Laura asks…
Would an alternative energy source be considered or accepted by trucking and airline companies?
I have noticed lately the high fuel prices have made trucking and airline companies desperate in attempts to cut fuel costs in order to make profit or just to stay afloat.
If some one was to present an plan or an idea to replace petrol
based fuels and combustion technology with a practical and low cost and existing or soon to be existing alternative energy technology to power their fleets, the executives of these companies would be more open to accepting and implementing such ideas due to the severity of their situation. When these big boys implement these technologies in order to save their bottom line and it works, then it would open the way for the rest of society accepting and implementing that alternative fuel technology in every day life. When the happens, that would solve the US’s foreign oil dependence and help the environment. A win-win all around.
My question is what technologies that are in existence or soon will be in existence that requires little or low investment in installing infrastructure or implementing these alternative energy technologies for these trucking and airline fleets? What safety risks would be associated with such technologies? How can such risks be minimized?
If not low cost, how could the owners of these companies make money by investing or installing these technologies in their fleet (give them copy rights or share of the patents so every time some one uses it, they get some money in return?)
How could people gain access to such people and sell the idea to them?
Forgive the long post yet I believe I had to post that in order to lead in effectively into my questions.
The Expert answers:
They lack the resources to make such long-term research investments. Some are willing to be early adopters of promising technologies. But most are slow to adopt even known, proven, practical technologies such as streamlining to reduce aerodynamic drag, low rolling resistance tires, and so on. Rail is already much more efficient than either trucks or planes, and we’re not even utilizing that technology well. Sorry, observation shows that your optimism is unfounded.
Carol asks…
How can we as a country promote alternative energy, use less foreign oil and reduce global warming?
I have a plan to set up a Strategic Energy Fund using excess oil company profits to invest in alternative energy. I will be answering and asking questions to help create dialogue around this and many other important topics so please add me to your Answers Network so that we can continue this national conversation.
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The Expert answers:
We as a country first need to be more conservative. We can’t be so wasteful in our use of energy. Almost all forms of energy have their downsides. Windfarms are a blot on the landscape (many in Europe think they ruin natural beauty), it remains to be seen if Nuclear energy is completely safe, ethanol fuel will produce H20 which is as bad a greenhouse gas as CO2 (if not worse). Solar energy is probably the best, but it is very expensive. Right now, politicians need to urge us to reduce consumption (and politicians can start by reducing their own consumption). Campaigns waste loads of resources…
Donald asks…
What can we do to convince our overlords (the oil companies) that we want alternative energy vehicles?
Did you know that we had alternative fuel vehicles before we had oil based cars?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_automobile
I learned this when I was a kid which was about 25 years ago. So its not like this is new to anyone out there. I’m tired of fighting wars so some rich guy can make loads of cash for himself. While charging and hitting me with taxes so that he can destroy the environment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPiLgBeiZ2M
I thought that we the people of the United States of America were in charge of this country. Looks like the only thing we are in charge of is cleaning the mess that some overlords cause and push on us through taxes.
The Expert answers:
I’m sure they’re already pretty convinced that we want something else. That isn’t what motivates them to do what they do.
Edit: Yeah, technically we’re “in charge” but, you know….
Susan asks…
I want to discover/work with alternative energy sources. What is the best major to go for in college?
Other colleges would be helpful…I was wondering if Chemical Engineering would be best, or Environmental Engineering. If there isnt a specific major, what can I combine to give me the best edge on producing alternative energy sources that are specifically geared towards environmentally sound policies. After that, I also want to open up my own consulting firm for companies who want to make their factories more environmentally friendly. I am just wondering what’s the best tract to go for.
The Expert answers:
Chem Engineering is probably your best bet for alternative fuels you can take classes in environmental engineering but not all schools offer a specific major for that.
George asks…
Which company is most recommended for Alternative Energy investment?
Many alternative energy projects are emerging. Any recommendations?
The Expert answers:
An Exchange Traded Fund ( ETF) with the symbol PBW invests in the whole spectrum of alternative energy: solar, wind and alternative fuels.
Buying into an ETF is like buying a mutual fund …you are invested in a broad range of companies…but an ETF is traded like a stock…buy it or sell it instantly on-line…
You will pay a commission each time you trade… But there really is no reason to be in and out of alternative energy…it’s just a good sense long-term hold.
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