Free Republic

...I want to believe in alt power, because sun and wind are free -- just as petroleum is free. It's only the extraction and distribution that cost...

ROYAL DUTCH SHELL has become the second big energy company to abandon the UK wind-energy sector in the last month. Shell, Danish firm Dong Energy and Scottish Power have cancelled the £800m Cirrus Array project off the northwest coast after five years and millions of pounds in investment. The consortium blamed Ministry of Defence concerns over radar interference from turbines. snip Last month BP also moved its wind-energy focus to America, citing generous subsidies and a less-onerous planning process.

Just as certain as death and taxes is the knowledge that we shall one day be forced to learn to live without oil. Exactly when that day will dawn nobody knows, but people in middle age today can probably expect to be here for it. Long before it arrives we shall have had to commit ourselves to one or more of several possible energy futures. And the momentous decisions we take in the next few years will determine whether our heirs thank or curse us for the energy choices we bequeath to them. Sunset industry? Oil production could soon peak...

Oil is making headlines again. Never far from newsworthy, such is its over-riding economic and political importance, the spotlight has returned as harsh as ever. The price of benchmark US light sweet crude recently reached its highest level for 13 years, and the cartel of petroleum exporting nations, OPEC, maintained its decision to cut production - potentially fuelling yet more rises. Add increasing violence in Iraq delaying its return to full oil production, and it is understandable that oil analysts have been getting the jitters. Not to forget President George W. Bush, who in an election year really does not...

Here is what the acolytes of solar power don't want you to know... These are the essentials you need in order to appreciate the absurdity of using solar cell power systems as any kind of sensible alternative. After you read this, ask yourself again how much sense solar power really makes. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SUN'S ENERGY WHEN WE USE SOLAR CELLS TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY:     SOURCE   LOSS - %     POWER - W/m2   1.     solar constant       --   1370W 2.   atmosphere       27   1000W...

An alliance of environmental groups sues the Army Corps of Engineers over its decision to allow a 197-foot structure for data collection. BOSTON - Opponents of the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm filed a lawsuit in federal court yesterday to block construction of a data-collection tower, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved last week. In court documents filed with the U.S. District Court in Boston, the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound and other wind farm opponents claimed the Army Corps exceeded its authority in issuing the permit for the tower. On Aug. 19, the Army Corps approved a...