ARE WE ADDICTED TO TURM-OIL?

“The lights are on, but you’re not home…..might as well face it you’re addicted to love" (Robert Palmer) This could be the song Americans use as a theme and just replace the word "Turm-Oil for love." Ask anyone and they’ll tell you they want to live in a safe environment where their children can have opportunities they didn’t have and they want to be able to prosper. They would add that paying down our debt and reducing spending stands in the way.

So how do we make this way of life happen. It doesn't take an Einstein to come up with ways to solve some of the issues that we currently face. The first thing would be able "to live in a safe environment." Which is why we have police, fire and ambulance, doctors, FBI, CIA, Secret Service, Border Patrol and on and on; since this is part of the everyday business of having a country and the first defense, we leave this alone.

Where else can we cut? One place could be the Military. U.S. military spending – Dept. of Defense plus nuclear weapons – is equal to the military spending of the next 15 countries combined. You do not need me to tell you that we have been in a constant war stance for a long time and it may be time to stand down. Oil arguably has been the main reason for a lot of these wars: “Shortly after the Marines rolled into Baghdad and tore down a statue of Saddam Hussein, I visited the Ministry of Oil. American troops surrounded the sand-colored building, protecting it like a strategic jewel. But not far away, looters were relieving the National Museum of its actual jewels. Baghdad had become a carnival of looting.” A statement by Peter Maass, Author.

Oil comes with so many strings attached that it is almost impossible to quantify the total cost of it. But it is safe to say that, exploring, drilling, shipping, protecting against environmental damages of, defending against terrorism caused indirectly from oil here and in other countries is very expensive and has taken a heavy toll. The money we spend so foolishly could be used here, to build schools, take care of our debt to our seniors and rebuild our roads.

Oil cost money, it’s not free, pollutes and when it’s burned it’s gone. Even the local drillers that want what’s under our feet can’t guarantee no turm-oil from their operations, as we all know. We will never know what could have been if the BP oil spill had not happened. So why do we continue to talk about drilling? It’s an addiction to turm-oil.

Let’s try a different way; it’s the only thing left. We have been at the drill, drill and drill game for a long time. We will be paying for the damage this energy source created for years to come. I know that standing down means we won’t be the most powerful nation in the world with thousands of planes in foreign airfields, but we could be the most forward looking nation in the world, leading the way to a cleaner earth. Let’s spend on health, education, transportation, renewable technologies, medicine and infrastructure.

We have been toying with solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and hydro. Now we even have electric cars and we can add more public transportation that runs on clean electricity. The future does not have to include turm-oil. We need more investment in renewables not less.

By George Lopez

WILL JAPAN'S NEW RENEWABLE OUTLOOK HELP THEM SURPASS THE UNITED STATES?

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

It’s going to be interesting to see what Japan’s renewable energy policy will be in the next few months, particularly as the citizens of that nation have become very uncomfortable with nuclear energy and a new prime minister takes charge.

In the wake of last March’s nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, then-Prime Minister Naoto Kan announced that Japan would be making a policy change away from energy produced by nuclear plants and fossil fuels to renewable energy and conservation. He made the announcement in May, at the end of the G8 summit.


Naoto Kan


As post-tsunami events continued to unfold, confidence in Kan’s performance fell. His government’s handling of the nuclear power plant issue played a big part even as he apologized for the nuclear crisis. "I believe the government bears a major responsibility for having promoted nuclear energy as national policy. I apologize to the people for failing to prevent the nuclear accident," Kan said.*



Yoshihiko Noda

Kan resigned his post on August 26 and Yoshihiko Noda was selected as his successor just four days later.

These events make me wonder what would U.S. government leaders do if a nuclear crisis of similar proportions happened here?

It is unclear if the new prime minister will keep to the path his predecessor promoted – the eventual closing of all nuclear plants in Japan. He has talked about a “balance” of energy sources. But at a news conference on September 2, he said he does envision a nuclear-free Japan.



Workers cleaning up after the Sunami

“I believe that the future will see a movement away from nuclear energy … once nuclear power stations have lived out their periods of usefulness, we will decommission them, and shall not build any new stations. That will be the basic flow of things. Alongside all of this, we will promote the development of new energy sources, the spread of alternative natural energy sources, and the adoption of energy conservation measures. We need to create a basic plan on energy following thorough and careful consideration. I also think that in order to do away with concerns among the public, I truly hope to realize a new best mix of energy sources. That is the mid- to long-term plan. The issue we currently face is exactly as I just stated. It will be impossible to reduce our reliance on nuclear energy to zero immediately, but I hope to discuss how to organize our society in such a way that we will be able to achieve this in time.”

The Japanese ARE moving ahead with renewable energy even as we speak. NPR reported on September 6 that Japan's newest big solar project opened last month in a suburb of Tokyo. It is made up of 38,000 solar panels set out on acreage the size of several football fields. On a sunny day it can provide sufficient power for over 2000 homes.



Japan sees a sunny future

Further, last month Japan's legislature expressed its dedication to renewable energy by agreeing to subsidize solar and wind power, requiring power companies to buy solar and wind energy at inflated prices. The plan is that this move will make it attractive for companies to invest renewable technology thereby speeding up the move away from nuclear. Japan could take advantage of offshore wind and tidal power too, by the way. (See the NPR story: http://www.npr.org/2011/09/06/140219721/after-nuclear-mishap-japan-debates-energy-future)

Will U.S. leaders take additional steps to speed up the mainstreaming of renewable energy or will it take a nuclear crisis in our own country to create a popular and political groundswell for its use?

The cards seem to be stacked against those of us in the United States who believe in clean energy. For example, the natural gas industry is running a mega-campaign to convince Americans that drilling for natural gas is “clean and green.” It isn’t. Further, the supply of natural gas underground in the United States will only meet demand for a few years while the damage done to the environment will be long-lasting. There is no corresponding advertising campaign about that.

And if you’re worried about jobs, how about this? According to Beyond Nuclear, one nuclear plant equals 2400 jobs and costs $40 billion to build. The equivalent amount of energy could be saved by retrofitting 1.6 million homes to make them energy efficient. The cost for that is half, or $20 billion and the number of jobs created is 220,000 or almost 100 times more than a nuclear plant.

Damage to people and the environment from the continued use of fossil fuels and reliance on nuclear power is just too great to continue business as usual. Other nations realize this – why don’t we?

The President agrees: "As we recover from this recession, the transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of jobs - but only if we accelerate that transition. Only if we seize the moment," he said.



German Solar Farm

In Germany, policy makers have been moving toward renewables for some time. This is a quote from Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology: "The energy issue is very high on our policy agenda. With the new Energy Research Programme, we are implementing one measure of the energy concept and make an important contribution towards speeding up the move to a new energy policy in Germany. We need innovative and efficient energy technologies to ensure that the shift to the age of renewables takes place in a secure and affordable manner. Our new programme is providing a reliable policy environment for research and development. At the same time, we are supporting the business and research communities as they adapt to meet the major challenges of the 21st century."

Political leaders in Japan and Germany have heeded the outcry from their citizens. Do political leaders in the United States have the courage to move the country in the direction of renewable energy in a big way? They will if the public demands it.

*Japan has launched a private effort to assist the victims of the nuclear disaster. Called the Tsunagari Nukumore Project (it translates to unity, warms and cares), it is a program to provide relief to those still living in shelters via renewable energy. That includes electricity from solar power, hot water from solar thermal energy and biomass. The project is accepting donations online.

By Elvia Thompson
Communications & Public Relations

HEADLINES

Ohio State Senator Introduces Bill To Repeal State's Renewable Portfolio Standard

North American Windpower

Jordan claims the AEPS, which requires Ohio to procure 12.5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, drives up the cost of energy for Ohio families and businesses. He also denies that the state's renewable energy industry will have a positive ...


USA Projected to Become Largest PV Market by 2013, Says ABI Research

MarketWatch (press release)

Renewable energy technologies are receiving a strong push in the US, with utility, industrial, and commercial PV installations expected to drive growth. Even the US Army and Navy are examining possible PV solutions to energy supplies for troops and ...

Charge it like a cellphone

Delmarva Now

The Maryland Energy Administration has a map of known charging stations on its website, and none are shown yet for the Shore, aside from two stations that ...
 
DOE Addresses Concerns About Northern Pass Contract

New Hampshire Public Radio

By Chris Jensen on Thursday, September 08, 2011 Last month the Department of Energy announced it had selected a new company to conduct the crucially important Environmental Impact Statement on the Northern Pass project. But some opponents of Northern ...
 
Electric cars charge into Roanoke Valley

Roanoke Times

Car dealers are excited to get fully electric cars in stock, but mileage and cost leave questions. By Katelyn Polantz Ford vehicles were on display at the Roanoke Civic Center on Wednesday in Ford's Power of Choice tour featuring efficient vehicles in ...
 
Cape Wind Opposition Groups To Argue Before Mass. Supreme Court

North American Windpower

by NAW Staff on Thursday 08 September 2011 Several groups will appear before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to make arguments against the Cape Wind offshore wind project. The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound (ATPNS) - along with the ...
 
 
 

Electric Car companies and Energy providers will 'make smart grid a reality'

WASHINGTON -- Entire industries grew up around gasoline-powered cars, ranging from the ubiquitous filling stations to fast-food restaurants along highway exits. Similarly, the rise of electric cars probably will transform more than just the automobile.

"The moment you put a plug on a car, you've got these two titan industries coming together and supporting a customer," said Ed Kjaer, the director of electric transportation for Southern California Edison, a giant utility.

The alliance between utilities and carmakers will lead to numerous changes, he predicts, including a faster build of the "smart grid." This involves the use of digital technology by utilities to allow consumers real-time measures of their energy use.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/08/2156964/electric-cars-likely-to-spark.html#ixzz1JSFO1SAH
 
DEARBORN, Mich.


•Ford is working with cities and utility partners to identify key infrastructure building blocks that will enable metropolitan areas to be EV ready.

•Cities across the United States are and can take a variety of steps now to enhance the readiness of their communities for electric vehicle use and customer installation

•Ford considers infrastructure development an essential part of making EVs a viable option for consumers as more automotive companies release plug-in vehicles

While Ford is gearing up to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012, cities around the country also are preparing for the arrival of new electric vehicles. Some of the key actions Ford has identified in working with cities and utility partners include:

•Utility rate structure that encourages "off-peak" or nighttime EV charging to minimize demand on the existing electric grid

•Streamlined permitting and inspection process to support customer and commercial EV infrastructure installation

•Integrated advisory committees that include participation from electric utilities, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, municipalities, EV customers and local coalitions

•Urban planning approach to optimize public/commercial EV charge locations

•Infrastructure incentives to offset a portion of customer costs for hardware/installation

"As more and more electric vehicles come to market, it's incredibly important that cities develop action plans including infrastructure development and permitting solutions to ensure these vehicles are a viable solution for citizens," said Mike Tinskey, Ford's manager of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. "Ford continues outreach with cities across the country to spread best practices and work with multiple partners including local utilities, auto manufacturers, technology companies and others to support a successful integration of electric vehicles."

Ford is working with a growing list of metropolitan areas that are stepping up their EV preparations and infrastructure, including:

◦Atlanta

◦Austin, Texas

◦Baltimore

◦Boston

◦Charlotte, N.C.

◦Chicago

◦Dallas

◦Denver

◦Detroit

◦Hartford, Conn.

◦Honolulu

◦Houston

◦Indianapolis

◦Los Angeles

◦New York

◦Orlando, Fla.

◦Phoenix

◦Portland, Ore.

◦Raleigh, N.C.

◦Richmond, Va.

◦Sacramento, Calif.

◦San Diego

◦San Francisco Bay Area

◦Seattle

◦Washington, D.C.

"Our electric grid has plenty of capacity to support electric transportation. The key for local utilities is to offer incentives so EV customers are encouraged to charge during the nighttime hours when plenty of capacity is available," said Tinskey. "Additionally, at a local level, we are encouraged many cities are taking an urban planning approach to public charge station locations – which will result in locations that are used more often and an efficient use of investment dollars. The best cities are learning from others and taking a best practices approach."

Ford is also encouraged by specialized approaches some cities are taking to support electric vehicles. For example, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia are looking into opportunities to promote travel between the cities by electric vehicle. Additionally, each city is hiring an electric vehicle policy coordinator to help improve efficiency of the permitting processes.

The power of choice

Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy. Ford's aggressive strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010, will launch Focus Electric later this year and will introduce C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012. The range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Searches for University Partners

GGT Electric is looking to partner with two U.S. universities to engage in collaborative efforts for research and development of electric trucks, electric cars and electric delivery vans.

“GGT’s future partners will search for improvements in the electric vehicle drive train space in the areas of low voltage motors, controllers, batteries and battery management systems,” said Ray Leduc, chief operating officer and head technology engineer of GGT. “It is essential that business, academia and the government collaborate in order to accelerate the advancement of electric vehicle technologies.”

The announcement yesterday from the Milford, Michigan-based business said GGT company officials are actively seeking qualified academic partners to receive a complimentary electric vehicle to aid in the R & D process.

Interested universities applying for the program will be known for their work in EV research, or be prepared to develop expertise in the field, according to GGT officials.



GGT also retrofits a variety of vehicles

 “University capabilities for industrial collaboration will be greatly strengthened over the next few years through the funding of electric vehicle innovation and commercialization,” said Leduc.

GGT was established in 2008 for the purpose of researching, developing and manufacturing neighborhood electric vehicles.

GGT officials hope the proposed collaboration with the select universities will “help advance the performance and reduce the cost of electric vehicles to make it a viable and economically competitive option globally.”

GGT is known for its work in electric vehicle technology and manufacturing. For more info visit http://www.ggtelectric.com/

"make green a reality" visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/