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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

At this early point in the development of my new book on clean energy job creation, I’m still just trying to find my feet. As the creation of new jobs for Americans is largely a subject of politics and macroeconomics, and as I’m an expert in neither, my choice of interview subjects and understanding exactly what I’m attempting to glean from folks in these areas is going to be of paramount importance.  Thus, I’m treading very slowly and carefully at this point.

Having said that, I’m starting to make some rough guesses as to what direction this project will ultimately take.  (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

IRAS in JPL simulatorAs I write in the conclusion to my book: Renewable Energy — Facts and Fantasies, I have no axe to grind on the subject of global warming.  Though I see no grounds on which to argue against the vast majority of climate scientists who have made this subject their life’s work, I think we all need to admit that it’s perfectly possible they’re all wrong.  And you don’t need to be conspiracy theorist of some kind to admit that possiblility; the vast majority of 15th Century geologists sincerely believed that the world was flat.  Besides, as I hope the book amply demonstrates, global climate change only is one of half a dozen reasons to move to renewable energy. 

But I do want to continue to call readers’ attention to material on the subject that I consider to be professionalially constructed and compelling.  On such item was co-written by Erik Conway, a gentleman whose work is chronicling the history of JPL (which, coincidentally, I can see from my back patio from my home here just northwest of Pasadena, CA).   You may want to check out Merchants of Doubt, an exposé of the group of rightwing scientists hell-bent on destroying the cause of environmentalism.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Photovoltaics

Here’s another blog post on the legacy of Hermann Scheer, German Parliamentarian and clean energy hero, who died unexpectedly yesterday.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Americans used 4.5% less energy during 2009 than they did in 2008, while wind power generation jumped a dramatic 37.25% last year, according to a recent report released by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Natural gas use declined, while solar, hydro and geothermal power all recorded gains. US carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption fell 7% from 2008 to 2009, according to the annual energy review of the Energy Information Administration.

But let’s not get too excited.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Hermann Scheer, a man who will always be remembered for his incredible vision — and effectiveness — with respect to the deployment of renewables.  Through his tireless work over 30 years in the German Parliament, his country soared to a position of unrivaled leadership in replacing fossil fuels and nuclear with solar, wind, biomass and hydro.  Germany deployed more solar power last year than the rest of the world combined.  (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

PhotobucketYou’ll travel far to find someone with more provocative and important observations on the subject of transportation than Chelsea Sexton. (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Good news: After a considerable chain of referrals, I have a really good starting point for my next book. My strategy is to make sure my first interview is with someone who can really take me on a deep dive into the big-picture macro-economics of clean energy (particularly job creation) both here in the US, and internationally as well.

In response to my request to Dr. Robert Pollin, from the Department of　Economics and Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst:

Per the voice message I just left for you, I’m working on a follow up to my first book, Renewable Energy – Facts and Fantasies, which was a fairly general survey of the subject of clean energy: I’d like this one to focus on the macro-economic implications, particularly job creation.　 Do you suppose I could interview you?

Dr. Pollin writes:

Of course I would be happy to speak to you. Great idea for a book. This week is pretty booked already but next week is more open. Let’s find a decent time.

Not only is the guy super-qualified, but I really like his enthusism! Looks like a bulls-eye.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

A few readers have written in, worried about Aptera, afraid that they might have gone belly-up.  No, they’re alive and well, though still in pre-production.  They’ve moved to a nice facility in Oceanside, which I plan to visit next time I drive to San Diego: 

4010 Ocean Ranch
Oceanside, CA 92056
760-477-2300

Their website is out-of-date; I’ve encouraged them to get their act together there.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Bill Gates gave the concept of Feed-in tariffs a bit of a battering during his recent publicity drive to promote energy R&D funding.

Feed-in tariffs have given renewable energy companies a major boost in countries such as Germany and Spain. But Gates believes the money could have been better spent: “The world has spent a massive amount of money which, in terms of creating both jobs and knowledge, would have been far better spent on energy research,” he claims.

Gates firmly believes that R&D is the only viable solution and R&D will not be properly funded without government action. He sees a need for what he calls ‘miracles’ to reduce our CO2 emissions. Reductions of 20 per cent in CO2 output won’t cut it.

“There is absolutely no hope if you just say the world should use less energy. The only hope is less CO2 per unit of energy.” There is no existing technology that at anywhere near economic levels gives us electricity with zero CO2.”

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

I spent a chunk of the day hunting up mailing addresses for the most influential folks in environmentalism/sustainability I could find — the Al Gores and Bill McKibbens of the world. I’d like to send a a signed copy of Renewable Energy — Facts and Fantasies to each as a gift, as reciprocation for their work in enlightening the people around them.

I included people from Grist, Greenpeace, Mother Nature Network, World Wildlife Fund, and the United Nations’ Environmental Programme,. On the list are Tom Lovejoy from the H. John Heinz III Center for Economics and Science, Ken Cook from Environmental Working Group, Frances Beineke from the Natural Resources Defense Council, Robert Redford and the League of Conservation Voters, Andrew Revkin at Dot Earth/NY Times, Lester R. Brown of the Earth Policy Institute, and other folks like Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, and Thomas Friedman.

If anyone has other good suggestions, please let me know.

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