Clean Energy and Your Contribution to the World
What is your contribution to the world?
This may sound like a weird question to ask a large group of people, most of whom I don’t know personally. But here’s a thought:
If you’re making a career in clean energy, you have a story to tell that has profound relevance to the world. It’s a story of your passion in dealing with one of mankind’s toughest challenges: the migration away from an energy policy that desperately needs to change. Open the newspaper and try not to find an article on international hostility, on a nation with deep and worsening financial issues, on terrorism, on disease, on the quality of life that our children will have as a result of the actions (and inactions) we’re taking here and now. These are the subjects of which our news is almost exclusively comprised.
Who you are and what you’re doing matters. It counts.
But wouldn’t it be good if more people knew about the mission you’re on?
I’d like to introduce 2GreenEnergy’s senior PR consultant, Annemarie Osbourne. Over a most distinguished career, Annemarie has deployed her unique approach and capability in public relations to achieve some truly amazing results. Instead of following some lame template taught in journalism school, she artfully creates a “people-driven PR strategy,” telling a powerful and beautiful story through media channels that are ravenously hungry for this kind of content.
Have you ever entertained the notion that hiring a PR professional could generate enormous quantities of positive publicity for your enterprise? Would you like to talk about how this remarkable approach can produce incredible results for you?
I hope you’ll let me know.
I write a blog for the CAFE (Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency) Foundation on “green” aviation, including electric, solar-powered, hydrogen-powered, and bio-fuel powered aircraft and supporting technologies. We have over 30,000 readers a month as of November, and hope to grow that. I try to keep an optimistic, but healthily skeptical view of things, and am continually amazed at what progress we are making.
http://www.blog.cafefoundation.org
I will be speaking at the fifth annual Electric Aircraft Symposium in Santa Rosa, California on April 29, and will be reporting on the Green Flight Challenge in July. The latter is a NASA sponsored event that will require the 16 teams entered to fly a 200-mile course at an average of 100 mph or better and achieve 200 passenger miles per gallon or equivalent fuel useage. I have NDAs with several teams and know that several entrants can achieve this result or better it. At least three team entries are electrically powered, and one is a hydrogen hybrid design. Several are bio-diesel powered.
I give greenwashing blogisphere artist one hit to hock to ad venders
I installed 5KW solar and wind at my home. I recycle and compost.
I will be riding my semi-recumbent electric assist trike to the bank protected by my fairing and warm winter clothes in a few minutes. We make and promote our trikes as an alternative neighbourhood transport system.
Much better than a car and I don’t need 2000 pounds of metal to get me inside the grocery store and out through the check-out.
What am I doing? The big picture is here-> http://blogs.fanbox.com/howtostopclimatechange
The first of the 5 Cornerstones is Scipio Biofuels Inc. We also want to demonstrate how our system can be installed around the perimeter of an airport of military base and we process the algae into fuels either underground or at an adjacent installation. Our systems consume 1.8 tons of CO2 for each ton of algae produced to deal with the worlds future CO2 “issues”. For the present issues, we have a technology to remove 100% of CO2 and particulates which is actually economically feasible as well. There’s more to the BIG picture, but isn’t that enough to chew on? It is for me.
Have a great day!
Re your “big picture” and CORNERSTONE #4
I would be most interested to know your source of lime water, or more specifically your source of calcium oxide or hydroxide (CaO or Ca(OH)2) needed to make it.
Re your “big picture” and CORNERSTONE #4 – Continued
The reason I ask is that as far as I know there are no naturally occurring sources of calcium oxide or hydroxide (CaO or Ca(OH)2) required for making the your cheap limewater and they are normally produced from cheap Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) which is then heated using cheap fossil fuels (coal) to drive off the CO2 to produce lime. Therefore as far as I can see this CO2 capture process just produces CaCO3 from CaCO3 but burns a bit of coal in the process. I would be very interested to know if you have an alternative carbon negative process for producing you lime
The basic chemical equations are:
CaCO3 + Heat(probably from coal) >> CaO (quicklime) + atmospheric CO2
CaO + H2O + water >> Ca(OH)2 – water (lime water) + heat.
Lime water + atmospheric CO2 >> CaCO3 + H2O + water
Multiple solar benefit roofing system for low profile, commercial/industrial buildings. US patent 6,912,816 provides daylighting, solar thermal, with a PV option and delivers utility directly to the business beneath the roof.
I would like to communicate with Annemarie to determine if I can engage her to help me tell the world about the grass roots “trickle up” technological solution I’ve developed. I hope she will respond to LBlevins@aaecorp.com or give me a call at 785-842-1943
Thanks for your interest, Les. I’ll shoot you an email on this.
I’m installing a 3.5 KW solar system on my home in Phoenix area, this should be sufficient to almost eliminate my electric bill even when I get an electric car in next two years. I have also invested in green companies like LED’s, geothermal and electric cars. I talked to everyone who listen about the need to go green. I enjoyed your book, “Renewable Energy”.
So glad to hear you liked the book, John. I had fun doing it.
Our company produces products that produce clean electric power. Our goal is to make every home energy independent and sustainable. I am wondering why you are asking this question.
I’m not sure you read the whole piece, Jim. My intent was to introduce folks to Annemarie Osbourne.
I develop OWEC(r) Ocean Wave Energy Converter that produces electricity. The self-supported, modular system can be used for fresh water, oxygen, and hydrogen production. Large arrays may assist sea level and salinity maintenance by “sequestering” ice melt waters in hydrogen-powered transportation and manufacturing processes.
We an off-grid home with a solaar well pump and solar pool heating and pump. We also use a tankless water heater. W@e use nothing but CFL in the house and use solar lights for lighting our parth ways. We also grow own vergs and fruit. Also the irrigation is drip on timers. I might add that we live on six ac. of land.
I am a recently graduate with an MSC in Sustainable energy from a leading UK university and and am presently looking a job which will allow me to make my contribution. I live in the Caribbean which is blessed with vast RE potentially, and struggling with high energy prices. Policy environment is not yet developed to attract RE investment or utilization of skills such as mine…Looking for a role where I can contribute to creating a progressive and transparent environment in these Islands.
Check out books by John Jeavons and other intensive gardeners. By August, we can’t walk though the back yard garden without stepping on SOMETHING! South of here, intensive gardens should pay off even more.
My wife and I co founded the Lehigh Valley Green Builders to educate about green building and renewable energy.
My contracting company does energy improvements to existing residences and businesses as well as building super energy efficient houses.
On my own house we are adding insulation, sealing leaks and have installed a 6KW PV system which handles 1/3 of our current use. A hot water solar system to come this year will eliminate 1/3 of our electric load. Changing to LED lights and more efficient appliances should get us close to 7KW of use a year which is about what our system will produce in a year.
Search on (NIFTE AND pump). See my comment above several places. This can also provide a very low cost solar (or other temperature difference driven) circulation pump.
I have been organizing a Vocational School to train Auto Mechanics to Build (And Convert), Repair and Service Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (And put “Plugs” on Hybrids) Because legitimately unless you are seeking a car wash or a tire pressure check, NO ONE is certified to service or repair these Vehicles except a fraction of the mechanics at Dealerships (Not All the Mechanics…) I believe an Electric or Hybrid should be repairable at any shop I can get my Gas or Diesel fixed. I have said it before and I will keep saying it until “IT Happens;” There are two infrastructures in place for petrol fueled cars and the equivalent need to be established for Electric cars. For there can never be a viable
marketplace without BOTH of them:
FIRST: is a substantial, widespread fuel supply network, Gas and Diesel are
in place; Electric Recharging is not as yet,(Although it has been started,
there is a lot of progress yet to be accomplished as obviously the
installation and purchase prices are obscene, and no one with an Electric should
have to pay $ 4,500 for a j1772 charging cord; that is the equivalent to what a Camper ”RV” owner can get for $ 425 (240 V.@ 30A.).[EG; a dryer outlet installed!] Why do Electrics pay ten times what the RV s have to pay?
SECOND: is a well trained and equipped and widespread availability of
service and repair, not just at selected Dealerships, EVERYWHERE one can get
an auto fixed SHOULD be able to service and repair an Electric also.
Apparently; at this time if you want more than a car wash or tire pressure
checks; you must take your EV to the Dealer’s service shop. Or “Do it
yourself.”
A friend bought a new car for Thanksgiving; seven items required
a day each for the dealer to make them right under the new car warranty; a tire, two
engine sensors, an electric window motor, adjusting the Emergency brake, starting battery replacement, and a power steering pump. Almost three weeks to get it all fixed. BUT the nearest EV dealership is in Miami and he is in Orlando, 245 miles distant. (Much more of a nightmare!) Would you buy what you can not fix yourself if service is over 200 miles away? Or is that a “Deal Breaker?”
I am a believer in Electric Vehicles (EV)and I have worn the EV Grin many times in the many EV I have had but would I recommend one to a Driver who is not a mechanic with EV training? NO ! Not until there a lot more EV service Agencies available. We need to change that !
(Will you help me ? )
26% of all the water used in the average home is consumed by the toilet and 12% of home water used is lost by leaks,Smarter flush Quick Connect System converts any toilet to a Dual Flush System Push the handle down for a short flush for liquid and a small amount of paper or Push the handle up for a full flush for solids,SAVES THOUSANDS OF GALLONS of WATER PER Year and that save $$$ and our precious WATER.Eliminates the Leaky Flapper and that Troublesome Chain,Flush 50% less water and INSTALL IN 10 Minutes or Less Without Tool.By the year 2013– 36 states will have a major water problem without a drought,if every toilet in USA used a Dual Flush System this country would SAVE a Trillion of Water.
NO REPLACEMENT FOR FRESH WATER
I like hearing about all the Green Planet projects being used in our trying times,people do actually care about the Ozone layers and the well being of man kind! Hey nice chatting or reading your E-mails, I am moving ahead slowly with my project as well,I am getting close to moving forward after a 10 year testing period, progress is pain stakenly slow. I am moving forward on Instant conversion for full sized vehicles.I cant give to many details at this time but you simply drop it on a reese hitch trailer ball, behind a full sized 1/2 ton – 3/4 ton -1 ton (VAN-pick up-SUV) the twin pack batteries charge when you pull it forward.It uses a basic serpentine belt from the axle to each (48 volt generators) it charges, just like you would use your cruise control for long distance travel you set ELECTRIC CRUISE for addition miles used as a fully functional HYBRID. (A) PULL CAR for RV’S fully charged when you arrive for (4) hours use and you can plug it in at your camp site for additional use. (www.mceelectrichydraulic.com
Great question Craig. I was especting to see dialoge about what is working for individuals & what is not. Instead I found an ad for your PR person & similar “ads” for many others.
What has worked for me; CFLs, walking & biking when I can, living simply, consuming less. I would like to be part of the group that pioneers leading edge sustainable products & services, but too often they are not affordable.
Thanks for a great overall vision & website.
Hi Brad
My aim is to develop and support sustainable and renewable technologies that are economically viable in their own right, I am sure that this is possible but directing the focus of those in charge towards them is a challenge.
I am currently working with a UK University on my first project which is to develop a solar thermal (hot water) system that is economically viable in its own right, watch this space!
Search on (NIFTE AND pump). This new design operates on low temperature differences. I arranged to get a right to build one. If I can make it work well, it will use the temperature difference between the attic and ground to 1) prewarm water going to the water heater, and 2) use remaining heat to warm the ground under the house. A closed loop using distilled water, drained in the fall, will be circulated. Cool water returning from the ground returns to the NIFTE to provide the cold sink.
Also, anyone in a climate with major temperature differences (North Dakota!!!) can set up fans to blow summer air through the basement into the house. We are no longer having winter frozen pipes, and after a number of years, the warmed soil is making a visible, though minor, contribution to cutting heating costs. It provides cheap cooling also. A number of us here in ND & SD are using this trick. If you try it, dehumidify, especially for the first few years!!!
Since 2008 ,I am struggling to introduce pure electric cars to the Middle East…It is a tough job ,since most people consider electric cars less efficient then petrol cars….but with battery improvements, people begin to reconsider using zero emission cars.
I think that petrol motor is the worst invention ever made,because it has been the source of all wars,all pollutions,all diseases,all global warming since 100 years.
Humanity must slow down to save earth !
No need for speed !
If your in the ME then CPV is the technology for charging your EVs
Look up SunCube – http://WWW.GreenAndGoldEnergy.com.ua (~5cents/KWh in Oz)
and Spectrolabs
The process of migration away from the established systems, which is undoubtedly essential with respect to the prolongued existence of mankind on this beautiful planet, is most unlikely to be initiated by the established systems themselves.
Powerful PR is a good tool to change the way people think about things. Unfortunately, most PR people work for the “wrong” companies, which are based on the established systems.
It is vital, that people start thinking in terms of improvements to their own surroundings and tell everyone else about it afterwards. If you want things around you to change, change them yourself. For anyone who is interested, here is some bits of what I changed in my life with absolutely NO LOSS OF COMFORT whatsoever.
– Quit my very well paid and interesting offshore job for oil, gas and telekom industiries to study a masters in “regenerative energies and energy efficiency”, which I am about to finish. Renewable job market is booming.
– Moved into a smaller flat with very good insulation. Always warm and despite the tough winter here in germany, had very low heating costs. Also due to insulation, in summer the flat stays cooler than other flats despite it not having AC.
– Converted my three bicycles and one recumbent trike to fast e-bikes and do practically all trips up to 30 miles with them (use motorbike all weather clothing in winter). Public transport for most longer trips. Hardly ever use my car anymore and if I do, I place an ad in the “Mitfahrzentrale”, and try to fill every seat for the trip.
– Pick locations closer to home for holiday travel. I am the inofficial president of the not registered “society to avoid unnecessary air travel”. Craig! If you join, we would be two members already!!! Strange, how people do not see the connection between their annual 10.000 mile holiday trips and CO2 emissions. One hast to install a lot of energy saving lightbulbs to make up for one of these travels.
– Change the electricity provider to a 100% regenerative electricity provider. Strangely enough, the bills are not significantly higher and if I start adding the external costs of fossils to the bill which I have to pay with my tax money, 100% regenerative is a lot cheaper.
– Prefer locally produced products with “bio-label”, when I go shopping for food. Tastes better, anyway.
– Retain rainwater for irrigation and use water saving toilet and bathroom fittings.
– Replace all lightbulbs with more than 20 minutes usage/day with high quality energy saving bulbs. Also don’t leave the lights on, when not needed.
– Buy A++ energy rated appliances, when the old ones need replacing. Initial higher investment pays off through energy savings after a few years.
– Buy quality and repair it, rather then buying new cheap stuff all the time. I calculated, that if I buy a new car, I would have to run it for 240.000 km, before the saving of fuel of the new model makes up for the energy used to produce it. In my case, that would be about 30 years of usage. Now that number is different for everyone, so it might not apply for other people.
– Use laptop instead of desktop.
– In my spare time, I give people and small businesses advice on how to save energy costs and do the maths for them. Free of charge – it’s my hobby.
– Set a goal in my life. The goal is to try to achieve a “10MW Negawatt – powerstation”. This means, that I want to be involved in the planning, development or building of effiziency measures, that make 10 Megawatt of installed electrical power and heat generation redundant. Achieved about 2% of that goal already, but I have only just started.
– lots more issues, but I have written too much already!
Greetings from southern Germany
I hope What Les Blevins speak about might be a break through technology pre see.
What this world of intellectuals missing/missed is the technological advancements mankind moved forward is enough and this clean energy can be solved in a major scale to a miniture model can be called “nano”
But this world wonder and looks for very expensive technology which is almost a paranoid state that kills the very nature of world suffering one side but Who cares?
I wish to tell Craig in the public domain his work needs appreciation and it never ends here.
Otherwise here many we meet on this blog which may serve us or not my belief is its a one another way we try to bring ourselves with this problem of us to a meaningful debate must find us in a hope mode to tackle problems my best wishes to Craig and all here.
I wish to communicate with Les Blevins in this regard and so to say I would like to communicate with Annemarie thanks CK PHILIP JOSEPHS SWAMY
Continued:
as you are going to need massive quantities of it to sequester any substantial amount of CO2.
Anyone on an ocean coast with need for vegetables and fresh water should check out:
http://seawatergreenhouse.com/
They probably could use some well done advertising.
In 1966 I was drafted and felt very inadequate watching 250 soldiers die. I was a physician and did not like what our natiion was doing.
Since then I have looked for ways to witness against our government when we were doing something unethical.
In the last 5 years I drive my electric Doran whenever possible and speak out against buying Saudi oil. Why give them money so they can train terrorists in their Medrassas. We could do better.
Sincerely Malcolm Dickerson
(www.mceelectrichydraulic.com) ALL NEW SS LIGHTNIN VOLT HYBRIDS ! PICK MAKE & MODEL @ (www.kitcarlist.com) ( FREE DEMO @ ELECTRIC DRAG PORTLAND OREGON TRACK ) JUST OPENED JANUARY 1ST. 2011 WELCOME TO A CLEANER GREENER & MEANER FUTURE ! BY MCE ELECTRIC ~ HYDRAULIC & PRESIDENT : MICHAEL A. CROYLE ( COMPANY REP.)