The Energy [R]evolution will not be televised. But it will be tweeted.

[MindMover]

An Energy Revolution is not just possible, it's already happening. Here's a few amazing facts about renewable energy that the world ought to know.

Wind could meet 12% of global power demand by 2020, and up to 22% by 2030.

Subsidies to fossil fuels worldwide outweigh renewable energy support by a ratio of 12:1.

On November 9th, 2009, Spain generated more than half its electricity demand with wind power.

A project is underway 2 deliver one sixth of Europe's electricity fm solar plants in the Sahara by 2050.

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/Climate-negotiations-in-Cancun/climate-change/energyrevolution/Tweet-the-Energy-Revolution/?

[Lftrsuk]

1. Energy [R]evolution is destined for the dustbin of history!

"Greenpeace's Energy [R]evolution scenarios -- developed over many years with leading scientists and engineers -- shows how we can avert catastrophic climate change, phase out nuclear power and transition to a clean energy system based on smart (efficient) use and renewable energy sources".

There will come a time, in the 2020s and 2030s when the inevitability of global deployment of breeder reactors will be witnessed in an ever accelerating fashion. The only decision elected representatives or heads of state will have to make is - "do we choose Fast/Solid-Fuelled/Liquid Metal ones or Thermal/Liquid-Fuelled/Molten Salt ones?" See: http://lftrsuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/breeder-reactors-it-is-but-will-it-be.html

I wrote a personal letter to Kumi Naidoo, beseeching him to get Greenpeace membership behind Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTRs) to persuade the powers that be that Molten Salt Breeders are by far the safest and most affordable choice, when the time comes.

I got the 'Party Line' reply spouting, with utmost conviction' that the insane and socially destructive 'Energy [R]evolution' would do the trick. It is demoralising to think that people in their commanding positions, with the control of such a powerful membership can believe such tripe.

When there is nowhere else but the dustbin of history for their 'Energy [R]evolution' policy, I hope Greenpeace leaders have the courage to admit to their membership that they were wrong all along.

[kristopher]

2. Bullpucky

Wind power wildly exceeding DOE goals
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112712136


From AWEA:
Total U.S. Utility-Scale Wind Power Capacity, Through 4th Quarter of 2011: 46,916 MW
U.S. Wind Power Capacity, Installed in 2011: 6,816 MW
U.S. Wind Power Capacity, Installed in 4th Quarter of 2011: 3,444MW
U.S. Wind Power Capacity Under Construction as of 4th Quarter of 2011: 8,320 MW

U.S. Wind Power Capacity, Installed in Previous Years (including small-wind):
2010: 5,216 MW
2009: 10,010 MW
2008: 8,366 MW
2007: 5,258 MW

U.S. Wind Resource Potential, Onshore (Source: NREL): 10,400,000 MW
U.S. Wind Resource Potential, Offshore (Source: NREL): 4,150,000 MW

Total 15.5 TW


Now here is the real point of this post. Compare the above to DOE forecasts and hopes as reported in the 2000 NAS review of DOE renewable programs:
...in June 1999 Secretary Richardson announced a DOE initiative, Wind Powering America, to increase the use of wind energy in the United States (DOE, 1999g). The goals of the initiative are: (1) to provide at least 5 percent of the nation’s electricity by wind generation by the year 2020, to have installed more than 5,000 MW by 2005, and to have installed more than 10,000 MW by 2010
p.73 Renewable Power Pathways:␣ A Review of The U.S. Department of Energy's Renewable Energy Programs
NAS

Goal: 5% by 2020
Status: 3% end 2011

Goal: Total 5GW by 2005
Achieved: 2.4GW in 2005 for total capacity of 9.1GW
180% of goal

Goal: Total of 10GW installed by 2010
Achieved: 10 GW in 2009 alone with a total installed capacity at the end of 2010 of 40.1GW
400% of goal


And this is with very tepid policy support. If the coal and nuclear loving right wingers can be pushed out of the way this would look like a crawl.