05 Energy – Page 18 – Public Intelligence Blog

2015/02/09

SchwartzReport: Norway Dumps Fossil Investments

03 Economy, 05 Energy, 07 Health, 08 Wild Cards, 11 Society, Ethics, Government

This is very positive news. The evolution of non-carbon energy into not one but several alternatives that are both non-polluting and cheaper coupled with the divestiture movement is proceeding change faster than anyone foresaw. Both trends represent the success that is possible by taking the most compassionate and life-affirming option of those available. This is also a story illustrating how a small group of individuals without official position, power, or personal wealth can create life-affirming social change. Norway holds particular interest in all this for me because it is an entire country pursuing a wellness-oriented social order. It has made Norweigan culture one of the most impressive in the world, and it is reasonable to ask: why aren't other nations following suit?

First Country in the World Dumps Fossil Fuels As Divestment Movement Heats Up

2015/02/072015/02/07

SchwartzReport: Wind-Powered Freighters

05 Energy

We tend to think of ships in pretty set and conventional ways. If I say a freighter you probably immediately have a an image in your mind. But one of the most interesting aspects of the conversion out of the carbon energy era is the development of wind-powered ships. This is not a small deal. As the report explains 90 per cent of the worlds trading goods move by ship at some point. This new technology it is estimated will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 per cent.

Wind-powered freighters

To make ships more eco-efficient, engineers have been working with alternative fuels. A Norwegian engineer is currently pursuing a new approach: With VindskipTM, he has designed a cargo ship that is powered by wind and gas. Software developed by Fraunhofer researchers will ensure an optimum use of the available wind energy at any time. Read full press release.

2015/02/02

SchwartzReport: Is Fracking Really Dying?

03 Environmental Degradation, 05 Energy

The corporate control of the U.S. Congress, and many state legislatures, may not be enough to protect the Fracking component of the carbon energy industry. Non-carbon energy and falling oil prices have combined to strongly and negatively impact this toxic and dangerous technology. I think this is very good news.

Is Fracking Really Dying?

2015/02/01

SchwartzReport: Community-Owned Energy — Nebraska Leads the Way

05 Energy

This is a wonderful article. Here is real data about community owned energy generation. It is a model we should work for in every state. Actually I would prefer it more decentralized, and I think that is going to happen. On the island where I live and I am going to see if I can help set this process in motion.

Community-Owned Energy: How Nebraska Became the Only State to Bring Everyone Power From a Public Grid

2015/01/24

SchwartzReport: Solar & Wind Energy Edge Ahead

05 Energy

Here is the latest good news about the trend shifting us out of carbon energy. I see more and more of these stories and they lead me to believe that this transition is going to happen more quickly than most planners assumed.

Solar trees are taking root around the world

Sologic’s sustainable eTree provides free WiFi, a cold drink and more.

Huge New Area Soon To Open For Offshore Wind Power In New England

Phi Beta Iota: Birds are routing around the wind farms — they are not wiping out birds as originally feared.

2015/01/22

Jean Lievins: Utility 3.0: How to Democratize Energy in the U.S.

05 Energy, Civil Society, Ethics

Utility 3.0: How to Democratize Energy in the U.S.

As the U.S. turns to renewable energy, the question remains: who will benefit?

Among those concerned with the United States' energy future—including, increasingly, the utility companies themselves—the business model known as “Utility 2.0” appears as a beacon of hope. Utility 2.0 addresses the concerns of both energy watchdogs and conventional electricity utilities by offering the latter financial incentives to adopt greener, more flexible infrastructure. But while this new paradigm presents solutions to many of the problems associated with centralized, fossil fuel-reliant power grids, some argue that it does not go far enough.

Continue reading “Jean Lievins: Utility 3.0: How to Democratize Energy in the U.S.”

2015/01/182015/01/18

Owl: Saudis Killing Fracking – No Floor Price in Sight for Oil

05 Energy, 08 Wild Cards

End of Fracking Revolution May Be Very Near

The recent drop in oil prices is not likely temporary, as indicated in this article. That's because the real target of OPEC is widespread fracking operations in North America and elsewhere, which OPEC appears to regard as enough of a threat to the oil industry to require drastically lowering oil prices over the long term, and this will kill the fracking industry, a development to be seen as good news to those who believe fracking is a threat to the environment:

Continue reading “Owl: Saudis Killing Fracking – No Floor Price in Sight for Oil”