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CleanTech related articles
What should be our main focus in addressing climate change? Should we focus on carbon emission reduction, or should we look at a broader picture of the global energy systems, current and future?
Which efforts will solve the climate change issues?
Energy is the livelihood of modern civilization. One of the substantial challenges we will face in the coming years is the worldwide growing demand for energy. This challenge also presents us with opportunities to find solutions on a global scale, by utilizing sustainable economic-viable technologies. Meet Stanford University’s Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP), climate change and green tech.
GCEP is a collaboration of the scientific and engineering communities in academia and industry. The organization conducts fundamental, pre-commercial research that will lead to the development of global energy technologies that in turn, will significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Professor Sally M. Benson, GCEP director at Stanford University highlighted the global energy challenges we face at The State of Clean Energy Conference. The conference, organized by SDForum, took place on Jan. 12 in Sunnyvale, CA. For more information about SDForum’s work and events, go to the last section of this article.
Prof. Benson reviewed GCEP ‘s study of the climate change problem and how to solve it. The research covered the following areas: renewables (solar, wind, ocean thermal gradient, waves, terrestrial biomass, geothermal heat flux, hydropower, tide), hydrogen, carbon based energy systems, electronic chemistry, and smart grid.
Should we really focus on reducing GHG emissions as a main goal?
GCEP research found that in order to solve the climate change problem, we need to concentrate on transforming our energy systems. With a broader and global focus on transformation, we will actually reduce CO2 emissions.
On a global scale, energy use is measured in Terawatts (TW). TW is a measuring unit of power consumption, commonly used to measure power use worldwide. The terawatt is equal to one trillion watts.Today’s energy use is 15 Terawatts (TW). Projection models estimate usage in 2050 to reach 30 TW. In 40 years, humans are expected to double their power consumption demand. Therefore, the researchers asked what are the strategies to attain a global sustainable energy future?
The team looked at several aspects and the Impact in the 10-50 year timeframe: optimized power utilization and conservation; application of energy efficiency technologies; smart grids; and the production, supply and storage of a low carbon energy mix.
To read more about Prof. Benson's presentation and the GCEP research click here.
Findings concluded that we must focus on all of the above to achieve encouraging results in solving the climate crisis and global warming. Transformational goals should be set at a global level, accommodating to industrialized nations and well as third world communities.
Along with environmental benefits, better health, economic development, and job growth will naturally ensue.
Additional information:
SDForum of Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization, leverages resources within an integrated network of the business and the technology community of Silicon Valley. SDForum fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership within the Silicon Valley ecosystem of individuals and businesses participating in emerging technologies. The organization facilitates the exchange of unbiased knowledge, insights and best practices in the global business community and Silicon Valley’s businesses and communities. It also provides education and access to resources.
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Green Tech / CleanTech Events
Click here for January, 2010 events in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1. Green IT- an open discussion between top executives from innovative Information Technology (IT) companies building solutions for a greener future. This event will be addressing the challenges, technologies and opportunities of the emerging Green IT market.
Green IT is part of the GreenTech/CleanTech sector and is a high growth market that leverages the assets of Information Technology. It provides both businesses and consumers tools to reduce their environmental impact and their related expenses (energy consumption, carbon emissions…). These companies range from energy management software to smart grid technologies trough carbon monitoring.
The event will present an opportunity to get updated about Green IT learn the trends, players and innovations.
Organized by SiliconFrench, is a Francophile entrepreneur network based in Silicon Valley, CA. the organization aims to help French-speaking entrepreneurs to launch innovations and fosters an exchange of ideas and connections in order to build business successes. Currently, it has 5000 members.
Date: Jan 28, 2010; 6 – 9 pm
Location: SAP Labs Inc., 3410 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA CA 94304
2. Consumer Clean Tech Trends – presented by SDForum.
Is ‘green’ a ‘push’ or ‘pull’ model? What role do Consumer Packaged Goods companies play versus Services and Technology companies in driving green adoption? This discussion will center on forecasted consumer technology trends and where money should be invested and the types of companies that will emerge in the next 2-4 years.
The program will feature panelists, who will discuss forecasted consumer technology trends and where money should be invested and the types of companies that will emerge in the coming years.
Date: Feb 4, 2010; 6 – 8:30 pm
Location: Orrick, 1000 Marsh Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
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Tags: energy applications, power infrastructure, electric network, electrical grid, electric generation, power grid, alternative energy, carbon footprint, renewable energy, energy electricity generation, electric energy distribution, digital technology, saving energy, reduce cost, reliability, transparency, security, energy applications, sustainable software, CO2, environmentally conscious, environmental initiative
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