The Alternative Energy Myth?

 Let’s be honest: right now, alternative energy right now is just that – an alternative. It most definitely isn’t mainstream…

But we need to take it seriously to begin to make inroads into the whole fossil-fuel/non-renewable addiction that we have now. But alternative energy solutions are just not viable. They require a lot of capital and investment to start up, not to mention adapting the habits of whole societies and cultures. Alternative energy use shouldn’t necessarily, by definition, by equated to green-ness or conservation; drivers of electric cars are reducing their immediate carbon footprint, but at the same time transferring it to the electricity power plant that has to generate power to charge their cars overnight, not to mention the producers of the batteries which store these charges. Biofuels, especially ethanol,  require increased clearing of land for production of the fuel, and doesn’t necessarily improve emissions output and/or engine efficiency. Not to mention their effects on driving up food prices.

There are so many conflicts regarding the application of alternative energy technologies, and, ironically, the environmental movements around the world. In New England, conflicts erupt over the placement of wind turbines offshore which would affect migratory bird routes.  Governor Schwarzennegger has conflicts with green groups opposed to the placement of solar power plants in the Mojave Desert, though he does have a hydrogen-powered HumVee. France is dominantly powered by nuclear power; good luck trying to sell that here.

Alternative energy use, however,  reduces our need for non-renewable fossil fuels, which has strong geopolitical implications. In Jamaica, we’re too dependent on foreign sources of fuel, and at the mercy of other people’s conflicts, becoming pawns in a global chess match. So we achieve some independence by developing our own homegrown alternative fuel sources. But we should not overlook the other side of the energy equation and only look at the supply side of things; consumption is the critical element that we can indeed control, regardless of where we get our fuel from. More energy efficient equipment and machinery, fuel-efficient cars and improved driving habits, and general lifestyle changes are all important to making a difference. So the feel-good factor about alternative energy is more faddish than solution. Adopting alternative energy technologies into the mainstream without adjusting lifestyle and consumption patterns is just futile.

So my position on alternative energy? I have none, at least none I’m advocating here.  You’re going to make up you own mind for yourself. This blog is intended to provoke you to think about all sides and for you to draw your own conclusions.