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JDCanuck
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By Fall this year, Alberta, the province with the highest thermal coal deposits will be entirely free of coal fired power plants, without resorting to
nuclear power. This transition began in late 1970's by the utilities , but was claimed by the government to be their initiative around 2010. Twice
this year so far the grid as been supplied by zero coal sourced power. Renewables are the fastest growing source of energy still, but greenhouse gases
have been cut by over 50% overall so far, mainly through transition to natural gas and ongoing CCS initiatives to reach net zero in the near future.
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/for-the-first-time-in-...
Meanwhile the costs of renewable sourced energy from wind and solar continues to decline while alternatives become more and more expensive.
https://www.irena.org/Publications/2023/Aug/Renewable-power-...
In 2010, the global weighted average LCOE of onshore wind was 95% higher than the lowest fossil fuel-fired cost; in 2022, the global weighted average
LCOE of new onshore wind projects was 52% lower than the cheapest fossil fuel-fired solutions.
However, this improvement was surpassed by that of solar PV. This renewable power source was 710% more expensive than the cheapest fossil fuel-fired
solution in 2010 but cost 29% less than the cheapest fossil fuel-fired solution in 2022.
For those of you interested in solar power in Baja, the cost has never been lower and you are fortunate enough to be living in the highest solar gain
area of Canada, US and Mexico, especially if you are on the pacific coast near or north of Todos Santos,.
We experienced over 5.5 times the rated capacity per day on average throughout the year, with about 1/2 of that capability unused due to inability to
phase in extra loads after the batteries were completely recharged in the afternoon periods in a 100% solar powered 2600 sq ft home. Before we sold
the home, we were testing out atmospheric water generation to use that additional excess. This will likely be the next big challenge for the area,
followed by EV vehicle recharging.
[Edited on 3-21-2024 by JDCanuck]
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Lobsterman
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Goat and S are not the only experts on renewables and their total cost, benefits and shortcomings they produce. Here's an article I read this morning
before my day starts.
There is always "the other side of the story (Paul Harvey)" as documented below by Dr. Timothy G. Nash. He is vice president emeritus of Northwood
University and the director of the university’s McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
"Proof that Wind and Solar are disasters, and the energy America really needs.
Forget the "science is settled." With energy policy, settling on the best energy sources is more important. Unfortunately, the debate over energy is
dominated by agenda-driven outbursts and misleading statistics, from activists and governmental officials alike. That’s why we released a
comprehensive report card that reviews every major energy source's benefits (and limitations).
We’re "grading the grid," so lawmakers and regulators don’t enact policies that are doomed to fail. Our analysis, the first of its kind, takes a
holistic look at America's eight most important energy sources: natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, coal, petroleum, geothermal and hydroelectric.
Most analyses look only at one or two factors with each energy source – usually cost. By contrast, we look at five key factors: reliability,
feasibility, technological innovation, environmental and human impact, and cost. We assigned a one to 10 score in each category, averaging them for a
letter grade.
We conclude that natural gas is the best energy source – and the only one to get an A. Its reliability and feasibility are high because natural gas
plants can be ramped up and down to meet changing demand and are easy to build. At the same time, it gets a high grade for environmental and human
impact, with ongoing innovation making natural gas cleaner with every passing year. And natural gas gets the highest grade for cost, because, when all
associated costs are factored in, it’s our most affordable energy option.
What about coal and petroleum, the other traditional fossil fuels? They get, respectively, 80% and 70%. While it is reliable, petroleum has lower
feasibility and higher costs, with little demand for increased use.
As for coal, it’s still broadly affordable, reliable and innovative (which helps lower its environmental impact). But it’s becoming less feasible,
especially because of government policies. Coal produces a smaller share of U.S. electricity every year, and absent a major shift in policy, that
declining trend is all but certain to continue.
What about nuclear? It gets a B+, with a score of 88%. It has the best environmental and human impact, since it’s completely clean and is seeing
significant technological innovation. It’s also tied for being the most reliable since nuclear plants can run uninterrupted for years at a time.
Nuclear energy’s small drawbacks are feasibility and cost, yet neither is inherent. Government policy has dramatically increased nuclear energy’s
price tag (mostly during construction), while regulatory pressure makes it harder to bring to market. With a change in policy, nuclear power could
compete with natural gas for the highest grade.
Then there are the four main renewables – hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and solar.
Hydroelectric gets a B-, with 80%. That includes a perfect 10 for reliability since it can generate power on demand. It also gets high marks for cost,
innovation and environmental impact. Yet hydroelectric falls short on market feasibility. The easiest dams to build went up decades ago in the
locations where big dams can be located. It’s hard to envision a dramatic expansion in hydroelectric power.
As for geothermal, it gets a D+. While clean, it requires unique geographical conditions, making it hard (and expensive) to spread.
Finally, there’s wind and solar. Both get failing grades: 56% and 58%, respectively. While an "F" may surprise some, the grade reflects the nature
of our holistic review, which looks beyond headlines to hard data.
Much of the praise for wind and solar comes down to cost, with the federal government labeling them the most affordable energy sources. Yet federal
estimates only look at the cost of new electricity generation, ignoring the more affordable generation that comes from existing plants that have paid
off their construction costs.
Nor does the federal government analyze the full cost of wind and solar, which involves taxpayer subsidies, not just utility rates. We estimate that
when everything is accounted for, wind power can cost as much as 500% more than federal estimates.
Wind and solar also get low grades for their environmental and human impact. While the energy they produce is referred to as renewable, they both
require massive increases in mineral extraction.
Their manufacture also relies on forced labor (such as the Uyghurs in China) and even children (such as de facto slaves in Congo). They require
significant land use, threatening wildlife and huge swaths of nature. Finally, they’re inherently unreliable, since the wind isn’t always blowing,
nor the sun always shining. As many parts of the U.S. are learning, more wind and solar power means more blackouts.
Energy policy should be based on facts, not hopes and dreams. Our study shows that the best way to pursue a cleaner future – one that’s
economically affordable, reliable and clean – is to double down on natural gas and nuclear.
The worst path is more solar and wind, yet that’s the road that policymakers have chosen. By choosing energy sources that get failing grades,
policymakers are setting America itself up for failure."
Dr. Timothy G. Nash is vice president emeritus of Northwood University and the director of the university’s McNair Center for the Advancement of
Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
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RFClark
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Can brightening clouds buy us time to fight climate change?
Brightening Earth’s clouds so that they reflect more sunlight just might cool the planet — that is if we can figure out how to do it without
causing any unintended harm. To test the theory out, a group of over 30 leading scientists have written up a research road map that was published in
the journal Science Advances yesterday.
https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/21/24107762/marine-cloud-bri...
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pacificobob
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Northwood University is a small, fairly new private business school, with an acceptance rate over 80%. I'm not seeing much in the science/technology/
research area. But don't let that get in the way of believing dr. Timothy (zero science or engineering degrees)nash's
notions on energy.
[Edited on 3-22-2024 by pacificobob]
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AKgringo
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There is an explosion of life at the bottom of the food chain in both polar regions when 24 hours of sunlight beams down on nutrient rich waters.
The world would suffer a huge loss if that cycle was diminished.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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JDCanuck
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Lobsterman: I am in agreement with that report in many cases, especially with converting existing coal fired plants to natural gas as being very easy,
inexpensive and does not create high additional loads on mining and materials extraction. Resulting in 50% or more reductions in both CO2, greenhouse
gases and particulates with very low costs and can be accomplished very quickly. In addition the newest combined cycle natural gas plants are
producing energy at up to 65% efficiency as compared to coal at below 45%. The very rapid ramp up to power output is an additional benefit when
additional power is needed on the grid.
The biggest problem with converting from coal to natural gas in recent years (note Europe's recent history) is the weaponization of supplies. Both
through political manipulation in opposing alternate suppliers and creating high reliance on them as sole suppliers Russia has recently put a whole
new light on this power source. Europe has been forced to build more coal fired plants as a result, rather than closing them down as previously
planned. US is once again the primary supplier of LNG globally, and for very good reasons.
One big factor that the report does not mention is for individuals living off grid and requiring energy for their homes. This is where Solar and Wind
power shines as being relatively fast and significantly less expensive than alternatives of extending grid power or portable generators.
[Edited on 3-22-2024 by JDCanuck]
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RFClark
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PB,
Don’t let the fact that what the “Greens” are demanding isn’t helping enough get in the way of following Greta and Co. either!
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mtgoat666
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It seems that a few of you seniors are deathly afraid of the ideas and passion of kids!
Youthful idealism. Too bad some of you elders lost your spark!
[Edited on 3-23-2024 by mtgoat666]
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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pauldavidmena
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Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  | There is an explosion of life at the bottom of the food chain in both polar regions when 24 hours of sunlight beams down on nutrient rich waters.
The world would suffer a huge loss if that cycle was diminished. |
My employer has done a great deal of exploration in what it calls the "Ocean Twilight Zone." Here is just one of many articles on the topic. The main takeaway is that life is possible in total darkness.
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JDCanuck
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This may be the next stage of vehicle transport with minimal effect to the environment.
https://www.bmwusa.com/ix5-hydrogen.html
Hydrogen as a fuel has long been on the drawing boards and we have already been through one cycle of government investments in the "Hydrogen Hiway"
without noticeable effect. Fuel cells have also been cycled in and out by various manufacturers on a few models and have not found sustained
acceptance. The major benefits could be battery replacement costs and recharging times, while retaining the simplicity, torque and traction control
advantages of electric drives.
[Edited on 3-23-2024 by JDCanuck]
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mtgoat666
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| Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck | This may be the next stage of vehicle transport with minimal effect to the environment.
https://www.bmwusa.com/ix5-hydrogen.html
Hydrogen as a fuel has long been on the drawing boards and we have already been through one cycle of government investments in the "Hydrogen Hiway"
without noticeable effect. Fuel cells have also been cycled in and out by various manufacturers on a few models and have not found sustained
acceptance. The major benefits could be battery replacement costs and recharging times, while retaining the simplicity, torque and traction control
advantages of electric drives.
[Edited on 3-23-2024 by JDCanuck] |
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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JDCanuck
Super Nomad
Posts: 1669
Registered: 2-22-2020
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | | Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck | This may be the next stage of vehicle transport with minimal effect to the environment.
https://www.bmwusa.com/ix5-hydrogen.html
Hydrogen as a fuel has long been on the drawing boards and we have already been through one cycle of government investments in the "Hydrogen Hiway"
without noticeable effect. Fuel cells have also been cycled in and out by various manufacturers on a few models and have not found sustained
acceptance. The major benefits could be battery replacement costs and recharging times, while retaining the simplicity, torque and traction control
advantages of electric drives.
[Edited on 3-23-2024 by JDCanuck] |
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Yeah, we also used hydrogen as a coolant in our generators at the power plant. Guys used to like filling balloons with it and lighting an attached
fuse to see the explosion when it rose into the air. Its not something to mess around with, but a whole lot more predictable than gasoline droplets
dispersed in the air.
[Edited on 3-23-2024 by JDCanuck]
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3508
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Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | It seems that a few of you seniors are deathly afraid of the ideas and passion of kids!
Youthful idealism. Too bad some of you elders lost your spark!
[Edited on 3-23-2024 by mtgoat666] |
Flavor of the month, Mr. Goat. Still, I consider Greta an inspiration. Just not the ''hero'' that you do.
Say, without knowing your age, if you're over 50, you're part of the elder syndrome. So, let's relax about this stuff. Civilization is coming to
an end one day. Not in the next few years -- but you'll see if playing out -- the way some of us see it playing out now.
 [/url]
https://twitter.com/GabbbarSingh/status/1748292457765245019?...
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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RFClark
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News Flash - Gasoline and Oil Burn Too!
Goat,
Oil Refinery Fires hundreds! Hydrogen Filled Dirigible Fires 1!
Just Saying!
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JDCanuck
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Here is the stark reality of coal as a global power source, as mentioned previously on several occasions in this thread:
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/coal-dirtiest-fossil-fuel-...
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
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How many people must die so gringos can get cheap goods from china, cheap goods from india, cheap power for their big screen TVs and pool pumps?
[Edited on 3-24-2024 by mtgoat666]
[Edited on 3-24-2024 by mtgoat666]
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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Tioloco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2679
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | How many people must die so gringos can get cheap goods from china, cheap goods from india, cheap power for their big screen TVs and pool pumps?
[Edited on 3-24-2024 by mtgoat666]
[Edited on 3-24-2024 by mtgoat666] |
As if you really care. So hypocritical....
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RFClark
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Goat,
How many Brits, Germans and Poles died mining coal? Plus the Chinese, Russians and Indians. Not for the U.S. but themselves?
Remember John L. Lewis? A great union leader. Who made the U.S. coal miners a great deal!
Your problem is you’re a the “glass is half empty” sort of goat!
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US 41
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This thread honestly needs to be locked and deleted. One of the biggest reasons I don't ever get on here that much is because everything turns into
some stupid political debate. This is supposed to be a Baja travel related site. Where's the moderators?
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6027
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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| Quote: Originally posted by US 41 | | This thread honestly needs to be locked and deleted. One of the biggest reasons I don't ever get on here that much is because everything turns into
some stupid political debate. This is supposed to be a Baja travel related site. Where's the moderators? |
Actually, this thread has had hundreds of responses deleted over its duration. I am just guessing, but I think Doug leaves it up to act as bait for
those who just can't resist going off topic.
Hopefully it will spare some of the other Baja relevant threads from rants.
[Edited on 3-25-2024 by AKgringo]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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