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World Energy Modernization Plan

We propose a worldwide project to modernize the global energy infrastructure over the next 15-25 years. We believe the project would involve the willing participation of every country. It would restore an environment of security for future generations. It would raise living standards by contributing to increased economic growth in developing nations without compromising the continuing economic achievements of industrial nations.

THE CLIMATE CRISIS: INTRODUCING A SOLUTION

A properly financed, public-private global transition to high-efficiency and renewable energy technologies holds the potential for an unprecedented worldwide economic boom.

Global Warming Reaches 'Tipping Point,' Report Says

Human-fueled global warming has reached a "tipping point," according to a new survey of scientific research that found warming would continue even if greenhouse gas emissions halted immediately.

Drought Monitor

Across the United States, significant drought extended from the Desert Southwest eastward through the Southern Plains. Exceptional drought classification continued through parts of Texas and into adjacent sections of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The UN's Kyoto protocol meant to rein in global warming enters into force on Feb. 16 after years of delays with the United States on the sidelines:

CHINA IS ABOUT TO FLICK THE SWITCH ON A GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS

Forget global terrorism. One of the scariest stories today is how the Chinese are going to meet their energy demands over the next 20 years

Greenhouse Warming?

Green·house Gas

Green·house Gas ['grEn-"haus 'gas]. Any gas that absorbs infra-red radiation in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gases FAQ

Many chemical compounds present in Earth's atmosphere behave as 'greenhouse gases'. These are gases which allow direct sunlight (relative shortwave energy) to reach the Earth's surface unimpeded. As the shortwave energy (that in the visible and ultraviolet portion of the spectra) heats the surface, longer-wave (infrared) energy (heat) is reradiated to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb this energy, thereby allowing less heat to escape back to space, and 'trapping' it in the lower atmosphere.

Sea level rise 'is accelerating'

Global sea levels could rise by about 30cm during this century if current trends continue, a study warns.

Australian researchers found that sea levels rose by 19.5cm between 1870 and 2004, with accelerated rates in the final 50 years of that period.

Statement Concerning the Role of Water Vapor Feedback in Global Warming

I contend that the physics contained in current general circulation models (GCM’s) are still insufficient to have much confidence in their predicted magnitude of global warming.

Climate Change, Information on Three Air Pollutants' Climate

Solar radiation is absorbed by the earth and is subsequently reemitted. The buildup of carbon dioxide and certain other gases in the earth’s atmosphere traps some of that radiation. This is known as the greenhouse effect and is believed to contribute to a warming of the earth’s climate. Concerns are growing that, in addition to carbon dioxide and other conventional greenhouse gases, certain air pollutants may affect the climate.

How does the earth radiate?

About one half of the solar energy that reaches the atmosphere's outer limits from space actually hits the surface of the earth.  The other half of solar insolation is already reverberated (reflected) or taken up (absorbed) earlier on its way through the atmosphere.  It it thus by the remaining half that reaches the ground that the surface of the earth is heated.

All objects emit electromagnetic radiation continuously

All objects emit electromagnetic radiation continuously. The radiation emitted by a solid object (or a liquid) has certain fundamental characteristics which are described using the term ``blackbody radiation''. This term has nothing to do with an object's color, but instead it refers to how it absorbs and emits radiation. A blackbody is considered to be perfect absorber and emitter of energy (everything it absorbs it will emit back, with no energy lost).

RADIATION

Electromagnetic radiation can be thought of as energy traveling in the form of waves at the speed of light - 186,000 miles per second or 300,000 kilometers per second. It can also be described as a stream of massless, energetic particles knowns as photons.

Black Body Radiation

A black body is a theoretical object that absorbs 100% of the radiation that hits it. Therefore it reflects no radiation and appears perfectly black.

Star Temperatures

Blackbodies are objects that absorb all radiation falling on them. They then re-emit that radiation in a very specific range of wavelengths. Wien's Law states that the wavelength of the radiation emitted depends on the blackbody's temperature. You may have noticed, for example, that coals in a fire change colors as they become hotter or cooler. Blackbody emitters such as stars will be different colors depending on their temperatures.

Strategic Challenges for US China in Global Energy Supply

In the five years since the turn of the millennium, the world has grown to realize that the defining rivalry of the 21st Century may not be overtly religious or ideological, but overtly economic.

Investigate these sites for expansion of your horizons

Investigate these sites for expansion of your horizons!!

 

Rating the States for Energy Security

Rating the States for Energy Security

Since the attack on Sept. 11th, 2001 there has been a heightened awareness of the need to protect critical infrastructure previously thought to be secure from attack.

While 9/11 was "supposed to change the way we all think," in the energy realm there is little evidence of this.

Here's the latest statistics from EIA.  You'll need Microsoft's EXCEL to read them.

Use of Energy.xls

Fuel Consumption.xls

FuelConsumptionUS by unit.xls

 

RATEPAYER-FUNDED ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS IN A RESTRUCTURED ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY

Electric industry restructuring requires state regulators and legislators to re-examine the purposes served by and the continuing need for ratepayer-funded efficiency programs, as well as the mechanisms to collect funds for these programs and the institutions appropriate to administer them.

Regulating Electric Distribution Utilities as if Energy Efficiency Mattered

The electric industry in the U.S. is undergoing a substantial restructuring in an effort to interject competition into the electric generation market. At the same time, however, there are enduring societal interests associated with electricity which need to be considered. These include achieving reliable, least-cost electric supply and securing the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency.

A Review and Early Assessment of Public Benefit Policies Under Electric Restructuring

This document represents Volume 1 of a two-part study comprising the first comprehensive national review and assessment of public benefit policies and approaches being taken in states that have restructured their electric industry.

A Review and Early Assessment of Public Benefit Policies Under Electric Restructuring

This document is the second volume of a two-part study comprising the first comprehensive national review and assessment of public benefit policies and approaches being taken in states that have restructured their electric industry.

California's NetSystem Calc.pdf (posted 10/07/03)

California's_EnergyPolicyReport.pdf (posted 10/07/03)

California's_FINAL_REP_PHS_II.pdf (posted 10/07/03)

 

Nevada is Doing It!!!  (posted 3/10/03)

Carbon Dioxide Emissions from the Generation of Electric Power in the United States

Non-Utilites?  Their generation Capacity   (posted 3/10/03)

Reclassification of Electric Utility Plants 

(A utility company becomes a "NonUtility" posted 3/10/03)

Total of United States Production of Electricity (posted 3/10/03)

REPP

Renewable Energy Project, an active peer helping in the South.

UK Million Solar Roofs

An interesting account of what is happening in the United Kingdom. Their "Million Solar Roofs".

Implications of Policy Options in CA 

An analysis of the California "crisis" and what caused it. A re-writing of a study by the RAND group.

California Incentives Program Faces Changes  by Peter Carvelli

Colorado Builds Momentum on Performance Contracting

Move Nevada to Unprecedented Energy Independence

 

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