Quote of the Week – From Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero: “To change the world’s energy model is the most significant challenge facing humanity in this generation, not only for the impact on climate change but also for its effects on the economic model.” I think he’s got it. By George, he’s got it!
Spain has got it too. I referenced Prime Minister Zapatero’s remarks at an FPA event last autumn here, and also noted some of the extraordinary headway Spain is making on renewables. For an update, see this from the Trade Commission of Spain. (For the context of Zapatero’s recent statement, see this “FT” article.)
Blockbuster Technology of the Week – In Venice, they’ve taken, in my opinion, a great honkin’ step toward wholly sustainable, zero-carbon energy. It’s an algae-fed, carbon capture closed loop power plant. It’s not laboratory scale either. I wrote about one man’s vision of this in Arizona in my review of “Earth: The Sequel” – and now the Venetians are launching this idea into the reality realm.
Venice seaport eyes algae to fuel energy needs Reuters reports. This 40 MW plant for the seaport will have excess power that will be used to supply ships when they’re in. This is in itself another palpable step forward as the ships in port contribute enormously to air pollution and are a huge source of the black carbon that so exacerbates warming.
Back in July, under Ports, I said: “I wrote here recently about some reports on how shipping is producing GHG and other more localized and highly dangerous air pollution. Here’s a story, World Ports Commit to Reduce Emissions, looking at the recent C40 World Ports Climate Conference.”
