I do think that ultimately the solution to our energy problems lies with something exotic like cold fusion or zero point energy. I have been following developments in both of these fields, the potential energy that they could tap would easily end our energy problems forever. I do think there is more to both of these ideas than the general public has been led to believe there is (even the U.S. Navy has endorsed cold fusion at this point). Certainly government and mainstream industry have shown little to no interest in pursuing these revolutionary energy technologies that would end the current fossil fuel and nuclear energy bonanza. Not so much a conspiracy, as much as just an indifference to developing competing new technologies (why put themselves out of business?)
If people think this is all conspiracy nonsense, they should take a look at just how much money is tied up in the current energy regime. Trillions! Energy is the biggest most profitable industry on earth. There are an inherent reasons for these interests not to promote their competition.
All that being said, one interesting development in recent years is that it is becoming apparent that more conventional alternative energy technologies have advanced far enough that they could be used to radical change the current energy regime. For example, solar and battery technologies have improved to the point where any homeowner with some spare cash can declare energy independence and go solar for 100% of their electricity needs with a payback within 10 years for their investment. Heating and cooling could be provided by geothermal, using solar electric to supplement it. This situation will only improve in coming years as solar, geothermal and battery technologies improve and drop in price.
Same with auto transport. Tinkerers are proving that plug-in hybrids can be built for $3,000 more that increase gas mileage to an incredible 150 Mpg. That's only the beginning. Costs will come down with mass production and Mpgs will go up. Combine plug-in hybrids with flex-i-fuel vehicles and use ethanol or biodiesel to run the hydrocarbon portion of the ride and you're 100% petroleum free! Or, take it in another direction and go 100% electric, plug-in hybrids are just a step away from full electrics, and once again you're 100% petroleum free! Get that electric from solar or other renewables and then you're really energy independent.
Pie-in-the sky? Not in 2005. More like just having the will to do so, and some spare cash (not a tremendous amount, but it would take a small investment). Tinkerers have proven this can be done with off-the-shelf technology. It would get even more practical in coming years as efficiency increases and costs come down.
Cost of your energy independence declaration in 2005!
Solar system, strong enough to provide electricity needs for a 1,200 sq. ft home using the most modern energy efficient appliances and lighting, figuring a 50% drop in energy consumption over a typical American household with no drop in comfort. A 50% drop or more in energy consumption is very practical in 2005 with off-the-shelf technology from efficient ACs and refrigerators to florescent lighting (an energy enthusiasts will live frugally). Say upgrading all your appliances will cost $5,000 (not necessary, but it makes achieving energy independence easier). Assume about 140 Kwh or consumption per month.
A 2 kw solar system for $15,000.00 to provide all the energy needs for a 140 Kwh home (a home that didn't invest the $5,000 in energy efficiency would have to install a 4 kw solar system for $30,000.00 (which is why the $5,000 investment in more efficient appliance makes sense). Solar is another off-the-shelf technology currently available.
Energy independent heating/cooling could be attained by either expanding the solar system to 3 kW to provide enough electric for electric heat in the winter or more reliably, by choosing geothermal. We'll assume most people would want to go the geothermal route, as it is much more reliable than the sun in wintertime. A 3 ton geothermal system would cost $18,000 for a 1,200 sq. ft. house. Another off-the-shelf technology.
A plug-in hybrid running on ethanol for transportation. A modified plug-in Prius would add about $3,000 to the cost of the car. Ethanol is actually cheaper than gasoline now, so that would be an cost savings overall for the little bit of hydrocarbons you needed to extend your trip. If you work and drive almost exclusively locally, then a full electric could be sufficient for your travel needs.
So, let's add it all up:
New energy efficient appliances: $5,000.00
A 2 kw Solar System for electric needs: $15,000.00
a 3 ton Geothermal Heating/Cooling system: $18,000.00
A Plug-In Hybrid: $3,000.00
Your energy independence in 2005 can be done for $41,000.00.
State and federal tax credits could reduce this cost some more. My state offers a 70% rebate for a solar installation. So, my 2 kw solar system would only cost $4,500. My state also provides a $4,500 rebate for a 3 ton geothermal system, so, going the geothermal route would cost $13,500. This would bring my overall energy independence costs down to $26,000.
There you have it, a person living in an energy efficient 1,200 sq. ft. house in New Jersey in 2005 can go 100% energy independent with off-the-shelf technology for $26,000!
Now, if we were serious about solving our energy problems, we would, as a society, provide massive subsidies at both the state and federal levels to move people towards energy independence and build demonstration projects to prove it can be done. It's all a matter of putting the pieces together. |
