Interesting Read on Energy Alternatives

Been following the Peak Oil discussions...

I recall a book I read a few years ago called The Phoenix Project by
Harry Braun talking about transitioning to renewable energy.

You may enjoy it. Discusses the feasibility of building Solar Stirling Engine hydrogen production facilities in the southwest.

I can just imagine the hope this would inspire in people if we had some leadership that was acknowledging the problems and making plans to do something about it, instead of talking of endless wars.

I've emailed both my senators urging them to promote a renewable energy policy.

We live in interesting times. Incredible to look at map of the US and think that just 300 years ago, everything was wild. Its mind blowing to think of the environmental destruction in such a short time on the geologic scale.

The irony being that our so-called leaders are creating wars while doing nothing about the issues that really threaten all of humanity. Sometimes I am just overcome with grief, when I think about our children and what is happening to the earth.

The amount of solar energy striking the earth is about 1,000 watts per square meter and there are lots of uninhabited places that get huge amounts of annual sun.

1000 per square meter?

I have big hopes for solar power. Let me float a question to you: if you were king, would you require that all new houses and office buildings be equipped with solar panels?

I would invest massive R&D into printable and paintable solar cells, slap em on absolutely everything, and create decentralized power grids.

No, I would not because solar panels currently range in the 15% efficiency range and cost $3-5 per WATT. Also, I live in Seattle and we get 200+ days a year of clouds. There are claims of new panels that get 20% efficiency and are cheap and easy to manufacture. Time will tell. Of course panels as high as 30% plus have been made for space applications, but these are very expensive.

What is increadible is passive solar. I was in a greenhouse last week and it was windy, and about 50 outside and 90+ degrees inside. A well designed house can exist on very little outside energy for heat.

Conservation first...then...

Breakthroughs that would alter the energy landscape immediately...
1. Lightweight, low-cost, fast-charging, long-life battery. Electricity is the highest form of energy (transportable, directly useable, etc).
2. Room temperature superconductor.
3. 30% efficient solar panels under $1.00 per watt
4. Massive public works project to build renewable energy electricity generating infrastructure in the southwest. Do you realize the cost of the Iraq war could have funded 20% of our electricity needs from windmills ? This is insanity.
5. Mandatory gas mileage standard of 30mi/gal.
and more...

:kick:

Twice the boot!