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Russia's folly, an opportunity for renewable energy? Rhett A. Butler, mongabay.com January 3, 2006 With its willingness to use energy as a political instrument, Russia has provided the world with further incentive to pursue renewable energy. The Kremlin has shown it cannot be counted upon as a reliable source of energy and western markets should see this as an opportunity to take a long, thoughtful look at energy security and re-evaluate the benefits of developing renewable energy technologies. Michael Glos, the economics minister of Germany, wondered whether Russia could be trusted to deliver gas in the future, while the U.S. State Department expressed its concern saying the move "creates insecurity in the energy sector in the region and raises serious questions about the use of energy to exert political pressure." Russia's actions, combined with continued insecurity in the Middle East, Venezuela, and Nigeria mean that the energy concerns for United States and western Europe are not diminishing. While pursuing new oil and gas fields is an option (i.e. like the recent attempt to drill in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge), it would be prudent for governments to focus on renewable energy sources and technologies, especially in the light of growing concerns over the contribution of fossil-fuel combustion to global climate change.
Related energy articles Greenhouse gas emissions will rise by 52% by 2030 warns EIA The International Energy Agency (EIA) projects that global greenhouse gas emissions will rise by 52% by 2030, unless the world takes action to reduce energy consumption. Further, the IEA says that oil prices will rise "substantially" unless there is extra investment -- $20.3 trillion in fresh facilities by 2030 -- in oil facilities. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increase 2 percent U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased by 2.0 percent in 2004, from 6,983.2 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent in 2003 to 7,122.1 metric tons in 2004, according to Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2004, a report released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Energy efficiency helped California grow an extra $31 billion finds study Countering Bush administration claims to the contrary, environmental officials for the state of California and the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo have found significant evidence that greenhouse gas pollution can be substantially reduced at a profit rather than a cost. The study, commissioned by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, found that energy efficiency has helped the California economy grow an extra 3 percent - a $31 billion gain - compared to business as usual. Further, the researchers say that each Californian typically saved about $1,000 per year between 1975 and 1995 just through efficiency standards for buildings and appliances. Australian industry embraces green energy while government fights emissions cuts Despite Australia's resistance to limiting carbon dioxide emissions through the Kyoto Protocol, Australian industry and entrepreneurs are working on novel ways to reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. 45% chance Gulf Stream will collapse by 2100 say scientists New research indicates there is a 45 percent chance that the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean could shut down by the end of the century if nothing is done to slow greenhouse gas emissions. Even with immediate climate policy action, say scientists, there would still be a 25 percent probability of a collapse of the system of currents that keep western Europe warmer than regions at similar latitudes in other parts of the world. Renewable energy in China, a strategic future? With a host of environmental and domestic social concerns -- and potential future international conflict -- China could be well suited to pursue renewable energy sources. Britain has best wind power potential in Europe A survey of wind power in Britain says the island nation has the best wind in Europe because it blowsyear round and peaks when there is greatest demand for electricity. Further, the study found that there has never been a time over the past 35 years when the entire country has experienced a period of no wind. Harvesting tornadoes as power plants; renewable wind vortex energy Engineers are working to use artificial tornadoes as a renewable energy source according to an article in last week's issue of The Economist. This is a modified news release from the UN.
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