Solar Energy Action Plan

I was recently asked: Why don't Governments aggressively promote sustainability?

Here is my answer: There is a simple, straight forward answer to this. Sustainability is in the eyes of some, if not all of our leaders is just not profitable. For years now we have known about alternative energy solutions and consumption but it is only now after so long that renewable energy is gaining momentum and making huge steps forward. Most notably Google recently announced the largest purchase of renewable energy ever. Apple also followed suit with a $850 million solar procurement deal. And the First Solar Stock is also getting better than expected Q2 Results.

The obvious countries who continue to make progress are Denmark and Norway who have for a long time been pioneers and Sweden. Norway are also the first country to ban deforestation.

Other countries who are working towards, or are now operating on 100% renewables, you may not be aware of are, Iceland (for obvious reasons) Albania, Costa Rica recently declared it's self 100%, France and Germany (who have excellent policies in place) Norway who operate I believe at 98% renewable energy. Bhutan and Nepal who export there hydro power energy mainly to India I think. Paraguay who built one of the world largest Dams and many small African countries. Many of the methods used such as Dam building have caused massive controversy because of displacement and corruption therefore these projects are seen as not viable.

But these countries have proved that sustainability is possible. The powers that control the power supplies are well aware that they will lose out massively if industrialized countries embrace renewable energy and are very quick to point out the downsides and of course grid management.

There are hundreds of free resources, plans and DIY projects available and Ecosustainable Links is one of the biggest and best resource hubs you'll find any where on the web. Fitting solar panels yourself is really not difficult at all and there are hundreds of you tube videos showing you how plus heaps of training resources.

There have been some revolutionary plans over the past few years, including two Inventors Shawn Frayne and Alex Hornstein who were looking to revolutionize the business of small-scale solar panels with their Solar Pocket Factory an amazing backyard photovoltaic panel printing system. Successfully funded by a kick-starter campaign, the two have placed themselves at the forefront of the micro solar movement, which aims to cheaply and quickly produce small PV Panels.

There was also the student at Obagemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, who converted his old Volkswagen Beetle into a clean energy car by installing a wind turbine in the hood and a giant solar panel on the roof. In total, all of the supplies needed to get this car off of the gas-grid was $6,000.

Ultimately people are conditioned and dependent on the national grids aging infrastructure. The argument against solar energy is weak with the main complaint being the initial cost and the other main problem being the environmental impact. But these arguments are really nothing compared to the money being spent on severe weather outages for example. In the United States, outages are costing the economy between $18 and $33 billion every year in lost output and wages, spoiled inventory, delayed production and damage to grid infrastructure.

I often think how easy it would be to install solar panels on roofs and buildings in cities such as Ho Chi Minh or Phnom Penh and other large Asian cities. Can you imagine the energy they could supply from a project such as this? But of course this kind of project is not a priority especially for South East Asian countries leaders. After living here for so many years it is plain to see that the majority of locals, but not all, have no concern for their environments. They are unaware of the bigger picture and what is really going on with climate and environment.

I have been actively involved in several projects here in Vietnam, but progress is mind numbingly slow. After spending many months writing up and translating proposals for a sustainable housing project in Hoi An Ancient Town we finally submitted our papers. Nearly a year later, constant emails and phone calls have still produced nothing in return. It seems the only way of getting any response at all is to physically go and knock on their door.

This is where you come in. I am wanting to start another project and I am looking to contact or find a partner to start a small scale action plan here in Vietnam. With local suppliers sponsoring and fitting solar panels on a small designated area of housing. By recording before and after energy consumption a simple project as this would highlight solar panel awareness and would show local people here that solar energy is a very viable option. You are welcome to contact me with any leads or links. @joolsd @EcoSustainable

Some years ago now a very good friend of mine built a converter that converted old cooking oil into a biodiesel that could run his truck. Simple green tech such as this and many others are not given a thought even though oil and gas supplies are at critical peak levels. Sweden are one country that are taking things seriously and recently declared that they will be oil free by 2020.

There are still giant steps to be taken towards climate change and unfortunately this wonderful planet we live on is just not a priority for many countries and it's leaders. What would it take for nations of materialistic consumers to be persuaded to live off grid? Environmental awareness I'm afraid is not something that is pushed or seen as one of the most important issue that we face, even though it is effecting our lives now and will effect all our lives dramatically in the very near future.

Am I banging my head against a brick wall or, do you believe that it really does come down to each of us as individuals to try and make a change?