As the CEO of a Seattle-based solar company, I know that our state’s forward-looking clean energy policies are a major reason why cutting-edge businesses have decided to set up shop here in Washington. But in the past decade, other states have caught on. They’ve learned from our example. They’ve learned that investing in clean tech… Keep reading →
Six-year-low oil prices, excess supply and debt woes among U.S. producers will change the oil and gas industry, but in no certain, or short, order. To paint a clear picture of what the oil and gas industry will look like by the end of 2015 would be an exercise in futility. The only thing we… Keep reading →
Why the drought still doesn’t seem to matter. Do a brief scan of social media, and you’ll be hard-pressed to miss the exclamatory headlines: See dramatic pictures of California’s drought! and Sierra snowpack breaks record lows. Most recently NASA scientist Jay Famiglietti entered the fray with the daring headline for his Los Angeles Times’ op-ed:… Keep reading →
It’s Okay to hate solar. I don’t, but I can see why some people might. It is after all a form of insurance – and who likes insurance? Solar is our planet’s insurance policy. While technology can help hedge against the negative impacts on the environment as a result of climate change, solar does it… Keep reading →
During his State of the State address, Governor Brown proposed a goal of 50 percent renewable energy on California’s electric grid by 2030. Since then, State Senators and Assembly Members have introduced bills to turn the goal into law. The bills are quite clear on the 50 percent goal, but scant on details, raising the… Keep reading →
Mobile devices are at the forefront of transforming the energy industry in general and the delivery of propane and petroleum in particular. This milestone coincides with a strong tradition of personal values, as many businesses in this space are family-run companies with a longstanding sense of history within their respective communities. In this regard, technology… Keep reading →
The sudden decline in oil price has prompted some analysts to predict bad days ahead for electric and other fuel-efficient cars. While the price of oil may be low today, history teaches us that it will rise again. The true cost of our oil dependence remains high. Oil pollutes our air and water, is dangerously… Keep reading →
Extreme cold weather has had a tight grip on much of the Northern U.S. this winter. Boston recently saw its lowest temperature since 2004 and New York City had its coldest February morning in nearly three decades. As millions of Americans endure these cold temperatures, the importance of electricity for heating our homes and… Keep reading →
The energy industry is no stranger to technology. But, ironically, many technology professionals are strangers to the energy industry. Specifically, developers of applications for mobile devices – the authors of the purported tools that will improve operations, increase productivity and streamline logistics for a variety of companies – do not necessarily understand key aspects of the energy… Keep reading →
Rethinking the Power of the Grid
By Dr. Henri WinandOur reliance on electricity is nothing new, but in the era of global connectivity and the burgeoning mobile economy, our dependence on power has grown dramatically. This is especially true in developing countries, where the growth of mobile has opened up economic frontiers and brought new opportunities. Sadly, all of that progress can be undermined… Keep reading →