Campaigners object to plans for a wind farm in Cheshire, disputing claims about the amount of energy it will provide…. From BBC News. Full story

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Updated 2009-11-25
Well oil went to just under $150 which really makes the original publication even more relative. Even now oil is around $80 which is 8 times as much as it was in 2003 when I originally posted on this issue. This is one of my pet peeves. We can do something, it  is simple if the political will was really there. You just subsidise the good with taxes on the bad. It is amazing how money seems to suddenly find a way to make things work. We have subsidized the bad for far to long. Let’s try something different and promote the good for a change.

I am embarrassed by the Canadian record on environment and wildlife. The reality is most Canadians don’t know what large corporations are doing to the lands. properties are clear-cut just to a point where you can’t see it from the road. Many companies work away from the public so we are not aware of the damage being done. Once we find out the company simply moves to another country and leaves the mess for us to clean up($$$). We need the agencies that are supposed to protect these things to have the power and ability to enforce the rules. It seems virtually all these agencies have been destroyed either by no budget or no enforcement power. The people in these roles are trying but there is only so much they can do until the government motivation clearly shows them that they have the power, money and backing when push comes to shove. Like many other governments ours seem to talk the talk but is barely crawling let alone walking. Things like the tar sands are not helping things. Sure jobs are made but at what cost. Companies have to be held accountable for the damages their products create. We really need a “cradle to grave” solution so companies that cause the most damage pay the most.  

Published 2003-03-10
It’s funny to think that numerous cultures, hundreds of years ago had better power solutions than we have now.

First off, we have more available power than we need in the foreseeable future. All we have to do is look outside the oil/nuclear box for far superior solutions. Once governments around the world subsidize clean, renewable sources instead of oil/nuclear the advances will be far beyond any of our expectations. 

The biggest problem I see in providing clean, renewable sources of power is governments lack of commitment. Sure they all talk environment but then subsidize the large corporations creating dirty, non-renewable sources of power. In Ontario, Canada the provincial government subsidizes Hydro… Technically they don’t… They tell Hydro what the rates will be to the consumer and if Hydro over spends it can borrow the money from the government. This has been going on for over 30 years and now Hydro owes our government billions and is forced into charging $0.043 per KWH for the next 5 years. Far less than the “cost” of the power and it’s distribution. How can renewable sources compete. 

Furthermore, infrastructure has to be put in place to promote better solutions. Perhaps a surcharge for non-renewable, dirty fuel that directly passes to discounts for renewable, clean sources. The only way to succeed is to make the old ways expensive and the new ways profitable. Only then will society change in mass numbers. We could also expect more investment would create cheaper methods of harnessing power. Thus creating an increasing demand for cleaner power. 

The key to future success for any society will be their ability to create infinitely renewable environmentally neutral power sources. Societies that base their power solutions on oil, nuclear or plant sources will eventually fail. Societies that generate more power than they use will become much more powerful in the near term future.

Given what we already know about future power requirements wind, solar, water and lightning are going to be in demand. Once electric cars become more popular these renewable sources may become a necessity. 

With Canada’s resources we should be one of the largest power generators in the world. We have large space to put up wind and solar farms, huge water sources, geo-thermal sources and of course then there is lightning. I would like to see us provide enough power for the world. If it were possible to get all the world governments together just think of the solutions… Desserts, mountains and oceans would become huge power generating locations.   

We have everything we need to provide unlimited clean, renewable power. Now we just need the political motivation. Countries like Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden are leading the way. As a Canadian I am embarrassed at our lack of commitment. I would easily pay double the cost if it ensured future generations had clean renewable power sources. It will never be cheap but sometimes you have to consider more than money. I do not want future generations paying for our lack of foresight. In this case even the stupidest person can see clean renewable sources are the way to go.

Internal combustion engines must die. Inherently they “burn” fuel and create emissions. Even solutions like fuel cells may increase precipitation as they emit water droplets. There is little need to use “burning” solutions given all the available options. They have demonstrated long-term unacceptable impacts on our environment.  

Below are several power sources and my simplistic assessment of each.

Oil/Natural Gas Sources
Sucks up valuable natural resources, creates an environmental nightmare and there is a dwindling supply. Is there anyone that thinks this is a long-term viable solution any more? I certainly do not! The recent mess where oil has gone from $10-$40 only emphasizes how little supply is really available. To rely on this power solution will only ensure a collapse of a society… Just a matter of when. A transition away from this form of power must be immediate. Dwindling supplies will only increase the cost unless alternatives are found.

Nuclear Sources
What are you crazy??? They have demonstrated their impacts already… Just waiting for the next disaster.  

Plant Sources
To burn plants for fuel does not make sense. They can be used for much more productive uses. “Burning” for power will create problems even if it is as slow as global warming and should be avoided where possible. Besides we need these sources to enrich our current soil without chemicals.

Geo-Thermal Sources
Taking heat generated from the ground is a great power source as long as we only take heat from the first 1km or less of earth. If we start going deeper for thermal sources I have concerns about eventually lowering the earth’s core or creating a man-made catastrophe. Countries like Iceland where this source of power is everywhere are showing us how to benefit. They have so much extra heat they heat roads and sidewalks in cities. No one has a hot water heater in their house, hot water comes direct from city water. They also use it to generate electrical power. Unfortunately not many countries have the abundance that Iceland has but this concept can be applied in every country. 

Wind Sources
The next 3 of these were used thousands of years ago to harness power but somehow we got sold on the “cheaper” bang for the buck in oil. Wind is infinitely renewable and has no known environmental impact. It does have some draw backs… You need wind to generate power, the current wind mill is not pretty and consumes real estate. I have often wondered why no one has created a fan similar to venting fans you see on house roofs. It would seem to be a more effective solution to catch cross flowing winds. Used with solar or water sources makes a complete solution.  

Solar Sources
Solar is infinitely renewable and has no known environmental impact. It does have one draw back… You need sun. As technology improves this solution will certainly become common place. Used with wind or water sources makes a complete solution.  

Water Sources
Water is infinitely renewable and has no known environmental impact. It does have one draw back… You need constant flowing water. The problem is not in the power source but our implementations to harness it. Large power plants like Niagra Falls and super damns should be a thing of the past. They were implemented so only certain people would control power. We need to integrate into the environment to obtain our needs, use the natural flow of water, not force it. As technology improves this solution will certainly become common place. Good water flow can make a complete solution by itself. 

Lightning Sources
The power of lightning is awesome. Working on ways to harness this power would seem to be a worthwhile adventure. Creating a world net that draws power from lightning could in itself provide all the power the world needs in the foreseeable future. This has the potential that usage of power is promoted rather than conservation(at least for a while ). Only concern is that we might draw too much electricity and somehow our planet becomes negatively charged.

Wind,

Our rooms

Letting in the bending

And leaning trees,

Leaves,

And

All

Fall.

When

Through all

Our arms your pillowed

Self moves and soft

Self rooms,

Our

Warming

Thoughts

Pause.

Then

Needing and

Heavy hearts thaw

Our sudden

And

Gathered

Hall.

A wind farm off the Kent coast has suffered persistent mechanical failure in the four years since it began operating, the BBC reveals…. From BBC News. Full story

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Het werd dus geen herhaling van vorige week woensdag. Echt jammer. Ik was rond half 10 aan de Binnenschelde en de windmeter gaf een goeie 25-30 knopen. En verder op het water leek het nog harder te waaien. Teruggelopen en m’n Naish WaveQuest 248 en de Boxer 4.7 gepakt ( ja ik hoef maar 200 meter te lopen en ik sta aan het water…)

Opgetuigd en het water opgegaan….nou, nou wat een dikke wind, NOT. Ik stond te dobberen. ik had beter m’n snorkelgear mee kunnen nemen om bodemonderzoek te doen. Op een gegeven moment nog een flink stuk moeten zwemmen en dan is het water toch wel frisjes aan het worden. Terug op de kant even m’n zeil wat boller gezet en geprobeerd terug te komen. Dat lukte wel maar niet van harte. Ik heb echt geen meter geplaneerd.

De wind was ook wel erg zuidelijk voor de Binnenschelde dus ik verwachte al wel dat het vlagerig zou zijn aan de kant. Volgende keer toch maar niet meer met Zuid op de Binnenschelde gaan varen…

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy10osti/46716.pdf (report)
http://www.nrel.gov/wind/systemsintegration/publications.html (NREL wind systems page)

[Greenwire] A lack of electric transmission capacity is curbing energy that wind turbine operators can feed local grids, a problem that is likely to worsen until new transmission projects are completed, a new study says.

The report commissioned by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found wind “curtailment” events — when turbine farms are instructed or agree to limit their production — are becoming more frequent.

“Wind curtailment will likely persist, if not worsen, until new transmission is available,” the report says.

The events are driven largely by two factors: a shortage of transmission capacity during hours when electric loads are normal, which makes it impossible to move power from the wind farms to power users, and high wind production during hours when power demand is low.

Gawd Damn!

The wind is wild here. The days are gray, the rain is solid. It beats down on me as I walk through it,  with the wind blowing through my bones making them feel as if they were damp cloth. The streets are flooded.

It feels like winter just snuck up on us. I usually like stormy weather but not having cash makes it seem all the worse. I was particularly annoyed with having to cross a flooded car park. Shouldn’t that be flat, not curved like a bowl. Not only that the streets are perilous. I’ve noticed that busses don’t horse through the huge puddles any more, or at least a little less. But I have seen people in cars deliberately pull into the bus lane to hit the puddles near people.

I think if someone does that deliberately (accidents do happen) then I think you should be allowed to retaliate. Bounce a 2p coin of their back window.

I’m lucky to live near one of those Glasgow gyms. I’ve taken to the sauna/steam room to try fight the blues. It’s fairly cheap take a book. If you can afford it they do an unlimited use pass for £16 a month or you can buy month to month. You can use all the facilities as much as you like. I’m not preaching but a healthy body does equal healthy mind. I find that once I’ve been to the gym/sauna or whatever, that at least I’ve done something productive no mater how small.

Stay on.

Claw.

Shamanism will help you be more mindful of identifying with nature. Several weeks ago I had this “thought”…a desire.. a want, that may have to wait until spring when the weather warms up…

WIND

I want to stand on a high mountain top or hill… I want to be caressed and cleansed by the wind. I want to FEEL this element blow through me.. not an every day wind… but a powerful, strong wind that lets me know it, and I are ALIVE. I want to close my eyes, spread my wings and lean against the wind so that we may become ONE

These days in Ireland is like living in an aquarium, water dripping, flowing and moving everywhere causing devastation to peoples homes and livelihoods. With lakes, rivers, streams & bogs bursting their banks almost engulfing all in their path.  Puddles dotted everywhere filled with water. With the noise of the constant rain beating on the windows and wind howling around the house, one thinks of those less off who have been affected by this flooding. On the other hand across the miles others are dying daily from a lack of water, the dry drought of the desert lands. Oh how life is dynamic and diverse!  As Rollo May says Courage is not the absence of despair; it is rather, the capacity to move ahead in spite of despair. Spare a thought for those less well off than you today!

A hokku appropriate to late autumn, by the woman Sono-jo:

A dog barking
At the sound of the leaves;
The windstorm.

It is an odd fact in hokku that the simplest are often the best, and this is a very good hokku because it has very strong sensation.  By sensation we mean that it affects the senses strongly.  In this we hear the dog’s frantic barking and the sound of the blowing leaves, and we hear the wind and we feel its force.  Everything in this verse is in motion, and that is very much in keeping with the strength of the windstorm.

Structurally, it is a standard hokku, by which we mean it has a setting, a subject, and an action:

Setting:  The windstorm
Subject:  A dog
Action: Barking at the sound of the leaves

In the original, the verse looks like this:

Ha no oto ni     inu hoe-kakaru     arashi kana
Leaves ‘ sound at   dog barking      gale      kana

The kana at the end is merely a word used sometimes for emphasis, but far more often in hokku merely to fill out the required number of phonetic units in Japanese, in this case the usual seventeen.

More important is the fact that by reading and pondering such verses and their structure, one will quickly learn how to write hokku in English and other languages today, but of course one must also understand the underlying aesthetics to avoid going astray.

I repeat again and again that the real subject of a hokku is the season in which it is written, that each hokku should express that season through something happening in it that shows the character of the season.  This verse of Sono-jo does that superbly.

By the way, I am tending to alternate between late autumn hokku and winter hokku in these few days before the beginning of December, because some readers live where it is already winter, others where autumn still lingers.  I am speaking of the Northern Hemisphere.  Readers in the Southern Hemisphere will be in quite another season!

David

Many local business leaders and politicians attended the pre-event reception at Goodwin’s amazing riverfront complex. The 6th floor room offers great views of Hartford and the Connecticut River. Packed in were a bunch of people with interests in the energy economy, renewable energy, and the environment. Pickens made billions of dollars as an oil industry entrepreneur. He is a geologist by trade and loves to talk about our country’s natural resources.

 

 His natural gas for heavy trucks platform is a compliment to Al Gore’s batteries for light vehicles platform. He even said, “I’m with Al,” when talking about batteries. They do seem like an odd couple, considering Pickens’ Oklahoma/Texas oil industry roots. Congressman John Larson has put a bill before Congress (H.R. 1835) that would implement parts of the plan that Pickens is advocating. Larson referred to Pickens as his only “consultant.”

I went to www.pickensplan.com and signed up for the e-mail list. I’m interested in learning more about his personal history. He said that he has pumped millions into this campaign because it is his “mission.” He was too young to serve in World War II, and he had a young family during Korea. He said that this is how he felt, “This is your mission–step up to the plate.”

The visit was a coup for Scheinberg, Goodwin, and East Hartford. Congressman Larson took Pickens to lunch at his favorite local restaurant, Augie & Ray’s Drive In. The Augie & Ray’s staff had custom shirts made with the company logo and Oklahoma State colors. They were very proud to host Pickens.

As the forum wound down, Pickens remarked that he had to get back to Dallas for a dinner meeting. He was primed to hop back on his jet and carry his message elsewhere. Pickens warned the crowd not to think that energy is going to get cheap. Electricity, natural gas, coal, oil, and renewables are all going to require a major commitment on the part of every person. Consumption is as important as supply. Clearly, we need to do things differently. Art Roti and I got a chuckle when Pickens said in reference to the transportation challenges that we face, and the prospect of running out of oil, ”The other option is everybody is going to get on a bicycle…I don’t think that is going to happen.” We looked at each other and both thought, bikes, why not?

I can’t remember having seen this depressing a weather forecast…

But I guess it could be worse – I am really looking forward to that sunny interval, Thursday afternoon around tea.

penghemat listrik

DIY turbin angin telah menjadi sangat membantu dalam banyak rumah tangga setiap sejak dunia menghadapi krisis ekonomi. Jumlah besar pencarian di internet telah menunjukkan minat yang besar dari orang-orang yang mencari fakta-fakta dalam hal ini generator energi alternatif. Cari tahu mengapa banyak orang percaya bahwa penghemat listrik itu adalah sumber investasi.

Sebuah DIY turbin angin mengubah energi angin menjadi listrik dapat digunakan. Salah satu keuntungan besar adalah bahwa energi angin merupakan Penghemat Listrik sumber alam yang tidak pernah dapat habis. Jika Anda mencari suatu sistem yang memiliki kemampuan untuk menghasilkan pasokan listrik bebas sebuah turbin angin DIY adalah pilihan Hemat Listrik Pln ideal investasi. Di atas itu dianggap sebagai perangkat ramah lingkungan yang membantu melindungi planet ini.

Dalam depresi ekonomi saat ini banyak orang mencari cara untuk menghemat uang untuk dapat bertahan melalui krisis ini. Dengan turbin Penghemat Energi Listrik angin DIY bukan hanya Anda yang dapat menghemat uang dengan pembangkit listrik jika Anda berhasil menciptakan lebih banyak energi daripada akhirnya Anda menggunakan untuk bulan perusahaan listrik Anda akan benar-benar membayar Anda. Cek tidak Penghemat Energi Listrik akan menjadi suatu hal yang besar untuk melihat bukan tagihan listrik di kotak surat Anda setiap bulan Satu-satunya hal Alat Hemat Listrik yang Anda harus Alat Penghemat Listrik keluar dari saku Anda adalah pemeliharaan turbin angin rumah itu sendiri. Namun uang yang Anda mengelola untuk menyelamatkan dari beberapa bulan akan lebih dari cukup untuk menutupi biaya perawatan.

Instalasi turbin angin DIY bukanlah tugas yang sulit. Selalu ada Hemat Energi Listrik profesional yang akan menyelesaikan tugas untuk Anda. Mencari profesional di daerah Anda bisa Hemat Listrik Pln semudah online. Banyak akan memberikan harga perkiraan sehingga Anda dapat memutuskan apakah Anda ingin membuat investasi. Jika Anda berpikir Anda ingin menangani instalasi sendiri Anda selalu dapat membeli turbin angin DIY kit. Anda harus dapat menyelesaikan instalasi dengan beberapa alat yang dapat dengan mudah ditemukan di sekitar rumah.

Buka pikiran Anda hingga apa yang DIY turbin angin bisa lakukan untuk Anda dan keluarga Anda. Penghemat Daya Listrik Manfaat pasti yang jelas. Penghemat Listrik Anda bahkan dapat menginstal rumah turbin angin dengan bantuan dari seluruh keluarga. Tidak hanya dapat itu membuat hari kohesi yang baik juga bisa belajar pelajaran untuk anak-anak Anda untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang sumber Alat Hemat Listrik energi alternatif.

Jika Anda akan untuk memastikan rumah Anda menerima jumlah energi yang memadai Anda dapat selalu menginstal sistem lain. Jumlah energi yang anda dapat menghasilkan secara penghemat listrik langsung berhubungan dengan jumlah angin di daerah anda. Oleh karena itu DIY ekstra turbin angin dapat berguna untuk hari-hari ketika angin tidak terlalu aktif.

Inserito il 06 novembre 2009

People listening to policymakers debate the nation’s energy future might think: Just erect a lot of wind turbines, and problem solved. Or install a bunch of solar panels, and let the sun do the work.  However, renewable energy alternatives present costs and challenges just like traditional energy sources — coal, natural gas, nuclear and hydropower.  (read World-Herald article)