On Feb 13, 2009, at 7:45 PM, b_s-wilk wrote:
One of the problems with Solar and Wind is that at present and in
the coming future (I have heard at least a decade) is that we can
not generate enough power from them.
True - and we have a nimby problem as well when it comes to locating
the collection points and transmitting the electricity.
No, it's not true. You are thinking about renewable energy in a very
narrow way.
No, I am not. I am thinking about industrial scale industry production.
Around 30% of all energy used in this country is wasted through lack
of energy efficiency.
Probably true.
Efficiency is cheap. It's easy and doesn't require a much of a
change in your lifestyle--energy meter, insulation, timers, smart
switches, replace a broken water heater or refrigerator or AC with
an efficient one; you're going to do it anyway, so get a good one
and reduce your energy bill. Same for other appliances including
transportation.
Been there, done that where I can, will do that where I can not yet
afford when I can.
Increasing the availability and use of mass transportation where
possible also saves energy.
Sometimes, and sometimes at the cost of lost freedom and lost time.
However one of the big misconceptions is that solar and wind have to
be part of the power grid.
They do if they are going to replace industrial capacity currently
provided by fossil fuels.
Passive solar doesn't at all.
Try smelting or running electrified rail off passive solar.
Photovoltaics can be but don't have to be unless you don't produce
100% of your own power.
Which won't help folks living in dense cities where they can not
produce their own power.
The NIMBYs and CAVEs [citizens against virtually everything] are a
small but very loud contingent and often can be tempted by the money
they'll be saving. Offshore wind farms can be several miles out to
sea where they can barely be seen, where the wind is steadier.
Other wind farms are in the mountains, and on private farms where
owners are paid rent by the turbine companies.
And you still have to have transmission lines. if you are not
consuming the energy produced on site.
Turbines run slowly enough that they're not a significant danger to
migrating birds according to recent reports on newer turbines.
Individuals in remote locations can generate their own off-grid power.
Agreed, and insufficient to our national needs.
Matthew
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