  Here’s a quick list.

 

Why is the Migration to Renewables So Slow To Occur?

• The world is more corrupt than it used to be; big money wants the status quo, and is generally able to buy it from Congress.

• The recession; investors are nervous; uncertainty about the legal side, the disappearance of the 1603 (cash grant), PTC (production tax credit), etc. To a large degree, this is a result of the above.

• Low natural gas prices.

• The energy industry continues to spread lies about climate change and other environmental issues.

• The European debt crisis has put a crimp in clean energy investment in the EU.

 

OK, But Why Will This Happen? (more…)

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