The US Department of Energy announced plans to ramp up methane hydrate extraction research after a preliminary test was declared a success Wednesday. Surveys estimate that successful extraction of natural gas from methane hydrates could power America for the next 1,000 years. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the test, which involved removing natural gas from North Slope ice crystals, could lead to a 30 percent reduction in gas prices by 2025. --Kirsten Swann,
KTVA Alaska, 2 May 2012
Methane hydrates are the largest reserve of hydrocarbons in the planetary crust. The methane hydrates in sediment considered part of U.S. territory alone could supply U.S. natural gas needs for 1000 years. So far humanity has not devised a process to economically harvest this immense energy wealth. Today’s DOE announcement may point the way to a new era in abundant energy to build out a bigger and better world economy.--
New Energy and Fuel, 2 May 2012
Modern civilization needs highly concentrated sources of energy that can be conveniently delivered to the megacities where most of humanity will soon live. No other fuel can fit this need as efficiently and with such a relatively low environmental impact as natural gas. The conclusion is obvious: The world should speed up its unfolding transition from coal and crude oil to natural gas by using the fuel not only for heating, electricity generation, and as feedstock for industrial syntheses but also as a transportation fuel. Spending toward that goal would bring faster and more durable gains than subsidizing such dubious conversions as turning corn into ethanol or pouring huge sums into money-losing solar enterprises. –Vaclav Smil,
The American, 3 May 2012
Germany’s switch to renewable energy could require more financial sacrifices than previously thought. According to a new study, the green energy transition could cost German consumers up to 60 percent more by 2020 compared to 2011. Overall, the renewables costs may total 175 billion Euros by 2020. --Jürgen Flauger,
Handelsblatt, 1 May 2012
A curious model for conservation is taking the stage. It is grounded in protecting landscapes and species but adds humans to the mix. The new paradigm acknowledges humans as an important part of nature and is grounded in a realistic view of the state of the world. The resilience of nature is recognized with an understanding that some places are more fragile than others. It is time for conservationists from all walks to shed old paradigms of doom and gloom and look at the world as it really is. Though humans have touched nearly every place on earth, our increased prosperity has brought enhanced environmental quality. We are all a part of nature and nature will be as we steward it. Therefore, incentives for conservation must be aligned with human needs and good stewardship. --Holly Fretwell,
The Percolator, 1 May 2012
