- Why are renewable energy projects failing to receive the same degree of support from the financial community and the government that nuclear does?
Despite the obvious fact of the high level of energy production nuclear provides, it does so at a much lower overall cost than renewable energy while maintaining zero emissions. Furthermore, renewable energy has its difficulty integrating into the grid.¹ Nuclear continues to outdo renewable energy given the open debate between pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear parties.
- What niche opportunities do you see for entrepreneurs in the global development of renewable energy sources?
There are more niche opportunities regarding global development of renewable energy than most people might understand. Spray on solar cells/panels, small wind turbines, clean tech training, solar air conditioning technology and innovative biopackaging are to name a few but one may stand out the most in my opinion, Green Insurance. This renewable approach offers discounts to policy holders should they rebuild a home using green material in the case it is destroyed by fire or other disaster. It may also provide discounts for purchasing a hybrid car or limits on driving. Putting this idea out to the public would greatly educate society on renewable energy ideas and force people to research them and seek their use to obtain these available discounts. Great idea!
Out of reading all of these posts, too me, green insurance is one of the most interesting concepts that I read. With discounts on insurance rates people would definitely get behind it.
On another note, I’m still not understanding why we aren’t building more nuclear power plants? I understand their are risks, there are risks associated with even the most safe forms of energy, however nuclear is consistently reliable and has some of the best thorough output of any type of energy source. The waste can and is deposited properly and there is plenty of places to store it safely.
Link to my post: http://engr312.dutton.psu.edu/2014/09/09/entrepreneurial-niche-facciolla/
Hello James,
In addition to what you said, nuclear power doesn’t need specific weather conditions and it is not dependent on a certain location. I cannot think of any other renewable resource that isn’t dependent on one of those things. Since nuclear power doesn’t give off greenhouse gas emissions and it could help slow climate change, I believe nuclear power should take the forefront. You idea of Green Insurance is interesting. It would be a great way to educate the public on green technology and renewable energy. Here is a link to my post if you are interested in reading it: http://engr312.dutton.psu.edu/2014/09/05/lesson-2-bethany-steiner/