Energy Policy

With the recent passing of the stimulus package and the focus of alternative energy, the driving force of energy policy seems to have shifted to be more "green." The success of the administration will depend upon the economics of the situation. From the previous in class speakers, the central issue of their effectiveness was the economics. Is green living cheaper? It would seem using renewable sources, a common thread in the stimulas package would do so. All of the speakers we have heard addressed this and concluded that their various methods. As a Delaware resident, one policy that has shifted, at least in my region, is higher environmental standards on recycling and energy effeicent homes. Companies like Dupont have capitlized on this and begun seeling products to reduce energy output of homes. Other companies like wastemangement have done similar things for recycling. What this translates to, at least for me, is that energy policy is "green" becasue it reflects the economic climate of saving money. No policy with be successful, especially in the recession, if it does not save money nad provide a benefit. Maybe for grad school or for a project, I would like to do a study to see how much more people are willing to pay for alterntive energy vs. fossil fuels. Would people/companes be so encouraging and supportive if people paid more? My guess would be it depends on your income bracket.

Offshore Wind Energy

The lecture regarding offshore wind energy in Delaware essentially encapsulated the general ideas we had disscussed regarding the issue. It seems that Delaware will be the first to utilize offshore wind power as the contracts are already in place. The lecture focused essentially on examing the policy, procedure, and energy availabilty that will be utilized in Delaware. The project will occur off the shore of Rehoboth Beach and will be 12 miles out. The project will have at least 200 turbines but would like to expand to 600. Delaware is trying to sell this energy source to other states becasue it is so viable. The environmental impacts are numerous and seem to outweigh the finical burden placed on the project. With it staggering 1 billion dollar price tag, this turbines may help power 17 different states. What I found most interesting was that technology may allow turbines to be on floating platforms which will allow them to be further out in the ocean. This just seemed like a benefical innovation as different wind sources can used and other regions may be able to use this source.

Landiflls as energy

The use of landills as an energy source have appeared before in my studies. The concpet behind it involves utilizing the methane gas produced from landfills as a source of engergy. Essentially, this is an ideal situation becuase methane gas is a greenhouse gas and therefore a contributor to gloabl warming. Chemically, methane is considered to be worse for the enviornment than CO2, there is just less present in the atmosphere. Utilizing it as an alternative energy source is then, in a sense, a "perfect storm" for the environemnt because waste is used in a green manner. This concpet has become increasingly popular because it is easily attainable and productive. Unlike offshore wind power, this technolgy is being utilized. Here is an example of this being utilized and its effectiveness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYR1XtfFqQM

Energy In the US

The use of energy is directly connected with the populace, advancement of technology, and economic ability to provide enregy. The course reading described how in thedifferent forms of energy and which types of energy are utilized for proudction. There is disconnect in AMerican society and energy, in that most people do not realize the complexity of energy. By turning on a switch people do not understand the implications or orgins of power consumption because there is an "abundance" of energy for US citizens. On the other hand, there are millions throughout the world without the same energy availabilty. The lifestyle and energy seen in the US has created much of the pollution throughout the world. Again there is a definte dispropotion with the energy created by the US and the rest of world.

Bluewater Talk

On Wednesday a spokesman from Bluewater addressed the issues and actions of his company, the one who is in charge of the projects we have been discussing. Overall, I was impressed by his presentation and what the company was doing. The previous class discussions had answered many of the issues surronding wind power today. The most remarkable item I found was how far we are behind in windpower compared to Europe. In the video he showed, Denmark's view of windpowere was extrremely different and supportive. The wind turbines were built adjacent to the city and were clearly visible. This would never last in the US which highlights the difference in perception. Also, the most limiting factor which I gathered was that economics can determine more of the direction of windpower than anything else. Yet, there are 10 projects planned and hopefully they can be successful. I live in a region in which they are building a project and I personally support its use.