I Believe In America

In a comment to my post Oil Outlook Jay Draiman outlines a plan to get all new housing on renewables, with a ramp up period of 10 years followed by full roll out for all new housing after the ramp up.

Here is the essence of his proposal without technical details:

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, 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.

Jay further goes on to state:

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 reply to his proposal:

I like your ideas in general. I favor wind myself. And solar.

However there is no way to ramp up production at the rates required to make your dream come true in the time frame you suggest.

In any case you are only talking about new houses in Southern climates. A small drop in the bucket. In addition housing has a 40 or 50 year turn over. So it would take 40 years at least to get all housing in America on partial (daytime) renewables.

Plus electricity is not a political problem for the USA. We have more than enough coal to get us through the transition.

Liquid fuel is the kicker.

Plus if it was such a good idea there would be no need to force people to do it at the point of a gun (government).

What you are really saying is:

There is no problem that a little fascism can't fix.

And every one wants a little fascim to fix their little problem.

Our best bet is to lower the cost of solar until it is the only sensible choice. Companies are working on it day and night because if the price is right the market is there.

Plus you state that the capital cost of housing must rise to include the energy generation. What about the people who are then priced out of the market? Don't they deserve a place of their own to live?

The best way to do it is to let the people who can afford it and want it work the bugs out. Prices will start to come down and roll out will be a natural progression where it makes sense.

As for liquid fuel? Cheap nuclear power may be the answer.

Easy Low Cost No Radiation Fusion

Jay,

If you really had a deep belief in America's capabilities you wouldn't be wanting to put a gun to people's heads to get what you want done.

Cross Posted at Classical Values