05-18-2008, 01:50 PM
Some of it is a NIMBY syndrome, much of it is a very real technical problem. The steam here (as opposed to say Iceland) is very "dirty" and has a high level of SO2. SO2 is quite dangerous and in large doses can be fatal. It has a rotten egg smell. Sensors and a warning system are set up. Oil refineries also have this problem. Puna Geothermal has to clean the steam and get the SO2 back underground before using it.
Wind generators work without the SO2 hazard but again face the NIMBY problem. And they can be hazardous to some birds (newer, slower moving turbines are safer for birds.)
I think there is a new law requires that beginning in 2010 (2012?) all new construction must have solar hot water.
Why not one that requires that all new construction also include solar power? With subsidies and tax breaks to make it more affordable. Why not let people become mini-producers, selling power back to HELCO? Currently you can run your bill to zero but if you produce more than you use you can't make money.
The solutions are there but inertia and political interests are working overtime to block real solutions.
Finally, consider this: you often here that changes that impact our "standard of living" are not to be allowed. Yet if everyone on the planet lived like we do in the United States it would require 8 planets. Clearly something has to give.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com
Wind generators work without the SO2 hazard but again face the NIMBY problem. And they can be hazardous to some birds (newer, slower moving turbines are safer for birds.)
I think there is a new law requires that beginning in 2010 (2012?) all new construction must have solar hot water.
Why not one that requires that all new construction also include solar power? With subsidies and tax breaks to make it more affordable. Why not let people become mini-producers, selling power back to HELCO? Currently you can run your bill to zero but if you produce more than you use you can't make money.
The solutions are there but inertia and political interests are working overtime to block real solutions.
Finally, consider this: you often here that changes that impact our "standard of living" are not to be allowed. Yet if everyone on the planet lived like we do in the United States it would require 8 planets. Clearly something has to give.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com