Energy Breakthrough: Quickly, Please
President Bush says "Our nation is on the threshold of new energy technology that I think will startle the American people."
Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., questioned Bush's energy policies Monday, saying the administration also supports subsidies for luxury SUVs. *
I don't know if this is what the pres had in mind, but this does indeed look like a breakthrough (at some future date): Spray-On Solar-Power Cells, a product incorporating nanotechnology.
"The plastic material uses nanotechnology and contains the first solar cells able to harness the sun's invisible, infrared rays. The breakthrough has led theorists to predict that plastic solar cells could one day become five times more efficient than current solar cell technology."
What this means is that these collectors could take energy from anything that radiates heat--even in the dark!
You have to wonder how much faster such technologies could be developed if we focused a small fraction on R&D like this instead of spending it making good friends in the middle east. And timing does matter. We need to make this transition ASAP lest we be held hostage by those who hold control over the flow of oil. We need to find ways to run our civilizations that don't foul our nest, and that of our grandchildren. Please Mr. President, let's get our priorities in line.
Comments
Please send this to the white House, Fred. Not that I think it will make any real difference with the current Prez, but you are so right.
Posted by: kenju | February 21, 2006 7:29 AM
Hey, I've got it! Massive luxury SUVs have a dramatically higher surface area than smaller cars. Therefore, if we spray this material over an entire SUV, think of the environmental benefits of thousands of these beasts parked in mall parking lots throughout the country! Or not.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Pecor | February 21, 2006 12:08 PM
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Posted by: alison | February 21, 2006 2:22 PM
The president is looking into alternative energy and is budgeting for energy R&D. The market is responding by supplying energy-efficient appliances and automobiles. But all of this comes nowhere near what's needed to meet the demand by people like us.
I think this war is for our "right now" consumption of oil. We're simply not ready or able to switch off oil now are we?
Posted by: Jim | February 22, 2006 12:12 PM
Well, I think the consensus among those who never bought into the WMD excuse is that we're over there to maintain access to our thirst. What chaffes my fanny is that this administration has done almost nothing to encourage conservation or worked toward higher mpg requirements and has done everything to perpetuate business as usual. People like us need to use less--less heating oil in more efficient houses, less plastic, more locally grown products. I'll be encouraged when I see those things happening--not just spoken of at a photo op.
Posted by: fred1st | February 22, 2006 5:20 PM