So what is new – solar energy? wind energy? bio-fuels? electric vehicles? No, these and other energy and transportation technologies have been around for over a century. In the past 100 years, no single technology can make a legitimate claim as a new energy or transportation technology, rather than innovation there have been merely tweaks and incremental development of the technologies of over a century ago.
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Sun, gravity and rocks – what do they have in common? They are the ultimate source of virtually all energy on earth. All fossil fuels, such as coal and oil; wood; and biofuels are organic compounds resulting from the capture of solar energy by plant photosynthesis. Solar energy also powers the air currents that we call "wind" and plays a major role in the hydrologic cycle. The natural decay of radioactive elements in rocks, primarily uranium, thorium and probably potassium, is the major source of heat at the earth's core (geothermal energy) and the nuclear fission or fusion of highly refined (concentrated) radioactive elements provides energy for power plants and our "atomic" weapons. The force of Earth's can be converted into hydropower by harnessing running water, while the gravitational pull of the moon provides a largely unexploited source of tidal energy.
Sphere: Related ContentWorld-wide, business has always tried to “externalize” their costs, whenever and wherever possible passing costs on to the public. This has been especially true of the waste resulting from the manufacture and use of goods produced. Business has been able to increase its profits by dumping their waste products in our waterways, land and air; passing on treatment, or cleanup, costs to the public. Likewise, until recently business has had little, or no, incentive to produce energy-efficient and environmentally “clean” products. As energy costs have risen, and government regulations implemented energy-efficiency is now an accepted business consideration. In response to concerns about climate change, many nations are now addressing the disposal of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by large businesses. Unfortunately many have chosen to do so by means of a “cap and trade” scheme, which the United States government is currently considering (the euphemistically named “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009“).
Sphere: Related ContentLeast we overlook the obvious, the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow; but the demand for electrical power remains. As we rush headlong into the quest for renewable, non-polluting energy it is, perhaps, prudent to review the place of such alternative energy sources as wind and solar in the total energy system.
Sphere: Related ContentAfter several months delay due to political factors, Tata Motors of India today introduced their “peoples car”, the Nano. The basic model of the 33hp, 2-cylinder car is being sold at the previously announced target price of 100,000 rupees (approx. $1,980 US), plus taxes and fees. Two higher priced models add such amenities as heating and air conditioning and power windows.
Sphere: Related ContentIn the typical American house the roofs over our heads, the flakeboard sheathing, the structural beams, the floor underlayment, the carpeting and vinyl flooring, the cupboards, the paints, the pipes that supply our water and carry away our wastes; and even the insulation on our wires are all made from products derived from oil. The fertilizers that we apply to our lawns and to our agricultural fields are derived from petroleum and natural gas, as are virtually all of the medicines and other pharmaceutical products that we take to preserve our health. Detergents, the base of all of our cosmetics, and even “baby oil” and mineral oil are all petroleum products. Our “wash and wear” clothes depend upon polyester fiber made from petroleum, as are many other synthetic fibers used in clothing, an other fabric products. The tires on our cars and bicycles depend upon petroleum as does the asphalt surfaces that they travel on.
Sphere: Related ContentIntroduced in January 2008, by the mammoth Indian conglomerate Tata, the “Nano” will be the worlds cheapest car and among the smallest when it goes on sale this fall. Meeting the design target of a “1 lakh (100,000 rupees) Peoples Car” the Nano will cost the equivalent of $2,400 USD or 1,554 euros at today’s exchange rates. While a small car, the 4-door Nano is not merely an enlarged motor scooter but rather the result of some outstanding cost-reduction engineering.
Sphere: Related ContentOn September 29th, 1993, U.S. President Clinton, Vice-President Gore and automotive industry leaders announced a new federal/industry partnership to produce an safe, affordable, recyclable automobile with a mileage goal of 80 miles/gallon. The federal government would contribute funding and military technology, while industry would design and build the vehicles. Each of the "Big Three" partners showed hybrid diesel-electric "concept cars" in 2000, and was prepared to deliver working prototypes in 2002. However in January of 2002, after a federal investment of more that a billion dollars, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced that the Bush administration was canceling the project and initiating a new program "FreedomCAR" to promote pure hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Sphere: Related ContentIntroduced in 1908, the Model T Fords were produced until 1927. The Model T’s were powered by a small (about 20 hp) engine that burned either gasoline or ethanol. Depending upon fuel, driving conditions, and body style (at least 9 body styles, ranging from small roadsters to one-ton trucks were produced) mileage varied from about 13 to 21 mpg. More than 15 million Model T’s were produced before production was stopped in 1927. At that time, 9 out of 10 automobiles world-wide, was a Model T.
Sphere: Related ContentIf we are concerned about Global Climate Change, and are sincere in attempting to reduce our energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases, we must ensure that we compare the total energy consumption and emissions over the entire life cycles of current products and any proposed alternatives rather than just the actual period of usage. We must evaluate and compare the energy consumption and emissions during the total production cycle of the product and its components, the packaging, transportation, distribution and retailing, usage and finally the disposal/recycling at the end of its useful life. To do otherwise can be both misleading, or dishonest, and may result in the adoption/promotion of products that do more harm than good.
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