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Rocky's Green Budget
I don’t agree with a lot of things Rocky Anderson says and does, but I’d like to see more cities (not to mention the State) follow his example in establishing a fund for renewable energy technologies.
A few weeks ago, I posted a story on my blog about Google’s 1.6MW solar power installation. The project is a money making proposition for them—especially with the financial incentives they got from PG&E. The project breaks even in 7.5 years and has an expected lifetime of 20 years. I think solar is becoming economically viable and government, both as a regulator and one of the largest builders in the state, has a leading role to play.
Of course, this runs the risk of being caught up in the rhetoric surrounding Rocky—and that’s a shame. We tend to turn things into partisan issues that don’t need to be. This doesn’t have to be about evil oil or capitalism or anything else. This is simply being smart—environmentally and economically.
Posted by windley on May 2, 2007 03:37 PM
Comments
The information I have read indicates that solar power is still 2x as expensive as coal power. If solar power is indeed cheaper (or when it becomes cheaper) market forces will cause its proliferation without any assistance needed from government.
Posted by: Tom Grover at May 2, 2007 04:41 PM
I'm not suggesting government subsidies, just regulatory favor and leadership.
Twice as expensive depends. On the margin, like the Google project, it makes sense for PG&E to subsidize it because it pushes out the need for large power plant projects which have their own headaches.
Coal has its own hidden costs.
Posted by: Phil Windley at May 2, 2007 04:50 PM
Is coal twice as cheap over time? Is this figured in to the cost of mining and pollution clean up? Does it figure in the damage to the land, which is tough to put a price tag on? And what about the cost of moving the energy from the plants to the end users? Upkeep? Labor costs? If we're going to talk cost, let's talk cost.
Posted by: Bryan Catherman at May 3, 2007 12:22 PM
Phil,
As an FYI, your blog has been added to www.utahdialogue.com. Feel free to suggest ideas for future podcasts for the site.
Regards,
Posted by: Steve Starks at May 18, 2007 04:26 PM
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