[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V9vAu4oqI0&w=445&h=364]
Craig Shields, former Libertarian, speaks on the role of government should play in energy policy, citing the need for a level playing field for renewable energy.
Transportation is a major cause of carbon emissions, so much so that it accounts to the north of 20 percent. The US, being at the forefront of industrial development, has its fair share in overall emissions. But the federal government in the states is pushing vehicle electrification in its bid to reduce dependence on foreign oil. President Obama has set a target of one million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road in the United States by 2015.
Steven Chu, Secretary of the US Department of Energy (DOE) claims, “Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could revolutionize personal transportation and cut our dependence on foreign oil, not to mention give us cleaner air and less carbon pollution.” (more…)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMAuCBfz9tM&w=445&h=364]
On behalf of 2GreenEnergy, Craig Shields speaks on the Energy Industry, and the changes in perspective that are required if we’re to have a sustainable energy policy.
A number of people have commented on the post of frequent blogger Dan C. writes:
The problem IS the money. As long as your solution involves selling and buying something, then you are dependent on the System of systems and centralized currency. Ask yourself if your ‘green’ solution can be implemented locally with local materials and without money from outside interests. If not, it isn’t truly sustainable, it’s just Marketing. Marketing is a religion, fostered by belief in perpetual growth and owned by centralized authority.
It’s certainly true that we’re trained to be super-consumers. As always, Dan makes some excellent points about the underlying nature of the problem we’re all trying to solve. But two things:
1) I’m not so sure that the world would be a better place with seven billion Henry David Thoreaus living solitary, introspective, and misanthropic lives in crude huts.
2) Even if that simplicity would, in fact, be better, it seems quite impossible to turn back the clock and try to get there. From the end of World War II coming forward, Western Culture has aggressively taught us that we’re pathetic losers if we don’t have the right hair, the right car, vacation in the right countries, and, if we’re guys, sleep with women who look like Scarlett Johansson. It’s asinine, and it’s unsustainable, but it seems to sum up human civilization right now.
Yesterday’s announcement by Obama that he’s opening up East and Gulf coasts to offshore drilling is very good news, insofar as it will drive increased visibility of the imperatives for renewable energy. Coming on the heels of Obama’s announcement of federal loan guarantees for new nuclear power units, this now sets the stage for a strong administration push for climate change legislation by the fall — not that it will be called that, given how politically-charged that phrase has become. Obama is giving more moderate Republicans, especially SC Sen. Lindsey Graham, what they want and need to support a bill that is expected to include, for the first time ever, some sort of cap on carbon dioxide emissions. Exactly what that cap will look like and which companies and industries it will impact most will be the source of a lot of political haggling in the weeks and months to come.
In short, what everyone thought was dead, at least for this year, now seems very much alive. With healthcare out of the way, climate change legislation (which they’ll probably call energy legislation) should become the new buzz in Washington. On Wall Street, everyone’s going to wonder how this will affect different companies and industries, which is where we come in.
Separately, take a look at this recent Reuters story, specifically in the 3rd paragraph the mention of growing “institutional interest” in alternative energy. This too is good news.
I notice – with no particular level of surprise – that many of the comments we get on business blog posts suggest fairly radical ideas in terms of social reform. I am by no means an expert on this, though I do try to keep an open mind to ideas other than garden-variety capitalism.
In fact, I often ask myself: What would have happened in Cuba over the past 50 years if the US hadn’t done everything in its power to ensure the most miserable lives possible for those people? Are there valid alternatives to our way of life?
But, looking at these ideas in a cold and pragmatic light, it seems that these alternative social and economic construct only replace one set of horrors with another – in many case, horrors that are far greater. If market conditions do not set levels of production and consumption of goods and services, who or what does? Can anyone reasonably believe that a centralized government will do a better job than free-market capitalism?
As suggested yesterday, here is a continuation.
Another Example of Foreign Investment
Danish company Vestas, world wind turbine leader, has been expanding its production base in the U.S. where it says it created more than 1,200 skilled jobs, and expects that number to climb to 4,000 or more by the end of 2010. Vestas was encouraged by the Obama administration’s commitment to develop renewable energy; they say it hopes Congress will pass a national renewable energy standard to stabilize the U.S. market in the long term.
This key point, much discussed and highlighted lately, needs to be understood. The renewable markets, including wind, have been relatively unstable because tax credits and other policies are short-term and lapse with no assurance of continued support. Further, there is no policy enabled by a Renewable Electricity Standard, ensuring purchase of renewable energy by utilities.
Where China provides the wind industry assurance of growth with a $440 – $660 billion clean energy bill and requirement to buy renewable energy generated power, there is no corollary in the US
Europe is the undisputed leader in wind energy. 60% of world capacity was installed in Europe by the end of 2007, says the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA. “Wind Energy – The Facts”, February 2009) — and political support continues for growth. The European Union adopted a 20% renewable target by 2020 and followed with legislation in 2008 to support expansion. EWEA projects 80,000 MW installed by end of 2020. Denmark has already reached 21% of electricity supplied by renewables, and Spain sits at about 12%. The following chart, courtesy of the Energy Information Agency, illustrates the place that wind holds for electricity generation in Europe:
Underlying key factors in supporting U.S. legislation and policies for the renewable energy industry include:
job growth and economic opportunities abound;
clean energy is good for the environment and our health;
renewables are necessary long-term to wean us away from foreign dependence on fossil fuels
Key legislation, policies and credits are key factors for any country – the U.S or foreign – to invest. While The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (known as the stimulus funding) is a great boon to the new industries, it too is temporary and expires in 2012. Support will be needed from every quarter to continue the growth.
Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. announced on March 5th, 2010 that they plan to develop nine wind energy projects in the U.S., totaling 728 megawatts, including 351 installed wind turbines in Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.
Suzlon helped rebuild Greensburg, Kansas after it was destroyed by a tornado in May 2006. Says Greensburg mayor, Bob Dixson, “Suzlon and the wind farm provided a huge boost to this community after the tornado devastated the region and during our recent recovery. The town is making a remarkable comeback with our mission to be better, stronger and greener. Suzlon’s turbines are helping us achieve our green energy goals…” (PRNewswire, Chicago. March 4, 2010).
(more…)
For what it’s worth, my beliefs about peak oil do not align with Kathy’s; if readers are interested, I’ve provided a link above.
… for the numerous thoughtful suggestions on my book title. You’ve given me some great ideas, and I deeply appreciate the time you devoted to helping.
