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by emilmoller
A perspective on an envisioned leading role for the EU in 3 pressing and interrelated matters: sustainability (ecological & economical), a secure energy supply, social justice.
from the diaries. -- Jérôme
. . . Fractured policy creation
One of the most striking aspects of ongoing debates regarding sustainability, security of energy supply and social justice is the fractured nature of the perspectives used. All perspectives are true, but partial. And with all due respect to the qualities inherent in each perspective; not seeing the larger picture will lead the EU and humanity as a whole further astray. Further away from a sustainable[1], secure[2] and socially just[3] future. An example of an non integrated approach is the lobbying effort by EU Commissioner Piebalgs and others to convince Russia in signing the EU energy charter.
One of the key issues seems to be the fact that the chaotic nature of society is often ignored. When seeking solutions, the temptation of reducing an overwhelming chaotic world to a spreadsheet with only a few elements, often is given in to. The responsive action on this simplified world often doesn't solve any of the problems addressed. The problems are merely shifted to another domain and/or time. Unfortunately this is often -implicitly- seen as a positive quality. This approach mainly creates incremental changes, serving interests of large organizations.
The need of a system change[4] becomes evident when using an integral[5] perspective into the matters indicated. All levels of all related matters should be taken into account: sociological, psychological, system theoretical, biological, physical, etc. According validation systems should be used for relevant domains. A daunting effort for the rational mind. Mainly due to the fact that an Integral approach is at odds with current micro type orientations in the academic realm. This effort is presently undertaken effectively by a trans-disciplinary approach, labelled 'Transition Management'. By using many academic perspectives, as well as those of civil society, NGO's, the commercial domain, public office, the interests of the rich as well as of the poor countries and so on, an integrated[6] view is constructed.
The current focus on hydrogen, coal and nuclear is fundamentally flawed. It amounts to an incremental and business as usual type reaction. It should be replaced with one which takes into consideration that the EU only emits 15% of harmful global emissions by 2030. With inclusion of secure energy supplies, poverty reduction, social change and so on. It should also take into account economic interests of the current energy market. Arguments stemming from these actors are prone to an underlying -cloaked- short term / shareholder value bias. Next to country or regional interests as in the case of Russia (gas) and OPEC (crude oil). Given the stakes, a reversal of the burden of proof, in line with the EU's precautionary principle[7], would be expedient. To the extent the EU wants to see a reduction in harmful global emissions, it should have its focus with the remaining 85%. Without means to enforce, the EU has to persuade. Carrots, not sticks.
A promising project is 'Concentrated Solar Power'[8]. This means cooperation with North-Saharan countries and secure, 100% sustainable, electricity supply for all of Europe before 2050. As well as abundant drinking water and related tremendous agricultural potential in the North Sahara. Reasons to flee North Africa will be replaced by reasons to move in. This can be achieved through creating mutual dependencies between regions in the Mediterranean basin[9]. Focussing on the potential for a better future and resilience, instead of on potential threats and scare, shows vision, boldness and leadership. In addition it is also necessary to disseminate this technology throughout the world, especially to the Middle East. So that OPEC countries can gain a new source of income, by supplying solar energy to other countries in Asia. This will also address a rampant lethargic attitude regarding public office, as well as a leading role for the EU on the world stage. Long distance transportation, buffering and other issues have been addressed and solved in numerous reports by renowned institutes. CSP-plants have been in operation for some 15 years and new ones are under construction in the US, China, Spain and Australia.
Through sustainable forestry[10] and mobile on-site methanol production facilities, the 100 million tonnes per year methanol market can be served. Per site per year, 30.000 tonnes dry bio mass can be transformed into 15.000 tonnes of bio methanol. Rural communities worldwide can dedicate themselves to sustainable forestry and earn money themselves (a production facility has a pay back time of 2 years; lease and other financial tools can be tailored for maximum value for all stakeholders). Since the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) is one of the most-promising fuel cell types, this methanol route seems ideally suited to bypass[11] ever problematic hydrogen[12] pursuits. First generation bio ethanol and bio diesel are not feasible on a large scale without competing with food stock. Second generation (cellulose based) bio ethanol is still far off. Hydrogen in internal combustion engines, especially when combined with natural gas, is fine in the period of transition towards all electric vehicles. Energetically, hydrogen is an inferior route of using primary energy (fossil, nuclear, or sustainably generated): 25% efficiency when used in a fuel cell, as compared with 90% for all electric[13]. Given limited energy resources, arguments set forth by Shell as that the issue is financial, rather than technical, are incorrect.
For cars[14,15], as well as scooters[16], busses[17], trucks and utility vehicles a reduction in fuel consumption of 60% has been reached. This is a consequence of when the -electric- motor is in the wheel itself. This technology is proven and implementable now. Resulting configurations of engine, battery and modular generator set, allow DMFC to be phased in as they become available. Idem for when better batteries become available, or increased range through a larger battery pack is opted for[18,19]. This can be charged through (CSP)-electricity and be used as base load equalizer for the grid. Modularity leaves the rest of the vehicle intact, thus avoiding reasons for not adopting this superior propulsion technique. Fleetowners, in the commercial as well as the public domain, can boost deployment through their procurement capacities.
The previous 3 projects should be spearheads in an effort for maximum involvement of all stakeholders. Some examples: EU Action plan for energy efficiency[20] and Braungart & McDonough's 'Cradle to Cradle'-concept[21]. For increased speed: team up[22] with best of class actors like Sweden[23], 40 cities world wide[24], California[25] and some 194 cities in the US[26].
The methods and means are there for the EU to lead in current pressing problems. There is tremendous opportunity to create economic prosperity from green technology. In order to do so, a system change is necessary. 1 . http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/8AC/F7/Executive_Summary.pdf 2 . http://www.europa-eu-un.org/articles/en/article_5775_en.htm 4 . http://www.integralleadershipreview.com/archives/2006_10_kalman.html 5 . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral_theory 6 . http://www.score-network.org/files//850_25.pdf?PHPSESSID=e22c1159ba2417c957c809e3ed656efd 7 . http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l32042.htm 8 . http://www.solarpaces.org/csp_docs.htm 10. http://www.cfr.washington.edu/research.Forest_Energy/fact_sheets/ 11. http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage4673.html 12. http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/hydrogen-fuel-cells-fake-promises/article-159235?_ 13. http://www.efcf.com/reports/ 14. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/the_hybrid_mini.php 15. http://watthead.blogspot.com/2005/12/mitsubishi-continues-work-on-miev.html 16. http://www.vectrixusa.com/default.aspx?page=29 18. http://www.calcars.org/makerfaireteam.html 20. http://ec.europa.eu/energy/action_plan_energy_efficiency/index_en.htm 21. http://www.mcdonough.com/cradle_to_cradle.htm 23. http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2005/dec/policy/jp_sweden.html 24. http://www.clintonfoundation.org/cf-pgm-cci-home.htm 25. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5744852 |
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an envisioned leading role for the EU | 62 comments (62 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
an envisioned leading role for the EU | 62 comments (62 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
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