Number of questions: [4]
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Posted on 25/05/2007 20:20:52 |
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I live in Alaska, USA. At this point, there are plans that a local regional power cooperative has in place to constuct a 100 MegaWatt Natural Gas/100 MegaWatt Coal power plant. Many members of this cooperative, including myself are strongly opposed to this construction due to its continuation of the dependance on fossil fuels and the environmental implications involved. We, the members, are given answers from the board of directors that this is the cheapest solution available for the cooperative dispite the strong availability of renewable energy sources in Alaska. I would like to know if there are financial resources available to help subsidize a healthier plan of integrated renewable facilities, therefore relieving the financial burden on the cooperative and answering the board members concerns. Are such financial resources available?
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Allison Van Eck (from United States of America)
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Dear Allison Van Eck,
Renewable energy is expensive compared to conventional fuels such as coal and Natural Gas in the current paradigm where these fuels have built-in subsidies and costs they impose on environment are not considered. To address these issues and promote renewable energy, a variety of legislative measures have been used in developed countries in the EU and also in several States in the US. Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has been implemented by 21 States in the US and according to a recent LBL study (http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/ems/reports/61580.pdf ) it had only marginal impact on the retail price of electricity to customers (less than 1% according to a majority of studies on RPS). Alaska could also implement RPS and in my opinion that is the best bet for ensuring that renewable energy takes precedence over fossil fuels. Federal and State incentives for renewable energy in the US can also be investigated (http://www.dsireusa.org/) but may not be sufficient for a big shift like this from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
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Posted on 25/05/2007 08:41:16 |
1.Do you believe or agree with what the climate and energy experts are saying that Biofuels will be part of the climate solution.
2. Are renewable energies a living solution for climate change and how long will it take for a place like Africa fully embrace this technologies, thank you
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Veronica Ngumi (from Kenya)
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Dear Veronica Ngumi,
I do believe that biofuels will play an important role in solving the climate change problem in short and medium term. There is a concern about unbridled use of biofuels as a solution to climate change problem, which may need careful scrutiny before they are deployed for certain end uses, and scale of their application. I see role of biofuels more important as an energy and electricity source for livelihood applications in several developing countries, where conditions are suitable for their production and application.
Renewable energy is seen as one of the important components of climate change solution. Again, its importance lies in addressing problem of energy security for many countries. For developing countries, renewable energy is important from energy access and energy security perspective, besides its potential to reduce indoor pollution. Renewable energy technologies are still expensive and need support and a suitable national policy framework for their deployment.
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Posted on 25/05/2007 08:33:49 |
Mr. Painuly
My name is Robert Petrina and I am a first year MBA at Cornell University. Prior to my MBA, I have been in the solar industry for more 5 years with Astropower, General Electric and a smaller startup. This summer I will work with a major Chinese firm and I would like to open their eyes to the opportunities at the base of the pyramid.
Could you please let me know more about your project "Financing PV Solar Home Systems in South India" and perhaps we can begin a dialogue going forward.
Respectfully,
Robert Petrina
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Robert Petrina (from United States of America)
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Dear Robert,
It is interesting to know that you intend to take the approach we used in PV Solar Home Systems (SHS) in South India to China.
Let me briefly tell you about the project; we worked with two major banks in South India in kick-starting their loan scheme for SHS. We basically provided them ; (a) technical support by drawing up the technical specification for SHS and vendor qualification criteria, and preparing a panel of vendors who met the criteria, (b) Support for marketing and awareness, and (c) limited financial support to provide interest subsidy (declining with a phase-out provision over a period of 2.5 years). You can find more information about the project at http://uneprisoe.org/IndiaSolar/IndiaSolar.htm. I will also be happy to email the Annual Progress Report of the project to you, if you send your email address to me on j.p.painuly@risoe.dk.
SHS are suitable where grid power is not available or grid is unreliable, leaving you without lighting when you need it.
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Posted on 25/05/2007 04:57:26 |
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What strategies do you propose for educating policy-makers in your area of specialization?
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Centre for Environment Education (from India)
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Dear CEE,
Your question is very interesting and may have multiple answers depending on individual experiences in this area.
I think strategy to sensitize policy makers will vary depending on their expertize and need. So first it is essential to assess their needs and expertize, decide what you can contribute, and then design a strategy. Again, implementation of your strategy will depend on how open they are to your intervention in this area. It may sometimes need to be indirect. We work through local institutions in various developing countries, identify needs and experts. To illustrate our approach, we, for example, supported Forum for Energy Ministers in Africa in fulfilling its role as an institution providing political leadership, policy direction and advocacy on energy issues in Africa. It is through projects in countries in South Asia and East Asia, where our counterpart institutions interact with policy makers during the project implementation. Relevant governmental institutions are involved, whenever feasible. Results of the projects are disseminated which also helps sensitize policy makers.
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