Concepts in Alternative Energy — A Breakfast-time Conversation

I love to meet smart people for breakfast while my mind is sharp and so many hours remain in the day to think through the implications of the discussion.  I just got back from coffee with an eco-journalist who left me with plenty of stuff to process.  Here are some notes:

• The U.S. investment scene is Fabian, i.e., marked by delay.  We understand that energy is the industry that will define success in the 21st Century, but we’re steering clear of it.  The political machinery is owned by a traditional energy industry that sees no reason to do anything but milk the status quo. “We have the best Congress that money can buy,” my guest said with a smile that told me he knew that I had heard that hundreds of times before.

• Things are happening in Asia and the Eastern Bloc, however.  When I suggested Bulgaria, my guest looked amazed.  “Yes, exactly,” he replied with eyes noticeably widened, and went on to describe what they’re doing, especially with improvements in diesel technology.

• One of the non-renewable resources that goes overlooked is topsoil.  Half of the topsoil in Iowa is gone, and the erosion due to mismanagement and overuse in Central California is following right behind.

• My guest does not think that renewable energy can scale effectively to deal with the planet’s needs, and I saw no reason to argue with him over the point.  I know he’s a proponent of nuclear, and, in my experience, debating this subject is a sure loser.  He points out, as most do, that today we have 4th or 5th generation nuclear.  But, he quips, “We also have 4th or 5th generation anti-nuclear protesters, as well.”

All-in-all, a terrific way to start the day.