Will We Have A Sustainable Energy Future?

Obama and Romney Have Different Views On Energy

This article from Smart Planet illustrates our presidential candidates ideas on Alternative Energy and how each plans to provide sustainable energy for our country's needs.

SMART PLANET

Obama vs. Romney: Who has the best energy plan?

By Chris Nelder | September 5, 2012, 1:48 AM PDT

Future implications

America still does not have an energy plan, and neither Obama nor Romney have cured that potentially fatal flaw. Both have offered general directional strategies and political fodder, not anything you could call an actual plan.

But the directions they would take us in could not be more different, and their implications will echo long into the future.

If my best guess is correct, all fossil fuels will have peaked and gone into terminal decline around 2025-2030. We will have to be well along in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables before that, because after it, building big infrastructure projects will become progressively more difficult and expensive and the rate of deployment will slow considerably. We really have less than 20 years to get most of the job done. Since non-hydro renewables currently produce only about five percent of U.S. electricity, we’ll have to be extremely aggressive about energy transition, starting right now, if we want to avoid the worst outcomes for our economy and our society as a whole.

President Obama’s strategy is clearly the better of the two choices for meeting that challenge. My reading of recent academic research suggests that generating 80 percent of our electricity from renewables by 2035 might be technically and economically possible, if not likely in our political climate. But by 2050, we’ll be grateful for every last kilowatt-hour we can produce from renewablefree fuels. And the “debate” about climate change will be long gone, replaced by a frantic quest for survival and adaptation.

Governor Romney’s energy strategy is painfully regressive and utterly blind to these clear and present dangers. It sounds like an energy policy from 1970, not 2012. Not only are his claims about our current energy situation wrong — for example, citing U.S. oil production at 15 million barrels per day, according to the Washington Post, when the reality is 6.2 million barrels per day — but his expectations for the future of oil are absurd, claiming “we” (meaning North America) will be producing over 23 million barrels per day eight years from now. That’s more than the world’s top two oil producers, Saudi Arabia and Russia, combined.

This is an unfortunate U-turn for Romney, who just two years ago wrote in his book: “But whether the peak is already past or will be reached within a few years, world oil supply will decline at some point, and no one predicts a corresponding decline in demand. If we want America to remain strong and wish to ensure that future generations have secure and prosperous lives, we must consider our current energy policies in the light of how these policies will affect our grandchildren.” I could have given an enthusiastic thumbs-up to that Mitt Romney, but the current Mitt Romney has apparently surrendered to the policy wishes of his fossil-fuel industry donors completely and lost his head.

At least as far as energy policy is concerned, there isn’t really a choice between the two candidates at all. One is leading us toward a semi-realistic future, while the other would leave us in the lurch as fossil fuels decline. And while it’s true that elections are about more than energy issues, if energy becomes the biggest challenge of this century as I expect it will, then maybe that’s all you really need to know.

More at: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/energy-futurist/obama-vs-romney-who-has-the-best-energy-plan/573?tag=nl.e660&s_cid=e660

Check out the comments at the end of this article to see some different views on carbon emissions, climate change, ethanol production and other important issues. Alternative Energy is in danger of losing some government support.

Is Green An illusion?

The Book Green Illusions talks about Alternative Energy

The new book by Ozzie Zehner has set off a heated discussion about the use of Alternative Energy sources and whether or not they are the Green solutions that people think they are. Join in the debate! Here's some news from the Huffington Post:

Tom Zeller Jr.

GET UPDATES FROM TOM ZELLER JR.

Ozzie Zehner's 'Green Illusions' Ruffles Feathers

Posted: 07/27/2012 1:29 pm

If his goal was to capture attention by tweaking the nose of clean-energy enthusiasts everywhere, Ozzie Zehner might well have succeeded. His new book, published last month and provocatively titled "Green Illusions: The Dirty Secrets of Clean Energy and the Future of Environmentalism," takes on what Zehner considers the sacred cows of the green movement: solar power, wind power and electric vehicles, among others.

Of course, the book is much more than just this, and Zehner, a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley's Science, Technology & Society Center, describes himself as being neither for nor against any particular energy source. Indeed, his core objection appears to be with technology fixes in general, or the conviction that any bit of technological derring-do -- be it a high-efficiency photovoltaic cell or a low-emissions vehicle -- will be sufficient to nudge the planet from unpleasant trajectories like global warming.

Such beliefs, Zehner argues, can blind policymakers and other stakeholders to the attending downsides of any new innovation (there always are downsides); to other, arguably less expensive solutions; and to other pressing global problems.

As the basis for thoughtful discussion, all of this is perfectly reasonable. But Zehner is also clearly playing the provocateur here, and it appears to have been a wise gambit, given the sonorous harrumphing the book has generated in green circles.

In a review of the book, Chris Meehan, a contributing writer at CleanEnergyAuthority.com, a solar energy news and information resource, used the terms "alarmist" and "misleading" to describe Zehner's take on solar photovoltaics. Jim Motovalli, an environmental writer and frequent contributor to The New York Times, described Zehner's book as being "out to reach a conclusion -- green energy is bad."

There's much more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-zeller-jr/ozzie-zehner-green-illusions_b_1710382.html

Ozzie Zehner just wants to put a realistic view of the actual impact of Alternative Energy and show some of the information that's being left out of the story. In the article he makes it plain that he is neither for or against the technologies and simply want to put the real effects of the industry before the people. 

Share this with your friends. Feel free to comment about Alternative Energy. 

Do you think that going Green is the answer to our energy needs?

Wind Energy News

Wind Energy is in the News!

Here's an article from Bloomberg news about the recent approval by the U.S. Department of the Interior to build a massive wind farm in Wyoming. 

Bloomberg

U.S. Completes Environmental Review For Largest Wind Farm

The U.S. completed environmental reviews for the nation’s largest wind farm, a 3,000-megawatt project in Wyoming that may generate enough power for 1 million homes.

The Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Farm proposed by Power Co. of Wyoming would contain as many as 1,000 turbines on public and private land in Carbon County, according to a statement today.

The U.S. Interior Department is promoting wider use of renewable energy on public land to reduce consumption of foreign oil and create clean-energy jobs, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said today on a conference call with reporters. The agency has approved 31 utility-scale wind, solar and geothermal projects since 2009 with more than 7,200 megawatts of capacity.

“Renewable energy is very much a part of our energy future,” Salazar said. “Our expectation is that we’ll have accomplished placing roots down in the energy portfolio of America.”

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management completed its final environmental impact statement, which will now be available for public comment. Power Co. of Wyoming, a unit of Anschutz Corp., first submitted an application to BLM for the wind farm in 2008.

The power company hasn’t selected a turbine supplier and is seeking a utility to buy the electricity, Kara Choquette, a spokeswoman, said by e-mail today.

Interior also completed environmental assessments for a wind energy area with almost 165,000 acres of water off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The agency will host public sessions July 16 and 17 to hear public comments on the site.
More at:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-02/u-s-completes-environmental-review-for-largest-wind-farm.html

Wind Energy will have an important role in the future of America's energy needs and this is another step towards diminishing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Alternative Energy in the Future

Amory Lovins is the author of a new book, "Reinventing Fire" in which he describes a new paradigm of efficient energy usage. He outlines a goal of moving the country and the world towards an energy system that relies more on alternative energies and more efficient power consumption. He believes that no government mandate is necessary as businesses and individuals can make the conscious decisions to integrate four energy using sectors. Check out the story below:




 The world's #1 problem is Energy The obvious first step in solving this critical problem is to develop a comprehensive, well thought out, technically accurate LONG TERM plan. There is such a plan today and it is the only one that I am aware of that has been done in such a comprehensive manner as to take into account most if not all of the multiple-level consequences (i.e. unintended consequences) of each action. Below is a video that clearly outlines the plan and lays it out for all to see. Everyone who is interested in the future of our planet and the welfare of our children and grand children needs to see this and pass it on so as many people as possible can learn of this and be aware of how we can address our #1 problem with a plan that is truly a new paradigm in energy. The plan is: 1. Simple 2. Straight Forward 3. Does NOT need ANY Government subsidies 4. Does not need any new legislation or Government involvement 5. Does not need any new technology break-through's 6. Can be done by business for a HUGE profit....and 7 Is a plan that would be truly bi-partisan and will benefit ALL Americans http://www.ted.com/talks/amory_lovins_a_50_year_plan_for_energy.html

This is an inspiring look at a great future in a world where energy and production can grow hand in hand. Alternative Energy can save our planet!

Green Energy

Green Energy is in the news!

The move towards alternative energy sources continues to ramp up as the world expands and more  people use more energy every day. There are a lot of mixed views on the viability and costs of these different sources. Here's some good news about Solar energy.

Green energy saving environment, money

By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer10:01 PM Friday, June 22, 2012

Home and business owners who have adopted solar power as an alternative energy source have found the devices are not only helping reduce their carbon footprints but creating opportunities for profit.

Mike Eason said there’s nothing like going outside and watching his electric meter roll backwards, putting money in his pocket.

“You’ll be shocked at how fast it goes on a summer day,” Eason said.

Cherigene Slaughter of Middletown said she saw her electric bill drop from $180 a month to $20 after she installed 30 solar panels in her backyard.

“I believe we have to have renewable energy to save the planet,” Slaughter said. “It’s very expensive right now, but the more people do it, I believe the cheaper it will become.”

Proponents say solar energy offers a virtually limitless alternative energy source to fossil fuels, which has a finite amount and causes pollution.

Solar energy is still used by less than 600,000 homes in the U.S. but the number of users jumped by 109 percent, or 340,000 homes, in 2011, according to Solar Energy Industries Association.

More at: http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/green-energy-saving-environment-money-1395343.html

As people move towards Green Energy the advantages are becoming more obvious. Save money, save the environment, break away from big oil, and help make the world better!

The Heat Is On!

Alternative Energy is on the rise but the best way to save money now is by adjusting your energy use in your existing environment. Here's some advice from reporter Stephanie Lacy.

Tips on Saving Money while Trying to Stay Cool

By Stephanie Lacy
Posted about 7 hours ago

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — The first day of summer is upon us, and with it, comes the first day of 90 degrees. With fans and air conditioners at full throttle, National Grid is providing a list of tips to help customers lower their energy consumption and save on bills.

Tips to save energy and money this summer include:
• Draw blinds, shades, drapes – Close window dressings to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially on south and west-facing windows.

• Adjust the thermostat – Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees can lead to big savings on your bill. National Grid recommends a setting of 78 degrees or higher. Remember to keep the air flowing freely by replacing air filters.

• Use programmable thermostats – Use of programmable thermostats optimizes air conditioning systems, helping to boost energy savings. National Grid offers a $25 rebate for each seven-day programmable thermostat that you install (maximum two per household).

* Change air conditioner settings and filter – The lower you set your temperature on your air conditioner, the more costly it is to operate. For example, a 75-degree setting will cost about 18 percent more than a 78 degree setting. Set the thermostat on your air conditioner as high as comfort will permit. In addition, check your air conditioner filter and replace or clean it if it is clogged.

More at: http://www.wggb.com/2012/06/20/tips-on-saving-money-while-trying-to-stay-cool/

While it's not that hot in Springfield it's plenty hot in other parts of the country. Adding solar panels, wind turbines and passive designs can significantly lower your energy costs. Until you can work on those Alternative Energy solutions try some of these simple efforts to save money. 

Solar Energy

Solar Energy Facts

People are often misinformed by the media about the true facts of the benefits and costs of Solar Energy. Here's a great article from PV magazine about some myths and truths regarding the great alternative to grid-tied power!

Solar myths infographic by pv magazine Read more: http://www.pv-magazine.com/features/solar-superhero/infographic-setting-the-solar-story-straight/#ixzz1yIGfOUit

Setting the solar story straight

With the ability to be rapidly deployed and scaled, featuring powerful output and environmentally friendly practices, solar is the superhero of renewable energy. pv magazine has launched a crusade against the misinformation and myths often spread about photovoltaic technology. It’s called the solar superhero campaign and the weapon of choice used to shatter the PV myths? Super solar facts.

Coinciding with this year's Intersolar Europe event, pv magazine will be publishing an ever-growing cache of material: infographics, analyses, a PowerPoint presentation, articles, and much more. Over the next few months a battery of information will be collected to be used by solar superheroes everywhere. Make sure you stay informed and join our crusade!

Read more: http://www.pv-magazine.com/features/solar-superhero/#ixzz1yIFbDGdw


The use of Solar Power is a great a now affordable alternative energy source. Find out more about how you can start to use Solar panels on your own home.

Solar Energy

Solar Energy Solar energy is by far the most widely used alternative energy source. With the increased production of solar cells and panels the prices have dropped by more than a third and will continue to do so unless politicians change the course. This article by a Wall Street journalist highlights some of the benefits that are evident.



 June 18, 2012 THE JOURNAL REPORT: INNOVATIONS IN ENERGY The Enlightened Classroom School districts are using solar power to cut their energy bills—and cope with budget cuts By JIM CARLTON Solar power has long been touted for its environmental impact. But now it has a new role: saving teachers' jobs. More in Innovations in Energy School districts across the country are turning to solar power to cut their electricity costs. With the money they're saving, they are able to retain more teachers and programs in the face of budget cuts. As a bonus, some schools are using solar installations to teach kids about renewable energy. More than 500 K-12 schools in 43 states have installed solar panels, many of them over the past three years as solar-power costs have fallen by more than one-third, according to estimates by the Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group in Washington, D.C., and GTM Research, a Greentech Media Inc. unit in Boston. "It really is one of the fastest-growing markets and probably will have the most impact in our society, because it will put money back into more teachers and expand education," says Rhone Resch, president and chief executive officer of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

 More at:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303674004577433930635426386.html

 Solar energy is a valuable alternative to grid-tied electricity and is becoming more attractive as prices decrease. Check out your local area for prices and installation.

Solar Power

Solar energy Is on the rise

By afloresm (SOLUCAR PS10) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This stunning solar energy Plant produces 11 megawatts of power!

CARL FRANZEN JUNE 15, 2012, 6:02 AM 1592 

A new report on the state of the solar industry in America indicates that despite a global oversupply and a potential trade war with China, the U.S. solar industry had its second-best quarter ever in terms of installations, during the first quarter of 2012.

The number of installations, 506 megawatts worth, enough to power just over 350,000 homes, was bested only by the fourth quarter of 2011, which saw a whopping 708 megawatts worth of solar installed.

On top of that, the report, drafted by clean-energy market analysis firm GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association and released Tuesday, a trade group, forecasts that total U.S. installed solar power will increase 75 percent his year alone, with 3.3 gigawatts-worth of solar power installed, compared to the 4.4 gigawatts that are currently installed in the country and were added over years of development.

More at: http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/report-us-solar-power-shines-will-increase-75-percent-this-year.php

A lot of news lately is talking about the loss of Solar company jobs and the possible rise in the cost of panels if the U.S. and China start a trade war. However the industry is in a major growth phase. Check out how you can add Solar to your home here.

Home Energy

Solar Power For The Home

As the prices for Solar energy continue to fall more homeowners will be able to think about integrating the technology into their power needs.

U.S. Secretary of Energy gives CO props for solar energy

9:20 AM, Jun 14, 2012 

KUSA - It's a big weekend for solar-energy resource awareness in Colorado. 9NEWS spoke with the United States Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu who came to Denver to announce new efforts to drive grid-parity solar - to get the solar costs the same as other forms of energy - within the decade.

This is all a part of the Energy Department's SunShot Initiative, which aims to drive solar to cost-competition with other energy sources by 2020.

Read more at: http://www.9news.com/news/local/article/272333/222/US-Secretary-of-Energy-gives-CO-props-for-solar-energy

Solar power continues to be the number one alternative energy source. This article underscores the drive to Solar power as a means to free the country from it's addiction to fossil fuels.

Home Energy Assessment

Home Energy is a topic that everyone is thinking about. A great way to get started with saving money on your energy bills is to take a look at your home energy use. This great article from the U.S. Department of Energy gives some great tips for the process.

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments

You can easily conduct a do-it-yourself home energy assessment (also known as a home energy audit). With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When assessing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.

Locating Air Leaks

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow through these places:

• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Window frames
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic hatches
• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.

Also look for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance ones. If new factory-made doors or windows are too costly, you can install low-cost plastic sheets over the windows.

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test:

1. First, close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.
2. Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
3. Then turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these leaks. If you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and if you use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:

• All exterior corners
• Where siding and chimneys meet
• Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

You should plug and caulk holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets, and wiring. Look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation, and siding, and sealthem with the appropriate material. Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly.

When sealing any home, you must always be aware of the danger of indoor air pollution and combustion appliance "backdrafts." Backdrafting is when the various combustion appliances and exhaust fans in the home compete for air. An exhaust fan may pull the combustion gases back into the living space. This can obviously create a very dangerous and unhealthy situation in the home.

In homes where a fuel is burned (i.e., natural gas, fuel oil, propane, or wood) for heating, be certain the appliance has an adequate air supply. Generally, one square inch of vent opening is required for each 1,000 Btu of appliance input heat. When in doubt, contact your local utility company, energy professional, or ventilationcontractor.

Insulation

Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home could be very large if theinsulation levels are less than the recommended minimum. When your house was built, the builder likely installed the amount of insulation recommended at that time. Given today's energy prices (and future prices that will probably be higher), the level of insulation might be inadequate, especially if you have an older home.

If the attic hatch is located above a conditioned space, check to see if it is at least as heavily insulated as the attic, is weather stripped, and closes tightly. In the attic, determine whether openings for items such as pipes, ductwork, and chimneys are sealed. Seal any gaps with an expanding foam caulk or some other permanent sealant.

While you are inspecting the attic, check to see if there is a vapor barrier under the attic insulation. The vapor barrier might be tarpaper, Kraft paper attached to fiberglass batts, or a plastic sheet. If there does not appear to be a vapor barrier, you might consider painting the interior ceilings with vapor barrier paint. This reduces the amount of water vapor that can pass through the ceiling. Large amounts of moisture can reduce the effectiveness of insulation and promote structural damage.

Make sure that the attic vents are not blocked by insulation. You also should seal any electrical boxes in the ceiling with flexible caulk (from the living room side or attic side) and cover the entire attic floor with at least the current recommended amount of insulation.

Checking a wall's insulation level is more difficult. Select an exterior wall and turn off the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse for any outlets in the wall. Be sure to test the outlets to make certain that they are not "hot." Check the outlet by plugging in a functioning lamp or portable radio. Once you are sure your outlets are not getting any electricity, remove the cover plate from one of the outlets and gently probe into the wall with a thin, long stick or screwdriver. If you encounter a slight resistance, you have some insulation there. You could also make a small hole in a closet, behind a couch, or in some other unobtrusive place to see what, if anything, the wall cavity is filled with. Ideally, the wall cavity should be totally filled with some form of insulation material. Unfortunately, this method cannot tell you if the entire wall is insulated, or if the insulation has settled. Only a thermographic inspection can do this.

If your basement is unheated, determine whether there is insulation under the living area flooring. In most areas of the country, an R-value of 25 is the recommended minimum level of insulation. The insulation at the top of the foundation wall and first floor perimeter should have an R-value of 19 or greater. If the basement is heated, the foundation walls should be insulated to at least R-19. Your water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts should all be insulated. For more information, see ourinsulation section.

Heating/Cooling Equipment

Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a forced-air furnace, check your filters and replace them as needed. Generally, you should change them about once every month or two, especially during periods of high usage. Have a professional check and clean your equipment once a year.

If the unit is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with one of the newer, energy-efficient units. A new unit would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. Check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with a duct mastic. Insulate any ducts or pipes that travel through unheated spaces. An insulation R-Value of 6 is the recommended minimum.

Lighting

Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. Your electric utility may offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.

As the world continues to demand more power for our burgeoning population more people are starting to become interested in hybrid energy as an alternate means of supplying power to the home. Solar panels are the most popular means of adding an energy source and the lower prices are making the process more attractive. Check out your own home now to see how much power you are using and how you can save.