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Menu There is no diplomatic solutionIsrael should declare three nos;
no to nuclear Iran, no to two-state solution, no to bi-national state
no to nuclear Iran, no to two-state solution, no to bi-national state
Safer nuclear energy is the way out!
Even Merkel regrets eliminating nuclear power plants!
@ Adam Dalgliesh:
“I have never been especially a fan of wind power.”
Good, good 🙂
@ Adam Dalgliesh:
Adam,
I’m not partial to any type of centralization, so locally-based generation is usually best for smallish towns and villages. And this doesn’t usually involve massive capital investment.
I should tell you: I’m an Engineer with a fairly strong background in energy and energy conservation. I also spent a few years in the Renewable Energy sector, so I know full well its shortcomings.
I have mentioned my overall idea to one government person, and while he did respond positively, he was obviously too busy to get into it. That’s why I started believing in privately-owned systems as opposed to lumbering government-backed ones. The profit motive is usually quite strong… although I’m not too sure about Canada these days.
@ keelie: Fascinating. Keelie, could you tell us more about this possible method of creting a more reliable power grid?
I believe the technologies presently in use to provide us with heat, power, electricity and transportation are not sustainable in the long run without upgrades and modifications. Carbon capture is likely to be the primary tool to reduce pollution and the global warming trend, at least in the near future. I also believe that all of the alternative power methods suggested by environmentalists all do have a potential for practical use. But more R&D must be carried out on all of them to make them more practical. I think that hydrogen and geothermal, and new improved battery technology, are the most promising for future development as useful power sources.
@ Adam Dalgliesh:
There are far better – let’s call them “robust” – methods of handling all of this. I have considered the use of what could be called “package generators” in and around small towns and villages, that would allow major generators to take care almost exclusively of cities and large towns.
This is existing technology and it could be supplemented by biomass fueled package generators.
Establishing a network of such generators via modern communication techniques would allow them to distribute their “excess” energy where required in case of an energy emergency.
I have never been especially a fan of wind power. It will not be the main solution to our interconnected energy and pollution problems. It can cause serious damage to the environment if installed in inappropriate locations.
However, wind power does have some value as a supplementary source of power to control increases in energy costs. The power companies in many parts of the country use it for this purpose. In my county in NYS, it produces 10% of the power, and it has enabled our local power companies to keep price increases to a minimum. Both the companies and power consumers are pleased with the presence of some wind farms in some locations in our county (mainly flat land near “real” agricultural farms) where they do not harm the environment.