100 percent renewable by 2030

Mark Jacobsen of Stanford and Mark Delucchi of University of California have produced a paper which confirms what some of us have suspected, that it is possible to shift the world's energy production to 100 percent renewable by 2030. Their article is the cover story of the November Scientific American and their formula is a combination of wind, marine and solar energy. They point out that using renewables to generate power automatically provides significant efficiency because much less energy is wasted as heat such as in the combustion processes of traditional power generation.

The article addresses the "hour by hour" power demand and the need to significantly upgrade the transmission infrastructure. According to them, 100 percent renewable by 2030 is possible, it's feasible, but whether it's achievable may depend on how we support our renewable businesses and entrepreneurs, and what we say to our politicians and to our law makers.

There are competing elements in this new era, but change will happen. The question is, will it be done in time, and achieve our 100 percent renewable world by 2030?

The New Economy RE (<)C

All eyes turned this last few weeks to volatile stock markets, and the loss not just of the paper value of assets, but of confidence in the traditional systems that had lulled investors into a false sense of security. Change brings winners and losers, and among the winners will be those who seek the new and potentially profitable new directions.

One company who has already made its fortune by this strategic thinking is Google, and again it plots a course for those who can see ahead. Last year, Google launched its RE(<)C campaign which defines strategies for the US to develop renewable energy cheaper than electricity produced from coal. On the 1 October this year, Google announced Its Clean Energy 2030 plan, a concise but well thought out approach to a new energy future for the US. The site invites comments and debate, and it is presented as a "KNOL" - a unit of knowledge.

And the plan is for 0 (zero) use of coal by 2030!! Coal exporters be mindful of this plan. For the entrepreneurs - bottom line savings were estimated to be $US944 over 22 years, and much more if carbon credits are included. Other benefits outlined in the plan are huge reduction in CO2 emissions and large increases in new industry employment.

This plan offers a new direction. What is doesn't offer is a quick fix, or instant greed gratification for short term thinking. This is about our future - and about the new economy that will define that future.