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Renewable Energy – Government support unnecessary

December 17, 2008

Analysis of:Alternative energy ideas power down | www.delawareonline.com

Renewable energy projects are still going ahead in many parts of the world in spite of the reluctance of some of the high profile project developers such as T Boone Pickens to proceed with their ideas in the current climate.  One wonders whether the basis of their development proposals was really simply attention seeking.  There are many new developments currently being quietly commercialised right now that have the ability to make non-renewable power generation look archaic.  In spite of any economic downturn, investors still need to invest to make money and it is simply a matter of identifying appropriate projects with secure futures for them to invest in.  Government subsidies and support are not one of the requirements for such projects and by their existence government incentives imply that the project is not inherently viable.

Biochar - waste disposal, electricity generation, agricultural boost and sequestered carbon

December 9, 2008

Analysis of:Carbon: The Biochar Solution | www.time.com

Biochar is indeed one very viable and holistic solution to several of the problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions.  But implications go way beyond those mentioned in this article.  Not only can the production of Biochar utilize waste materials and enhance agricultural production, but the Biochar in the soil is permanently sequestered, and during its production, electricity can be generated – substituting or fossil fuel generation.

Biochar - waste disposal, electricity generation, agricultural boost and sequestered carbon

December 9, 2008

Analysis of:Carbon: The Biochar Solution | www.time.com

Biochar is indeed one very viable and holistic solution to several of the problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions.  But implications go way beyond those mentioned in this article.  Not only can the production of Biochar utilize waste materials and enhance agricultural production, but the Biochar in the soil is permanently sequestered, and during its production, electricity can be generated – substituting for fossil fuel generation

Extreme concentrated solar will be a key component of future sustainable energy.

November 11, 2008

Analysis of:"The technology that will save humanity" | www.salon.com

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) has an advantage is its ability to store for a time, the heat that is produced.  It can therefore generate power for a while when the sun is not shining.  But it does not utilise the concentrated light very efficiently.  Everyone thinks that directly generated cost-effective solar electricity is a long way off.  It is not.  It is just around the corner and when the thermal side is added to the photovoltaic side, the overall efficiency will rise even more.  This will be the major energy source of the 21st century.

New Zeland very active in developing and using second generation bioenergy

June 10, 2008

Analysis of: New biofuel sources may not be food, but they could prove invasive | www.iht.com

New Zealand is utilizing waste material from forest for bioenergy.  We have a long history of development and use of bioenergy.  There are several approaches that can be taken that are environmentally, socially and commercially sound.

Harvesting Underwater Timber is Feasible

November 1, 2007

Analysis of:A Man Has a Plan To Harvest a Forest In Ghanaian Lake | www.modernghana.com

Wood quality should be fine if handled properly on exposure to the air.  There is plenty of experience of harvesting swamp buried timber in NZ. Existing technology can be modified for such lake harvesting. Because of water displacement, the weight of trees underwater is considerably less than weight of the same sized trees in the air. Environmental concerns expressed in the article are lacking in validity.

Cellulosic Biofuel Without any Subsidies is the Answer

November 1, 2007

Analysis of:Global Backlash on Biofuels Could Overshadow Future Potential, Says Worldwatch Institute | soyatech.com

Worldwatch Institute is correct regarding the bad press generated by the northern hemisphere's unbalanced rush into first generation biofuel. Remove government subsidies as is the case in New Zealand and things will approach a more normal, sensible, and financially and environmentally secure path. NZ companies including Taharo C, a large Maori Incorporation, are proceeding with this more correct and sustainable approach. The rest of the world would benefit from looking at, and investing, in the non-subsidized activities in NZ so that the benefits can be used internationally.

Rebuttal of negative claims about biofuel by "top scientist"

June 18, 2007

Analysis of:Top Scientist says biofuels are scam | www.timesonline.co.uk

Generalisations such as that quoted statement that "biofuels are a scam because forests are burnt to make way for (bio)crops"  are not only irresponsible but almost always factually incorrect when examined more closely.  The range of biofuels and biofuel feedstocks is so broad that no honest and informed assessment of them all could give rise to any rational generalisation.  Most purpose grown biofuel crops in the world are grown on existing agricultural land where the alternative crop gives a poorer return while many, perhaps most biofuels are made from existing waste streams.

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