[A scientist was addressing a luncheon gathering and mentioned that the sun would burn out in 4 billion years. A woman in the front, alarmed, asked him to repeat the number, which he did. “Thank goodness!” she exclaimed, “I thought you said ‘million'” Traditional physicist joke.]
Many of those writing on oil markets, energy security, commodity prices, and energy policy often cite, with great authority, the fact that “X is finite.” This can be seen both in the general press, such as the recent story in the New York Times on Abu Dhabi’s effort to diversify away from oil revenue, and in more detailed reports, such as the one written for the Army: “Energy Trends and Their Implication for US Army Installations.”
In the words of Vijay Vaitheeswaran of the Economist, “So what?” …
Continue ReadingInvestment in energy-efficient light bulbs would, in 5 years, save more than 5 times as much energy as an equal investment in a wind turbine would produce in 20 years.
This fact is clearly demonstrated with simple arithmetic!…
Continue ReadingAlso in USA Today, it’s reported that the Mineral Management Service has given the green light to the Cape Wind project, which has been fought by the Kennedy’s as a visual blight from the giant Kennedy Compound. The MMS announced that it sees no major environmental problems with the project, which would take it one step closer to actual development.
Cape wind would put up about 130 windmills on about 25 square miles of ocean. The wind turbines would be 400 feet tall with a blade pointing upward. supposedly, Cape Wind could produce 75% of Cape Cod’s power demand, though my bet is they’re talking about installed capacity, rather than actual probable power generation from fickle winds). Fighting Cape Wind has been a family exercise for the Kennedys, with Robert Kennedy Jr.…
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