One would think that with the high oil prices that posted this week that clean energy would be in the forefront. However, Nick Perry noted that this is not necessarily the case in his recent post:
As recently as 2 weeks ago I was discussing the appeal of the PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Fund (PBW), so I am disappointed to see the group post a loss this week. With the headlines abuzz about a new high in oil, I would have thought the alternative energy area would be "re-energized," but clearly that wasn't the case.
But is this just an unusual blip or does it foretell more hard times for alternative energy companies?
That is not to say that there is not an economic benefit within the field. Alternative energy continues to dominate politics and nothing is more political than cold, hard cash. Matter of fact, George Avalos wrote in his article, `Bay Area stands to benefit from green-tech boom' that the East Bay is poised on raking in a lot of cash.
Several East Bay communities could be suitable for green-tech manufacturing, at least to the extent of a pilot factory or production of prototype devices, machines, or fuels, he said. Among them: Richmond, Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, Oakley, Dublin and Livermore. If the field of activity is extended, California could provide all of the facilities needed for such projects from start to finish.
Speaking of politics, Reuters is carrying an article about the interest that the Italian government has in alternative energy. Of course it is especially a big issue there since nuclear power is banned within the country, making that part of the topic very touchy among the people and politicians. However, with supplies becoming tight and with Italy's huge dependence on importing for their energy need, it is just a matter of time before they have to do something. Some say the time has already come.
Last week, the country's biggest power producer Enel said there could be blackouts this year because Italy did not have the infrastructure for alternative supplies -- a push for reluctant regional administrations to open up to building of gas terminals.
Other news to note:
Nuclear Power is Not the Answer
Instead, unless the House of Representatives quashes the Senate giveaway, the national security risks inherent an atomic power, complete with growing transportation on the rails and highways of radioactive wastes, will multiply. So make your Representative in the House especially, Cong. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), listen to your arguments.
My opinion: people refuse to believe that nuclear power generation has evolved since they watched the movie, "The China Syndrome".
Ethiopia: U.S. Oil Company to Enter Fuel Distribution Market
The company will be engaged in fuel and lubricant distributions in Ethiopia, while it particularly aims at supplying the whole market with its own products, according to sources.
My opinion: Oil and its byproducts will continue to have huge importance in our daily lives, especially in poorer countries, for the next century.
SUNY: Bill McKibben, First Global Warming Author, to Speak Here Sept. 25
Bill McKibben, a leading environmentalist whose first book, The End of Nature (1989), raised the alarm about global climate change, will speak on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at SUNY Cortland.
McKibben, who frequently writes about global warming, alternative energy and the risks associated with human genetic engineering, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Main Brown Auditorium. The lecture opens the College's yearlong series on the theme of "Earthly Matters," organized by the College's Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee.
| technorati tags: alternative energy, Italy, energy, economics, nuclear, politics, SUNY, Bill McKibben |
