Power, building, transportation solutionsENERGY - POWERING THE FUTURE
Kelvin Verity, Veritas Solar (Solar)
David Adamson, Eco-build (Energy efficiency)
Glen Harcourt, Steeprock Jointery, Atlas Arckology (Biodiesel)
Tom Kovalak, San Miguel Power Association
Brett Guarrero, BPG LLC, (Geothermal)
Chris Philipp, (Wind)
Moderator Kelvin Verity of Veritas Solar began by introducing Tom Kovalak of San Miguel Power, a certified energy auditor, Brett Guerrerro of Electric Power research in D.C., Glen Harcourt of Steeprock Engineering, Christopher Philipp, an E-systems developer who has worked on the indian reservations and David Adamson who worked here in the town of Telluride to help establish the Nature Conservancy and now works for Eco Build as an advisor on the environmental impact of building.
Adamson began the conversation after the introductions by pointing out that while the United States has 5% of the world's population, it uses 25% of the world's energy and imports 50% of it's oil. This is hardly sustainable.
The talk then began addressing possible solutions that can be employed today by REDUCING USAGE THROUGH CONSERVATION and in lieu of some future "magic bullet". Kelvin Verity spoke of his the present state of SOLAR ENERGY and about government mandates to develop solar technologies in New York, New Jersey and in California. Right now, the demand for solar is high. Sadly, so is the cost.
Verity also made that point that he was concerned with things available now, not just in the lab Tom Kovalak rreminded the audience that San Miguel Power is a power distribution co-op, not a producer. They buy the power from Tri-State Power. Therefore they are at the whim of what Tri-State is selling. That said, San Miguel and especially Tom himself are looking for energy alternatives and have beeen working hand in hand and seeking the advice of folks in the commmunity.
One of these projects being the creation of wind turbines on Hastings Mesa. The main benefit of the turbines (besides being non-polluting) is that it creates free energy once the machines pay themselves off.
There was a discussion about methane gas power generators.
Kovalak finished saying he was pleased and surprised to see more utilities seeming to go "above and beyond" to find more sustainable energy solutions.
Brett Guerrerro spoke about credits from the federal government for the use of GEOTHERMAL energy. About how it's already ubiquitous - sold nearly everywhere and doesn't produce freon.
Glen Harcourt spoke of his years here in Telluride developing his completely off the grid metal and woodworking shop Steeprock Jointery and partnership in the fuel co-op Atlas BIODIESEL. They share a 400 gallon batch processor that has been operational for two years now.
Also, a methanol recovery processor is being built. Touching again on solar, Harcourt reminded the audience that thhe Federal government gives a tax credit of 442% for setting up a solar shop.
Speaking of the benefits of switching to biodiesel (on which all of Steeprock's machinery runs) is the fact that there's no need to buy new equipment. Glen mentioned that Salazar is now sponsoring a bill to build a factory for bio-diesel blending.
Then Philipp spoke about WIND TURBINES
