Thank you to all!

I just want to send a note of personal thanks to everyone who has helped Energy2025 grow. Because of you, this blog has gained considerable "traction" - and (hopefully) is helping to make a difference in how we think about energy independence and renewable energy. In some small way, my true hope is for world peace - by not having our need for energy be a motivation for violent transgressions against others. Nor be beholden to any other country for our energy needs.

I am doing what I can to build a Renewable Energy Technology Accelerator (NXergy, Inc.) in Portland, Oregon. This is important work that needs to be done. I believe we can all do well by doing good. I hope you do, too.

Happy New Year!

Effects of tight credit on alternative energy

The economic situation (tight credit, competitive pricing, and subsidies) affect the health of th alternative energy sector: Dirk Lammers, AP Energy Writer reports. (Also from the article: "The cleantech renewable energy sector will be the first to emerge when the market stabilizes.")

Utilities seek $33 Billion for energy efficiencies

A utility association that represents 70 percent of the U.S. power industry called on Congress and the new administration to jump-start the economy by helping Americans save energy.

Although energy efficiency is an excellent investment, the reader should decide for themselves if the free-market-breaking proposition is the best use of $s.

Exponential Times

It struck me that during the Great Depression, it took about 5 years before the Government started considering injecting significant currency into the markets. In January of 2008, we were worried about inflation. It's taken less than 12 months for the US Government to start pumping liquidity into the market. Another interesting fact: It took about ten years after the Great Depression for the US Government to issue bonds that carried a negative interest rate. This time, it took less than 6 months, after the stock market nose-dived.

I believe with the "speed of information travel" being SO fast (and getting faster), that we are in "exponential times".

If we think that societies' "speed" will not create a significant energy demand surge, then we're kidding ourselves. The recession may last a few years, but soon - the economy will roar back. The investments we make (in renewable energy & energy-efficient technologies) now will pay significant dividends, later. However (=opinion alert=), if we do not invest now, the U.S. will become a third-world nation.

Obama drops windfall profits tax

Although controversial, Obama has dropped his plans to tax windfall profits. As explained in The 21st Century Energy Initiative, this is a good thing. However, investments in alternative solutions should be encouraged.

Carbon future prices? $50 a ton

According to Greg Burns of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Climate Futures Exchange launched a new set of carbon-credit contracts. The price for 2013 carbon this week? $50 a ton.

Politics at its finest

First, I must apologize for getting off-topic. However, I just had to post a couple gems that you might also find interesting:

[1] Obama's donors asked to help pay Clinton's debts.
[2] President Clinton earns $85 million since leaving office (> $10 million per year, average).
[3] Obama's campaign has $30 million remaining.

I post. You decide.

Now... back to energy independence...