Island Nations Adopting Renewables At a Hellacious Rate: Just Ask the Tasmanian Devil

What are the main characteristics that define our civilization’s rapid migration to clean energy?  Well, one is certain: unevenness.  Each region of the world has its own unique set of renewable resources, incumbent energy infrastructure, relative economic strength, and political vectors–both legal and corrupt. 

Island nations tend to move more rapidly in this direction than large land masses, driven by a variety of forces related to these four issues.  In particular, islands tend to have to ship in bunker diesel fuel to generate electricity, and this commodity is quite expensive by the time it reaches its destination.  In addition, it’s dirty, and island economies tend to be built around tourists who would rather not come home from the beach to find their rental condo patios caked in soot.

Along these lines, here’s the story of a part of Tasmania: the island of Flinders, which is moving at the speed of the Tasmanian Devil himself in the direct of renewable energy.

As it turns out, the adult male TD weights 18 pounds and eats an average of 15% of his body weight of animal flesh each day…but they can eat up to 40% of their body weight in 30 minutes if the opportunity arises, which is the equivalent of about 29 Quarter Pounders, with or without cheese.  Corresponding recommendation: Don’t irritate, annoy, vex, pester, molest, or bullyrag the TD; it’s best to let him have his way, especially when his appetite is set on something as benign as renewable energy.