Sunday Tasmanian
Sunday 28/1/2007 Page: 7
WIND power firm Roaring 40s wants a proposed Tasmanian project to be eligible for a Victorian renewable energy scheme. Roaring 40s, a joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and Hong Kong firm China Light and Power, has held discussions with the Victorian and Tasmanian governments.
It wants a windfarm planned for Musselroe Bay. in Tasmania's far North-East, to be eligible for the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme (VRET). The Musselroe Bay project has been on hold since 2004, when the Federal Government refused to expand its Mandatory Renewable Energy Target s (MRET).
In 2001. the Federal Government set targets for expanding renewable energy, which brought major growth in windfarms across the country. The MRET aims for renewable energy to account for 2.5 per cent of energy use by 2010 and has almost been met already, four years ahead of schedule.
The wind power industry hoped the Government would expand its targets to promote further growth in the face of global warming and international pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The Victorian and NSW governments have moved to introduce their own energy targets and schemes, to promote the expansion of renewable energy. The Victorian scheme only covers projects within its state borders.
Roaring 40s spokesman Josh Bradshaw said the Victorian scheme was similar to the MRET, requiring retailers to purchase a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources.
"Unfortunately, at this stage, VRET is only considering renewable energy projects within Victorian borders." he said. "However, the Tasmanian State Government and Roaring 40s have been in discussion with the Victorian Government regarding the potential for the scheme to expand its borders whereby a project like Musselroe may be considered eligible.
"At this stage, nothing has been agreed but discussions are continuing." Mr Bradshaw said the Musselroe Bay project was approved. "It's an excellent wind resource location and has the support of the local community and the State Government," he said.
"Unfortunately, with the Federal Government's MRET almost fully subscribed, the ability to secure a long-terns contract for the project is challenging." Mr Bradshaw said the NSW Government indicated that, if re-elected this year, it would implement a state-based renewable energy measure similar to the MRET.
He said the NSW scheme would allow liable retailers to expunge their obligations through renewable energy projects outside NSW. "If this became the case, then Musselroe would be in a strong position to become eligible under such a scheme." He said.
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MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY – THE ENERGY EVOLUTION –R11
In order to insure energy and economic independence as well as better economic growth without being blackmailed by foreign countries, our country, the United States of America’s Utilization of Energy sources must change.
"Energy drives our entire economy." We must protect it. "Let's face it, without energy the whole economy and economic society we have set up would come to a halt. So you want to have control over such an important resource that you need for your society and your economy." The American way of life is not negotiable.
Our continued dependence on fossil fuels could and will lead to catastrophic consequences.
The federal, state and local government should implement a mandatory renewable energy installation program for residential and commercial property on new construction and remodeling projects with the use of energy efficient material, mechanical systems, appliances, lighting, etc. The source of energy must by renewable energy such as Solar-Photovoltaic, Geothermal, Wind, Biofuels, Ocean-Tidal, etc. including utilizing water from lakes, rivers and oceans to circulate in cooling towers to produce air conditioning and the utilization of proper landscaping to reduce energy consumption. (Sales tax on renewable energy products should be reduced or eliminated)
The implementation of mandatory renewable energy could be done on a gradual scale over the next 10 years. At the end of the 10 year period all construction and energy use in the structures throughout the United States must be 100% powered by renewable energy. (This can be done by amending building code)
In addition, the governments must impose laws, rules and regulations whereby the utility companies must comply with a fair “NET METERING” (the buying of excess generation from the consumer at market price), including the promotion of research and production of “renewable energy technology” with various long term incentives and grants. The various foundations in existence should be used to contribute to this cause.
A mandatory time table should also be established for the automobile industry to gradually produce an automobile powered by renewable energy. The American automobile industry is surely capable of accomplishing this task. As an inducement to buy hybrid automobiles (sales tax should be reduced or eliminated on American manufactured automobiles).
This is a way to expedite our energy independence and economic growth. (This will also create a substantial amount of new jobs). It will take maximum effort and a relentless pursuit of the private, commercial and industrial government sectors commitment to renewable energy – energy generation (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, energy storage (fuel cells, advance batteries), energy infrastructure (management, transmission) and energy efficiency (lighting, sensors, automation, conservation) (rainwater harvesting, water conservation) (energy and natural resources conservation) in order to achieve our energy independence.
"To succeed, you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality."
Jay Draiman, Energy Consultant
Northridge, CA. 91325
Jan. 30, 2007
P.S. I have a very deep belief in America's capabilities. Within the next 10 years we can accomplish our energy independence, if we as a nation truly set our goals to accomplish this.
I happen to believe that we can do it. In another crisis--the one in 1942--President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this country would build 60,000 [50,000] military aircraft. By 1943, production in that program had reached 125,000 aircraft annually. They did it then. We can do it now.
The American people resilience and determination to retain the way of life is unconquerable and we as a nation will succeed in this endeavor of Energy Independence.
Solar energy is the source of all energy on the earth (excepting volcanic geothermal). Wind, wave and fossil fuels all get their energy from the sun. Fossil fuels are only a battery which will eventually run out. The sooner we can exploit all forms of Solar energy (cost effectively or not against dubiously cheap FFs) the better off we will all be. If the battery runs out first, the survivors will all be living like in the 18th century again.
Every new home built should come with a solar package. A 1.5 kW per bedroom is a good rule of thumb. The formula 1.5 X's 5 hrs per day X's 30 days will produce about 225 kWh per bedroom monthly. This peak production period will offset 17 to 2
4 cents per kWh with a potential of $160 per month or about $60,000 over the 30-year mortgage period for a three-bedroom home. It is economically feasible at the current energy price and the interest portion of the loan is deductible. Why not?
Title 24 has been mandated forcing developers to build energy efficient homes. Their bull-headedness put them in that position and now they see that Title 24 works with little added cost. Solar should also be mandated and if the developer designs a home that solar is impossible to do then they should pay an equivalent mitigation fee allowing others to put solar on in place of their negligence. (Installation should be paid “performance based”)
Installation of renewable energy and its performance should be paid to the installer and manufacturer based on "performance based" (that means they are held accountable for the performance of the product - that includes the automobile industry). This will gain the trust and confidence of the end-user to proceed with such a project; it will also prove to the public that it is a viable avenue of energy conservation.
Installing renewable energy system on your home or business increases the value of the property and provides a marketing advantage.
Nations of the world should unite and join together in a cohesive effort to develop and implement MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY for the sake of humankind and future generations.
Jay Draiman
Northridge, CA 91325
Email: renewableenergy2@msn.com
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