As reported in Nature of Business radio, host Chrissy Coughlin interviewed Ian Bowles, here are excerps of that interview:
"The U.S. as a national government is profoundly out of step with the rest of the world in terms of clean energy. Forget about how you feel about climate change. Even leaving that aside, the basic economic reason to make this transition is very strong."
At the state level, Ian describes how Governors and legislatures can and are working together to put in place renewable energy quotas and energy efficiency mandates for these two levels of government.
Ian talked specifically about the different forms of renewable energy and associated issues including tax credits. In addition to supporting an extension of the PTC for wind power he indicated that the challenge for solar is to convert federal tax credit into cash grants.
Ian only sees a bright future for renewable energy, particularly as people are better educated and more receptive to adaptation. Ian cites the example of energy derived from food and yard waste which is huge in Germany but only beginning in the US.
Ian reviews energy efficiency and describes it as the cheapest form of alternative energy. He notes that utilities are incresingly in the business of energy efficiency. Ian also adds that many jobs have been added directly related to increased energy efficiency measures.
The good news is that every single state now has some form of energy efficiency program, which is a far cry from where we were just a mere 15 years ago.
The heterogeneous energy mix in the US breeds competition and efficiency. There is a lot of ground for optimism particularly at the state level and municipal level. In Bowles' view, Renewable energy and energy efficiency will keep growing and keep providing jobs across America.
© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Renewable Energy in 2012: The Global Economic and Environmental Climate
Renewable Energy Is Our Only Hope
US Wind Energy Market Review and Forecasts for 2012
US Solar Energy Review and 2012 Forecasts
Geothermal Energy Market Review and Forecasts for 2012
Cleantech the Next Great Investment Opportunity
Will 2012 be the Best Year Ever For Clean-Tech Investment?
How the West can Capitalize on the Growth of Chinese Cleantech in 2012
Outlook for the Chinese Solar Industry in 2012
UK Government Investments in Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Growing US Corporate Investments are Driving Cleantech
Greener Vehicles Growing Cleantech and Providing Green Jobs
Cleantech Partnerships and Collaborations
0 comments:
Post a Comment