Jim Bell is a brilliant author and social observer who believes that nuclear power represent one of humankind’s most tragic errors. In this excellent article on the perils the nuclear age, he argues that, if we survive it, our descendants will wonder what we were thinking to justify leaving them nuclear power’s toxic legacy.
We’ve come to think of sustainability as a “nice to have,” rather than a “must have” feature in our lives. Perhaps that’s because the very notion has long-term consequences, as compared to, say, the diminution of our retirement funds, the threat of job loss, or any of the pressing matters that occupy our immediate attention.
When it comes to sustainability, we are prepared to say, “Hey, I have problems right now. I can’t really be expected to worry about what life might be like 100 years hence,” or, “Things can get a bit out of balance in the biosphere, but as long as they come back around in the long-term, everything will be just fine.” (more…)
I just had a very interesting conversation on one of my favorite topics: solar thermal, or concentrating solar power (CSP). I came across Ahura Energy of Campbell, CA on the fantastic online resource OnGreen.com, and spoke with Dr. Fareed Sfard, the company’s CEO, who boasts over 20 years experience in the solar industry. Because we have no NDA in place at this point, Fareed needed to speak at a high level. But if what I was told is correct, the company’s patented Concentrating Solar System, that can be used in both utility scale and rooftop deployments, has a huge cost advantage over competitive approaches. “The system” (whatever this eventually turns out to be) moves the reflective and refractive elements without motors or electric actuators.
“But how?” I asked innocently. I could hear Fareed laughing politely. “That’s the secret sauce,” he chuckled. “In a given space, it produces 350% more power compared to traditional solar systems at one third the cost per kilowatt-hour.”
“Well, Dr. Sfard, I know some people at Ausra, which, of course, was sold last year to Areva. I’m sure I could arrange a conversation, if you’re interested in selling or licensing your technology.”
“That would be possible, though they see us as a threat,” he allowed.
“I would hope they do, sir! That’s a good thing,” I replied. “In my experience, that’s the impetus behind most deals. Until business people are threatened, there’s no motive to deal with the problem,” I replied. (more…)
From time to time, I’ve wondered what a movie version of Renewable Energy – Facts and Fantasies would look like. Well, I don’t have to wonder anymore. It’s been made. And it’s in theaters now. Check out CarbonNation.
It’s really as if I had written the script for every single participant in the film. There are lines like:
“It doesn’t matter whether or not you believe in global warming, as there are half a dozen other reasons to end our dependency on fossil fuels.” (more…)
I’m in the process of developing a presence on two different Internet radio sites. One wants to take all our video archives and broadcast them in a way that will require zero additional work on our part. It will cost us nothing, and the folks have made us partenrs in the business. Needless to say, I like the sound of all that.
The other wants to try to make me the “Dr. Laura of renewable energy,” where I’ll host a radio talk show that the company’s CEO believes can become quite big. Of course, I like the sound of this too, although I’m unconvinced. But I’m also up for the effort if it will forward the cause, even though it’s obvious that there will be serious work involved.
The CEO told me in first of our numerous conversations, “I spent hours listening to your stuff and making notes before I called you. (more…)
![[The Vector] German Commitment to Renewables Subsidies under Strain](https://www.2greenenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/castle_neuschwanstein_edit.jpg)
Plans for cuts to Germany’s solar incentive scheme provoked a stand-off earlier this month when Germany’s upper house, the Bundesrat, voted against the reductions. The government proposed cutting domestic installation incentives by 11 percent, while reducing feed-in tariffs for roof panels by 16 per cent. The government also want to drop plans for new feed-in tariff payments for solar sites on agricultural land. (more…)
Have you ever had difficulty getting the people in your life to share your passion on a subject? This happens to me all the time. I’ll try to get a friend, or my wife and kids to watch a certain really cool video, and I just can’t seem to muster the enthusiasm.
I can’t count how many times I’ve recommended The Story of Stuff to people, only to realize that most folks simply won’t take the 20 minutes required to have what I know will be quite an enlightening experience, and leave them a better person for having made the investment. (more…)
A Canadian research council has backed plans for a 50,000 liter algae-based biofuel plant in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a C$5 million grant. The biofuel project aims to identify strains of algae that are already acclimatised to the local environment, making them easier to grow and less likely to cause ecological problems should they be accidentally released. (more…)
I had a fascinating meeting yesterday with Greenopia’s director of research, Doug Mazeffa. Here’s a challenge for you: Go to their website, take a look at their undertaking, and try to guess how many people they have on their staff. I expected the number to run in the hundreds. How else could one expect accurate and up-to-date ratings on the “greenness” of companies in 54 different categories (21 of them in detail) in 250 cities around the country – not to mention their work overseas? In fact, this is all accomplished with a handful of people. (more…)
I recently received this request:
Hi Craig, I have been doing some research to expose some of the efforts by fossil fuel interests in Canada to influence the debate on climate change. Your book made reference to energy companies’ admitting that they had participated in such activities in the past but claimed that they no longer did so. Would you be able to guide me to reference material on this topic, because they certainly have not stopped doing it here – with groups such as “Friends on Science.” (more…)
