I have been wondering if certain areas could make alternative energy the basis of their economy, exporting it out to surrounding regions.
The area that I think about the most in this regard is Nevada (and parts of Wyoming). It seems to me that it would be the perfect place for large solar arrays, or wind farms. The place is desolate, with small farming towns, that really makes one wonder about the sanity of people who try and farm crops in the desert, or high plains. However the farming of energy, especially renewable energy would be ideal for boosting the local, and regional economy and providing for more secure and stable national energy environment.
The only problem I can see with this plan is transmission. I don't know the best way to get the energy from the middle of nowhere to the more energy consumptive cities.
My other energy thought comes from a show I saw on a German policy, where the legislature provided people with twice the amount of money for putting into the energy grid than it cost to withdraw from the grid. Basically there was no way that you could not make money if you installed a windmill or solar panels. The images shown were of thousands of houses with solar panels on them, solar panels on the side of the major roads, and out in the range land with cattle and sheep grazing beneath them.
I though this was a great idea. The government provided the proper incentive for people to make an initial, completely safe investment. Then when the bills term expires the country is blanketed with a renewable energy source and is less dependent on the more volatile international energy market. All that and it's good for the environment.
1 comment:
I agree that generating energy in less populated areas and moving it to more populated areas is a no brainer. You also have the added advantage of less political resistance in less populated areas. The problem with alternative energy, however, is whether or not it's economically feasible. I'll use hybrid cars as example. Hybrids offer better gas mileage but they cost more. Customers have to decide if the added mileage benefit is worth the cost to them. Unfortunatly, with the technology in its infancy, it isn't yet. A person would be better off economically by buying a fuel efficient normal car rather than a hybrid. Most consumers are rational and have figured this out. That's why Honda Fit sales are through the roof while Toyota Prius sales are down dramatically. The truth that proponents of alternative energy MUST understand is that consumers will not accept alternative energy until it is at least as economical as the traditional energy sources. You can legislate all you want, but the reality is that people will choose it when it's better for them.
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