The Ways & Means of Energy

For most of this week I have been pretty interested in sustainable energy and how the future of energy might look in the U.S. and abroad.

First off, I have to say I am constantly amazed how I am reading one website, or listening to one podcast or video, then I find myself onto a totally new website with new information on the topic, then a 3rd website with even more information, and so on…

Is it even possible anymore to NOT find the information you are looking for?

While the internet can be a huge time sink, it is true, if you are seeking something, you will find it.

I started here… http://earlyretirementextreme.com/podcast-i-got-interviewed-on-richsoil-com.html

Which put me here… http://www.richsoil.com/permaculture/388-podcast-059-early-retirement-extreme/

Then landed me here… http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/

And eventually here… http://solar1234.com/

All very interesting stuff…

This is another blog I stumbled upon some time again that I like… http://clc3tales.blogspot.com/

Anyhow, I learned along the way that wastewater treatment plants produce methane that can be used to generate heat and/or electricity. (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/bamf_wastewater.pdf)

Which then lead me to the Stirling engine… (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine)

Cool stuff, at least for me…

By far the best way (i.e. the most energy efficient way) to heat and cool your home, and the water you use in your home is with a geothermal system. Here is the best video I could find to easily learn the basics of the subject. (http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=10&video_id=20)

Here is a testimony by someone who has done it… http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/BIZ/803070428

Last but not least before I move on to other topics is what is probably the best “clean” science blog out there… http://cleantechnica.com

That’s it for today… Till next time…