Problems of Industrial Electrification (forced decarbonization on the firing line)

By Mark Krebs and Tom Tanton -- January 9, 2020 12 Comments

“With 25.3 Quads ‘lost’ in the transition from ‘source’ to ‘site’ (a.k.a. metered) electricity consumption, the overall electrical generation efficiency in industrial processes is 34% (13 Quads ÷ 38.3 Quads). In comparison, direct use of fossil fuel on site at industrial facilities generally exceeds 90%.”

“Industrial electrification is largely being driven by the same cabal pushing deep decarbonization and is further undermining our market economy.  The solution: Remove subsidies, mandates and other forms of energy favoritism by letting technologies advance or fail in markets based upon their own true merit or lack thereof.”

Previous articles at Master Resource have focused on “deep decarbonization” through allegedly beneficial electrification of residential and commercial buildings. We’ve discussed the negative consequences of various policy regimes to deny consumers choice to best satisfy their energy usage requirements.…

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Energy & Environmental Newsletter: December 9, 2019

By -- December 9, 2019 3 Comments

The Alliance for Wise Energy Decisions (AWED) is an informal coalition of individuals and organizations interested in improving national, state, and local energy and environmental policies. Our premise is that technical matters like these should be addressed by using Real Science (please consult WiseEnergy.org for more information).

A key element of AWED’s efforts is public education. Towards that end, every three weeks we put together a newsletter to balance what is found in the mainstream media about energy and the environment. We appreciate MasterResource for their assistance in publishing this information.

Some of the more important articles in this issue are:
Another Round of Energy Pork
With climate change Science and Economics should be paramount
Ontario saves $500± Million by dumping wind turbines
Expect the ECB to Use a “Climate Crisis” to Justify Their Next Stimulus Plan
Rolls Royce wants innovative financing for its first-of-a-kind nuclear SMRs
Short video: Gates Goes Nuclear
Bitter Cold Stops Coal, While Nuclear Power Excels
Nuclear Power isn’t Green Enough for Germany
Archive: Solar Produces 300 times more waste than Nuclear does
Why “Green” Energy is a Terrible Idea
Green Energy Studies: Consulting, or Advertising?

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Living without Electricity: A Personal Report (natural gas, anyone?)

By Tom Tanton -- November 7, 2019 14 Comments

“Nevertheless, you’d think the Governor and others would be actively trying to make things better, rather than just pointing fingers. Well … they are making it worse by taking away the one alternative to electricity that can provide cooking and hot water and space heat and does so much more efficiently–natural gas.”

I sit here at my computer this morning after suffering through the latest “PSPS” (public safety power shutoff), which left me without electricity a total of ten full days in October.  Kind of ironic given my 45+ years in energy policy–and frustrating too since this is less an Act of God than an Act of Man–or Government.

I understand the need to reduce fire risk in California’s hot dry climate where utilities (such as PG&E) need to de-energize power lines lest they spark when blown down or branches fall on them. …

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EERE Reform: Brouillette’s Turn (‘deep decarbonization’ threat still alive)

By Mark Krebs and Tom Tanton -- October 24, 2019 7 Comments

“While DOE has attempted to mitigate the ‘War on Fossil Fuels’ as it pertains to fuel diversity for conventional electric power generation, anti-consumer trends are accelerating as it pertains to end-use.  Specifically, the war against natural gas direct use has escalated; most of which is attributable to DOE’s National Labs. This has led to cities and states, initiated by Berkeley California, to prohibit the use of natural gas for residential uses.”

On October 17, Secretary Perry submitted his resignation letter for “a date later this year.” President Trump said he will be replaced by Dan Brouillette. Accordingly, we thought it appropriate to assess progress towards our recommendations for DOE to refocus on consumer interests per our March 6, 2017, article titled DOE’s EERE: Reform Ideas for Secretary Perry.

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DOE Revisits Forced Electrification (Decarbonization) Rules re Non-condensing Furnaces, Water Heaters

By -- August 1, 2019 9 Comments Continue Reading

Costing the Green New Deal and “Deep Decarbonization”: Some Clarifications

By -- July 11, 2019 9 Comments Continue Reading

Energy & Environmental Newsletter: March 25, 2019

By -- March 25, 2019 3 Comments Continue Reading

Hearing Summary: “Wasted Energy: DOE’s Inaction on Efficiency Standards & Its Impact on Consumers and the Climate”

By -- March 12, 2019 1 Comment Continue Reading

Dear EERE: Past Time to Debate “Deep Decarbonization” (Obama program inconsistent with America First energy policy)

By Mark Krebs and Tom Tanton -- February 14, 2019 4 Comments Continue Reading

FDR’s New Deal with Energy: Part I (oil exploration & production)

By Robert Bradley Jr. -- January 8, 2019 4 Comments Continue Reading