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Naval Reactors Demonstrate Shortened Construction Time is Safe and Well-Proven

September 24, 2010

Analysis of:New nuclear construction could be cut to 36 months | www.powergenworldwide.com

A substantial portion of the cost of nuclear power plants in the US is attributable to overly complex environmental regulation, the insistence of US Power Producers on customized designs and a bureaucratic review process.  All of which can be streamlined.

Reality Strikes Again

August 19, 2009

Analysis of:Solar-Energy Loses Some Shine | online.wsj.com

Photovoltaic panels are very inefficient and can only be deployed economically directly connected to the end user. Photovoltaic Solar farms connected to the grid only exist because they are subsidized. The real cost of petroleum has to be considered - not the OPEC price. So-called renewable sources of energy can compete only when deployed intelligently, not to take advantage of transient subsidies and other government support. 

Fundamental Flaw in Pickens'. Plan

July 20, 2009

Analysis of:Billionaire Pickens Shelves Massive Wind Farm Project in Texas | e360.yale.edu

Pickens' goal to replace foreign oil with domestic wind power and natural gas is fundamentally sound but the architecture is flawed. Wind and photo-voltaic solar are low power density sources of energy.  It is a mistake to concentrate them in large fields and transmit the resulting electrical power over long distances.

Inappropriate Use of Wind Power

April 22, 2009

Analysis of:UPDATE 1-FERC clears incentives for ITC's wind line project | www.cnbc.com

This is exactly the type of project that should be rejected - not supported.  Wind power is low power density and should be located as close as possible to the ultimate consumer. High power density generators should be remote from the consumer. Subsidy is the only reason this project exists.

Reality Strikes Again

December 11, 2008

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

All of the "Alternative Energy" sources cited in the article suffer from two fatal flaws; low power density + high capital cost to achieve power supply levels equivalent to "traditional" sources.

Saudis Want $75/Barrel and $50/Barrel Seems Cheap - NOT!

December 10, 2008

Analysis of:Oil jumps 6 percent after 4-year low | www.reuters.com

Of course the Saudi's want $75/barrel - the cost of producing a barrel of Saudi Light Crude is less than $5/barrel at the well head. $50/barrel seem cheap only because you paid $125/barrel. $30/barrel as an average worldwide price is fair and economic.

Reality Strikes Again

December 10, 2008

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

All of the "Alternative Energy" sources cited in the article suffer from two fatal flaws; low power density + high capital cost to achieve power supply levels equivalent to "traditional" sources.

Ocean Currents Can Provide Electrical Energy but Practical Problems Persist

December 3, 2008

Analysis of:USA-Ocean currents can power the world, say scientists | www.telegraph.co.uk

Although the idea is interesting it suffers from two potential fatal flaws: 1. The power density is quite low.  The article provides an example of a 1.0 km by 1.5 km farm  producing enough electricity to power 1,000 homes; and 2. The design reveals a lack of understanding the magnitude of the forces encountered in waves and ocean currents. Undershot turbines suspended from platforms similar to off-shore drill rigs are more practical and can operate effectively in currents with speeds as low as 3 kts; such as the Gulf Stream.

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