What is the COVID19 Message on 50th Anniversary of EARTHDAY?

Tweet

The health crisis brought home the message that human life is precious is the Country took extra ordinary measure to protect our lives at a huge cost to our economy. Trillions of Dollars spent and lot more to come in future. All of the Weapons to protect our nations proved worthless against this invisible enemy.

Warning by scientists were ignored for just 4 weeks and we all experienced the outcomes that no one imagined to cover many countries. Ignoring science was DEADLY.

I am reminded of the saying- Do not fool with mother nature! Is it possible that we did it  by ignoring all the Climate change warnings for last 10 years and the impact of environmental changes resulted in creation of new species or modifications of viruses as their fight for survival?

Once the current crisis is controlled then we will have some choices to make not to repeat this outcome. With this Crisis comes an Opportunity as the Chinese saying goes and they are now proving it by becoming the supplier of systems to fight the problem that originated at China. They are setting a smart example for seeking Prosperity.

What could Climate Smart Communities do on this  50th anniversary of Earth Day? Resolve to become Independent.

Let us think hard about all of the Infrastructure needs and select those items that generate long term savings by implementing efficiency and shifting to clean renewable energy sources. Recycle and reuse rainwater and food waste and plant as many trees as we can to convert the atmospheric CO2 to biomass for GHG reduction.

The independence concept can move us to growing locally and seek distributed generation to keep the money circulated locally to be resilient from economic losses when critical materials from imported sources are not able to reach us like we experienced recently.

It is time to use this Earth Day to celebrate 50th year with new resolve to seek economic independence and be resilient to fight future problems. Prosperity from Opportunity created by Crisis is the Key message. Do you agree?

Climate Change Solutions?

Tweet

I am preparing for a presentation to our Brighton Rotary Club on Monday Feb. 17th 2020.
The topic is about Climate Change and what to do about it.

I am aware that some folks just think it may not be caused by us humans. If you were drowning in a flood or be in the middle of a fire, would spent one second thinking about who is causing it? Probably not.

Well same applies to our home called earth. Living in Rochester NY for last 50 years I have seen the change and feel that the it is time to take actions that improve our world and make it safer for everyone.

Think about giving a gift of Nature to your community. It will be the legacy that can live forever.
There is no better way then creating small gardens with Trees and plants to cover the areas that have barren land or replace paved areas that remain idle with no traffic.

With Rotary help we are planning to build a Peace Garden at Rochester school 58 as a demonstration project. When completed during Summer of 2020, it will be a place where Teachers will take a small group of students and teach them about respecting nature, share thoughts about how Trees play a very important role to improve air quality and help create clouds by evapotranspiration.

We are happy to note that some Nations are now deciding to plant Millions of trees to fight Climate Change. As the planet warms ir would be essential to have shaded areas and Trillions of trees planted across the Globe.

This year on Earth Day take a pledge to do your part.

Thank you.

Ram Shrivastava

Dairy farm of the future will transform rural communities

Tweet

It was so encouraging to visit Spruce Haven Farm in Cayuga County NY and learn latest innovation in dairy technologies.  They are working with Cornell University, NY State, Federal and International companies in developing new agricultural practices to help fight Global warming and reduce green house gas emissions.

Spruce Haven farm is located in the Town of Fleming within Finger lakes, NY region. It offers the visitors great natural beauty and is the home for many Wineries. Its location  between Cayuga Lake and Owasco Lake is part of the watershed that drains into the lakes. Many dairy farms exist in this area and all of these businesses are looking to be a better neighbor and protect their local natural resources.

Unfortunately, algal growth is now affecting the recreational value of these lakes and pointing out the need to stop the discharge of nutrients such as Nitrogen and Phosphorous. Treatment of Manure from Dairies is a priority for protecting our water resources. Anaerobic digesters offer the technology for generating bio-gas energy as byproduct while providing treated effluent to apply on farm land to grow feed for the cows. News products such as natural organic fertilizer etc. can be made while controlling the feed to the cows to generate higher value milk to increase revenues for the Dairies.

I was happy to see that these farms now are looking to be the economic engine to drive local economy. They are striving for Happiness for everyone.

 Better days are ahead!

Climate Change Solutions Sought at Paris Global Summit. Goals set to save the Earth!

Tweet

This is a historic day for the world. We are grateful for all the people who participated in the Paris meeting and made their contribution to the world.
There are folks that will point out what is not in the Climate Plan and others will point that at least this issue was publicly discussed over 2 weeks and a common consensus was reached by all.
Silently many technology research scientists work on new innovations that would be making transformation changes simply based on saving money for the people. Renewable energy is no longer a more expensive option. Solar and Wind can now compete with old  power production technologies and provide power at cheaper rates to the customers. Many progressive States like New York are promoting the distributed generation where the customer is encouraged to make their own power while connected to the grid.
The rapid rise of solar power was reflected by large commitments made by India, China and others.
What to expect in next 10 years? Whatever the Climate Plan says may be superseded by the reality that solar power is the smarter way to meet the future energy demands. Even solar PV power have been installed in oil rich middle eastern countries. What is next?
The future looks good for renewable energy and energy conservation, as the cheaper energy storage batteries will make the Utility companies not as relevant as in the past. If renewable power can be made for 5 cents per Kwh then why would anyone build a coal or oil fired power plants. It is time to shut these old polluting plants and shift to clean power.
God by to expensive oil is possible if all of us decide to curb our use and use most efficient clean fuels.
Seek energy independence for the sake of next generation and saving the earth!

For Power Consumers - We have the choice to Achieve Energy Freedom!

Tweet

Can 2015 be the beginning of new consumer movement that allows them to be free from the Utility? In New York State the Policies under review will take us closer to realizing this dream. Elon Musk and his vision to provide and promote lower cost energy storage was announced on April 30th. Combined with Solar power and smart controls this enables the customer to buy power at night and use it in the day powered by storage system in the garage.

The old paradigm is that we need the power company to sell us power at whatever cost and we have no choice. It worked when other options were beyond consumers reach. Now it is time to have distributed generation with storage and let them be paid for the service, connectivity and backup power.

With Solar PV system now at below $2.00 per watt and storage around $400 per KW, we are closer to Energy Freedom. This message would soon reach more people and the time to take bold action could happen starting in 2015.

After 45 years of celebrating Earth Day, the time has come when one can imagine the dream coming true.What makes this timely is the fact that Climate change is getting the national attention and people realize that resiliency of power is important when the power grid goes down. The peace of mid that it does not matter when power goes down because now you have your own power plant and storage system that can be activated automatically with smart control and keep you home or business running. This is safety, comfort and economic issue.

Smart consumer living ins sustainable Green communities will realize this and take advantage of financial incentives, long term low interest financing and become secure and seek their Energy Freedom.

What are we waiting for?  Energy Independence is around the corner.

Go for it!

Sustainable Climate Change Solutions - Based on Solar and Battery Storage

Tweet

Innovation and new technologies are racing to bring the cost down for the customers.
Solar PV system installed costs have reduced by 75% and battery storage technology is also showing similar reduction in cost.

As climate changes we will need to implement energy security measures so we have power and quality of life when our Utility grid is out of service. The best defense is to make power where you use it and have provision to store on site so our critical needs can be met during the power failure.

It is now possible to project that very soon in New York State, we can make Solar  power for same cost as current cost of electricity ranging from 7-9 cents per kWh. Once the investment is made this cost does not change for the 30 year + life of the system as compared to about 3% escalation each year by the Utility.
With affordable battery storage systems we will be able to charge the batteries with night power and then use it along with the solar power production to meet the daytime needs.

Energy supply reliability is now a concern because of extreme climate change events taking place more frequently, What to do now? Our choices are to pay much higher amount to Utility company as they invest Billions in upgrading the power plants, old transmission and distribution system and pass on the cost to consumers. Alternatively we can act and seek independence by investing in generation and storage technology.

Hope the innovations and cost reductions in both solar and energy storage technology makes this dream possible.

Town of Williamson,NY Leads with Solar PV for achieving Energy Independence

Tweet

http://www.13wham.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/solar-panels-power-unused-landfill-18717.shtml

The above TV news story covered the news about a large scale solar system that was installed to serve the Town of Williamson electrical energy needs. Larsen Engineers assisted the Town to competitively select SED to provide the 1.5 MW solar system, as part of their sustainable energy strategy.

This project is a great example of how communities can seek energy independence and adapt to Climate change.

New York State offers the grants and with Federal tax incentives any consumer can go Solar and save money during the life of the system, expected to be 30-40 years. This Green Energy solution can help reduce our dependence on oil and control the price of petroleum products with lowered demand.

Cow Power for Energy Independence in New York

Tweet

New York State leads the nation in yogurt production which depends on milk production. We are in top 3 milk producing states and farm businesses are key to our rural economy. With higher number of cows comes a lot of manure waste production and environmental concerns within the watershed. Urban population and neighbors complaint about odors created when manure is applied to farm land. The farm businesses also face high energy costs and wish to manage and control this expense. These problems were recognized and became the basis for NYS funding programs to help solve these problems and help in the economic development.

Climate change requires reduction in green house gas emissions to atmosphere and Methane from farms is know to be a problem that will soon require compliance with upcoming US EPA requirements. Similarly surface runoff from the farms is containing pollution in the form of organics and nutrients. Anaerobic digesters are ideal solution but costly to implement based on the price quotes from International companies and many German and Dutch companies are active in USA and have built the digesters at significantly high cost for those large farms that can afford it. Most studies have shown that small medium size farms are not in a position to afford it. This condition can be changed by adopting simple processes and using locally procured labor and materials.

We are happy to announce that this dream of an affordable digester has come true recently at Spruce Haven Dairy Farm in Cayuga county NY, where a 1.5 million gallon "lagoon based in- ground" digester and 500 KW co-generation system has been constructed within the NYSERDA grant budget of $2 Million Dollars. The system was started up in July 2014 and by September it was making more Bio gas than projected and the engine generator is consistently operating above 95% design capacity. This farm has over 2500 cows feeding the manure to the digester at a flow rate of about 100,000 GPD, including the flushing wash water from sand removal system.

A high efficiency digester built and operating successfully at a capital cost of under $800 per cow is great example for many dairy farms that in New York State it is now possible to solve your problems and become net energy producer by supplying excess power to the Grid.

The Farm in Cayuga County NY is open for field trips for other farmer to see the system and its operation. Energy and Environmental issues can be addressed with the financial help from NYSERDA and USDA as these businesses seek affordable solutions. Spruce Haven farm has achieved Energy Independence for their electric consumption by producing more energy than what they use. They look forward to making RNG- bio-fuel for the trucks by cleaning and compressing the bio gas as renewable transportation fuel in near future.

New Projects like this can help us meet the climate change goals for renewable energy and also help in economic development in rural America.

Our Leaders should not be afraid to promote Sustainability & Climate Change initiatives that save Money

Tweet

Recent news conveys that some Leaders of Countries pushed the Scientists to soften the reality about what Climate change could do to our planet. Final released version of Global Climate change report is only what they wanted to be published.

Unfortunately this type of action only shows how ignorant they are about money savings aspects of many climate change initiatives. Energy Conservation when seriously taken and financed from the operating cost can generate fantastic results for the existing users. Our demand for conventional fuels automatically goes down and help climate change.

United Nations and other Country's Leaders should consider Energy Conservation as the new "Weapon of Mass Benefit". Let us call it "WMB" in contrast with "WMD",  where money is spent to destroy and not create. Why  not help invest in technologies that can save money and create Jobs?

Reality of how Corporate Executives think.. is that top managers are not ready to take risks and push changes that can save money due to perceived risk. What happens if it does not work? We know several industrial waste treatment system that can save them several hundred thousand dollars per year, but they are unable to decide because change is difficult to get Corporate approvals, when it competes with other Capital investments. These same projects may get quick "Yes" if we could offer financing the capital to pay for the change and Client only pays from the annual savings.  Thus they are relieved from taking the financial risk and need not request capital funds from the Corporate HQ. This " shared saving agreement "SSA" is performance based and could be good model to accelerate the adoption of Green Energy Saving technologies.

What is lacking now ,  is the financial institutions that can lend money to Technology providers so they can offer the shared savings agreement (SSA)  to potential customers.  NYS has recently created the Green bank which may be able to play a role to implement such concepts.

Where are the examples of new Sustainable Green housing Developments?

Tweet

As the climate change is understood by more people in the Country and Government policies encourage funding the counter measures, then it's adaptation becomes a vital step. 
What to do for adaptation are common questions.
Some visionary developers have thought beyond the box and set their goals higher to achieve net-zero energy goals to start their journey toward Energy Independence. Where are these examples to learn from and help others to do the same?
Please respond if you know such housing development projects completed anywhere in USA?
We will continue this search and report as we find them. Fortunately, New York State has some new financial incentive programs to help such projects developments. We hope to seek this help so that the extra cost of implementing the Green measures is kept to an affordable levels.

New York Sun Rising- a message for Sustainability

Tweet

For New Yorkers the state of the State address by our Governor Cuomo brings a message of hope and commitment for economic development. This bold strategy recognizes the value of Green renewable energy and how action must be taken to deal with Climate change.

Yesterday was the warmest day with temperatures in Finger Lakes approaching 60 F on January 12th. The snow is just about gone and green lawns are reminding us that our climate has changed and Global warming is also a reality.

The question is whether we act proactively to prevent future problems or react to problems when they happen? Sandy has left a multi Billion dollars damage for New York and New Jersey. What are where we may see similar or lot worse natural disasters?

New York is now investing in Green Energy technology with the new development plan as outlined in 2013 last week's Speech by Governor Cuomo. Solar and Farm waste digester energy are key element of this plan. This is lot safer approach to implement than our search for drilled oil and natural gas.
It is our hope that we do not settle for the old easy way with strong push from very strong and expensive lobby from established petroleum industry. This is the time to be pragmatic and use the revenues from nonrenewable sources to invest in developing renewable energy from solar, wind and bio gas digesters.

We are fortunate to have Leaders that have long term vision and are willing to take action to protect and preserve the environment. Sun Rising in NY brings new meaning to the State. Many communities now have an opportunity to become Energy Independent for serving their Municipal facilities.

It feels good  to be a New Yorker. Thank you Governor Cuomo for your Leadersip.

Solar power is the key to energy independence

Tweet

Sustainability of our planet depends on Clean power sources. We are lucky in USA to be given reserves of oil and natural gas so within 10 years we are reported to stop importing oil and exporting natural gas.
So what does it means? Stop the development of renewable energy? Knowing that our climate is changing due to greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere, this will be a stupid conclusion. Gas prices are now coming down again and it is time we invest in renewable energy sources to protect our world and slow down the negative consequences of petroleum based energy. The big oil companies and Federal policy leaders would benefit from producing more oil and gas with more revenues.Invest in solar and Wind and help America become independent of dirty energy sources. True independence comes with using renewable energy and enjoying the quality of life by controlling global warming.

What Sustainable Communities need from the President ?

Tweet

Climate Change and Global warming are realities to most people in  the world. However, when it comes of our U.S.Politics some leaders would rather ignore the white elephant in the room and hope no one notices.
Some would make fun of the predictions and deny that any preventive action is necessary.
These are very smart well educated leaders and in their heart they may acknowledge the environmental issues but their party platforms may dictate what they say in public.
It is unfortunate that as we get close to the elections no politician had the courage to talk about this most important and costly issue facing us all. It would have gone unnoticed but Mother Nature had some other plans. Hurricane Sandy came as the reminder that we either pay for prevention or pay for the consequences of inaction.
Mayor Bloomberg  of New York City finally broke the silence about Presidential choice and shared his conclusion today that Mr. Obama has better understanding of the issue and would do more to deal with Global Warming or Climate Change.
Republican Governor of New Jersey, is facing the direct impact of Warmer Ocean and hurricane caused by Climate Change. He does not have time to ponder over why it happened but is happy that FEMA and Federal help is there to share the loss.Hope every politician is asking an honest question about why are we not focusing on solutions and wasting time on denying the reality?
The financial impact of inaction about Global Warming would be more than any local conflicts, and cause pain to so many people. Our communities need Leaders that are honest and willing to forget what their party says and follow their heart.
Conservative views to reduce taxes and wastes must combine with Conservation of Energy and using Cleaner energy from renewable sources. Who can be against better air quality and healthy sustainable environment?
This election may finally be decided by who can lead us out of this mess and invest in better technologies to solve our Energy and Environmental problems.Let us hope that in next 5 days both candidates will stop avoiding this issue and talk about their action plan to deal with Global warming and Climate Change. Fortunately job creation, economic growth can also be byproducts of the Green initiatives.

Renewable Energy Development - Peak Oil or Not?

Tweet

There was time few years ago that many experts were predicting that world will soon run out of oil and therefore we must develop renewable energy. Global warming concerns were cited to reduce CO2 footprint by switching to renewable clean energy sources.

Development of new oil recovery technologies such as hydrofracking are enabling extraction of oil from the harder to recover formations all around world. Infrastructure exists and it is more likely that oil exploration will continue and natural gas based LNG technology will also expand in next 5 years.

It may no longer be true that world will soon run out of oil. We need to face the realities and change our approach as new facts develop. It will be a mistake to keep sticking to old statements and not adjust to today's realities.

For United States, it is critical that we set a goal for energy independence as the new election campaigns are now talking about. Domestic Oil and Natural gas can stabilize the prices and keep our money in America. Renewable energy surcharge on price of domestic oil and gas, can generate significant revolving loan funds to install energy conservation retrofits and renewable energy systems in our homes and businesses.

Our health impacts from air emissions from oil based technologies should be the prime reason to support renewable energy development. Energy independence has another meaning when we learn about grid power failures. Renewable energy developed in the distribution system provides local micro gird the freedom from dependence on big power grids, as the customer is unaffected when power fails. Local short term energy storage allows them to continue to have power. It happens to be that these actions will help the environment. Supporters of renewable energy should point out the health benefits and other community benefits and not just talk about global warming or oil running out soon.

Go with the flow or risk losing the momentum.

Energy Independence in 10 years?

Tweet

The Hot extreme weather is in the news.Increased power demand resulting from hot weather and water shortages was reported to caused600 million people in India losing power just last week. What next?
Candidates running for President in America are talking about the goal of energy independence. I am anxiously waiting to learn more about how they plan to achieve it.
How do we seriously look at all of the options to be set free as consumers of power? What if we could make our own power where we live?
It is time to educate the public and encourage conservation with tax incentives and long term loan financing of conservation and power generation measures.
Solar energy is available to most of us and fortunately the cost per watt of solar PV panels is projected to be less than $1.00 by 2015. It was $6.00 just 5 years ago. WOW!
Is it possible that in few years each one of homeowner could reduce their demand by 35% via energy efficiency and then make their own power from solar source?
That will be a great day to Hope for? This is the real war we need to fight to deal with the natural consequences of global warming.
Let us divest from the weapons of destruction as we invest in weapons of constructive actions to develop our economy.
Please share your ideas on how we gain energy independence?
Ram

Distribubted Generation -Empowers consumer to become energy independent

Tweet

We watch the horrors of recent Climate change as it devastates some parts of America and rest of the World. It make news and many wish that power generator should switch overnight to Green energy and shut down coal or oil based power plants etc.Realistically, it is not going to happen soon because it is cheaper for them to deny that Climate change has nothing to do with their emission etc. etc.
What choice does the Customer has now?
No one can stop from buying the power made by these plants and help increase distributed generation in our communities.
What is distributed generation? It is the ability to install power generation equipment at our homes so we do not rely on power made far away and transmitted over miles to the point of consumption.Many incentives and financing is available now so it is right time to act. New York State has generous policy to enable us to make our own power. We should take advantage of "on-bill" financing and change our lights to LED lights, and install solar panels and solar thermal system at each house. By paying for these improvements to the power company over 5 to 7 years the consumer will be paying comparable amount of their current energy bill and soon be reaping the benefit of lower energy costs for the life time.
Imagine the consumer making all or majority of their energy need at their site so power plants would have to reduce their plant production. Once the demand for power reduces, it will be possible to shut off the coal plants first and then oil fired units.
Other power generating systems running on natural gas or Nuclear would continue till Wind, Solar and Geothermal technologies gain capacity like Germany has already shown to the world.
Better future is in our hand.  Let us act now and take advantage of the incentives.

Urgency for Sustainability.Replace Fear with Hope.

Tweet

I listened to a talk yesterday at RIT given by Mr. Kevin Surace of Serious materials.Here was a graduate of RIT returning to tell the next generation to focus on Green technology as solution to our climate change mega-problem. His message- Innovate with disruptive technologies that can make a world of difference. We were listening to someone who is walking the talk. His company is a living example that you can be financially successful while creating many green jobs and help solve our environmental problem. We need Leaders like Mr. Surace in every community in America.We hope that his message gets to new leaders that will follow his example and innovate in every other field that deals with energy use.

The next generation graduating from our Universities that should take notice of this challenge. This is the "purpose" you are searching for, Creating solutions that can help us be energy independent.

The temperature rising and snow melting on our poles is scary observation, and if you look at actual pictures taken by NASA we may not have as many years to control this problem as we thought earlier. The thought of extreme flooding, displacement of millions of people is very disturbing. More deaths could be caused by environmental consequences as compared to the wars of the past. Now is the time to ACT and be inspired by the possibility of green solutions, new jobs and economic security. It will help and make some difference to the world while give us a great feeling that we did our part to the best of our ability. Each person counts so let us move forward with action.

Warmest ever 113 F in LA on September 28th?

Tweet

I am not sure what non believers are saying when they hear about 113 F temperature in Los Angeles this week. Recently, in Pakistan land area of about 40% size was under flooded, Memphis was flooded last month. We have broken temperature records this year. What other proof do we need to recognize that Climate change or Global Warming is a serious threat to our lives. Future extreme weather events in many parts of the world are going to make more believers, but do we need disasters to convince us to take action?
Smart sustainable green communities should use the prevention approach and plan their water infrastructure to deal with excess rain. Educate people to harvest rain and build green roofs to deal with such events.

Loss of life and property damage caused by the mother natures water delivery system is significant and more likely than some terrorist threats. As the temperature and pressures change the clouds form with enormous quantities of moisture and transport it to a spot where it may be dumped in short period of time. It can happen anywhere and sometimes far away from those industrially developed lands which may be contributing toward creation of this problem.

It is time to recognize the connection between nature and man's actions, and take steps to correct the problem. Set goals for Energy Independence and design net zero buildings or retrofits. We can do it.