Renewable Energy Resources
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Originally offered at http://www.karensmontgomery.org/renewable.html

Renewable Energy

Renewable energies have a low accident potential; they are resistant to terrorism and sabotage, have international acceptability and are resistant to policy crises. They are also financially productive as products and expertise move up in the marketplace. In 2005, renewable energy efforts in Germany produced 170,000 new jobs. Job production is especially valuable as other manufacturing jobs and the automotive industries are declining, just as they are in the U.S.

Other positive outcomes from renewable energy production are:

* cleaner air and water
* changing of the norms of ideas of energy sources
* new educational fields
* reduced energy dependence on foreign sources
* possible influence on climate change

Implications for the United States

We are behind the EU and the United Kingdom in developing renewable energies. The EU and especially Germany have invested billions of euros, created University Departments and research institutions dedicated to renewable energy fields and have established vocational schools to teach the new technologies. Those investments are now reaping financial rewards internationally.

There will have to be an acceptance of changes by both the public and industry in the United States. Sources of initial and sustained funding to jump start renewable industries must be found. The public may have some taxes and charges, but will benefit from more jobs and a healthier environment. Industry will see some new charges and possible taxes, but will benefit from the production of new industries and products.

Rural and farming areas will benefit from sales of sustainable energy generated from wind and biomass, while more urban areas will focus on solar energy production. Much of this energy production will require acceptance of locally produced energy into the electrical grid, involving payments and charges to the producers.

All of this -and more- must be done—and soon. If the United States is to compete globally, to become less dependent on depleatable fossil fuels, to create new industries, to clean up its environment and regain its leadership position in the world, we must put a major effort into renewable energy. NOW!

These ideas are important to you and to me. As most of you are aware, conservation of the energy we have now, through buying energy efficient appliances and doing such simple things as turning off lights and other equipment, are the first steps towards a cleaner, more energy efficient world.


To find out more, explore these links:

World Council for Renewable Energy
http://www.wcre.de/en/index.php

Renewable Engery Policy Network
http://www.ren21.net/

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000405/index.html

World Wind Energy Institute
http://www.wwei.nu/

American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE)
www.acore.org

European Association for Renewable Energy (EUROSOLAR)
www.eurosolar.org

Renewable Energy Foundation – WCRE Australia/Pacific
www.solarcity.org