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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

75% of the total fuel consumption on our roads comes from commercial vehicles, and therefore an increase of a few miles per gallon in large trucks has a massive effect on reducing the environmental impact of moving our stuff around.  This makes the hybridization or electrification of large trucks a high priority for those concerned about the eco-friendliness of our large-vehicle fleets.

I was interested to learn of the developments in trucking made by Eaton — most of which are fairly technical innovations in drive trains.  But they presented one thing at the French-American EV Technology Conference this morning that I had forgotten to consider: (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

At the French-American EV Technology Conference in Long Beach, CA this morning, I had an opportunity to learn about many things that I really had no idea would be on the agenda.  One of the subjects was tires, as presented by Michelin. 

As it turns out, 20% of the energy that goes into moving your car is consumed in the rolling resistance generated by your four tires.  On EVs, that percentage is even higher — as much as 35% (since the efficiency of the motor is higher).  This, of course, is huge. 

The presenter took us through a great number of R&D issues that Michelin is tackling, including both minature tires and making tires taller and narrower (which has the side benefit of adding precious space between the wheels).     (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

The French-American Electric Vehicle Technology Forum I attended this morning in Long Beach, CA was absolutely delightful. The event focused on bringing together EV business interests that might foster the development of electric transportation in France – but let me tell you: they have a ton going on there, whether we Americans are involved or not.

I was particularly taken by their four “clusters” – geographically defined, joint technology-based initiatives that attempt to extract synergies from companies, research organizations, and educational institutions. Each of these clusters (Loire Valley, Paris-Normandy, Alsace/Rhine, and Rhone/Alps) is developing different types of solutions in electric transportation, from cable cars to trams to urban package delivery vans to buses and large trucks. Enormous sums of money and huge numbers of people from both the public and private sectors are coming together to work on EVs from an amazing array of disciplines: sociology, public education in energy and transportation, breakthrough components and battery technologies, innovative charging solutions, and so forth.

I was also fascinated to learn the breakdown of the EU 4.5 billion that goes into auto R&D in France, ordered as follows: (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Biomass
A trainload of biofuel in Sweden Source: Bjoertvedt, Creative Commons

A trainload of biofuel in Sweden Source: Bjoertvedt, Creative Commons

In the US, the biofuel industry is undergoing something of a revival. Mothballed plants are reopening. Across the globe biofuel industry leaders are extremely bullish about their ability to bring down operating costs, to generate fuels from sources that don’t compete with food crops, and to design fuels for special purposes such as aviation. Will the industry live up to its promises the second time round?

Click to read more on Biofuel Bounces Back

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Efficiency

Since the 1970s when environmental concerns first hit the political front, we have made great attempts to encourage sustainable development. These attempts include things such as recycling, carpooling, using energy efficient lights and purchasing products which do not emit harmful chemicals. What is still not being taken into account are things such as airlines who are not responsible for the carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere, or the price of food not reflecting how much it costs to clean waterways which were polluted by agrochemicals. Beef consumption is an example of an economically wasteful item, as well as tobacco consumption.

These examples demonstrate “external costs” which are not calculated into any Gross Domestic Product. Our technological innovations which sought to improve energy efficiency have not led to lower energy consumption nor reduced environmental impacts. Lower costs are associated with energy efficient products which lead people to using more energy. Because our society has reduced energy costs through our technological efficiency, consumers are prone to buying more products, buying more powerful products, or choosing larger products. Promoting energy efficient products leads to increased consumption and emissions. These rebound effects can be avoided through taxation and regulation on behalf of the government, service providers, as well as manufacturers. (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

I’ve been lucky enough to have been referred to one of the most enlightened writers on the planet, Stephan A. Schwartz, who has generously accepted my request to let me interview him for my next book. I invite readers to visit Schwartz’ website to get a sense for who he is in terms of the sheer breadth of his work.

While you’re there, note that he’s connected with some of the people from the landmark film/book “What The Bleep Do We Know?” and all the incredible thinking associated with that project, e.g., the confluence of quantum physics, metaphysics, and epistemology. My kind of guy, to be sure.

To me, all this raises an interesting and somewhat disturbing point, on which I’d like your feedback, if I may: (more…)

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

If I had another reason to be in Washington DC this week, I’d find a way to piggyback my participation at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) conference: Renewable Energy – National Policy Forum. But though I generally find these conferences valuable, I don’t feel like herniating over this one.  After all, its main promise is answering the question:

Will Democrats and Republicans come together on a clean energy agenda for the nation, led by renewables and efficiency?

Are they serious? I’m going to fly across the country to hear that the answer is, in a word, No?  Who in blazes thinks that’s possible in today’s climate?

I have to think there is hope for the world of clean energy and environmentalism. But if you think there’s a chance for bipartisan support on these ideas in Congress right now, you’re living in a dream world.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

I’m sure some perceive me as something of a whiner, with my constant reminders that the fossil fuel industry and its unlovely relationships with the great world governments dominate the creation of international energy policy. 

To remind the world that I’m not alone in this position, here’s one of my heroes, Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, and author of tons of books on the subject.  He’s been at this a heck of a lot longer than I have.  Check out this impassioned interview he gave from the COP-16 summit in Cancun. 

by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

As we approach the end of another year at 2GreenEnergy, I thought I’d provide a list of blog posts from 2010 – which, based on the number of reader comments, rank as the community’s favorites.

Again, I hope my guests and I have provided some level of value here in terms of getting to the root of the matter in clean energy.  Please accept my sincere thanks for your support and participation.

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by Craig ShieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

What is the true battle royale facing humankind?  Liberals vs. conservatives?  Fascists vs. libertarians?  Fundamentalists vs. infidels?

Strange as it sounds, I’m starting to agree with the people who point to ignorance vs. education, noting that recently, it’s become “cool to be ignorant.”  Think that’s far-fetched?  Check out Stephan A. Schwartz’ piece called Willful Ignorance.

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