My Challenge to the Energy Industry

MY CHALLENGE to the major energy conglomerates of the world: build a model community utilizing the best current technology. Start with geothermal, wind, wave, and solar energy sources as applicable. Besides storage banks at dedicated substations, make each home an active part of the renewable energy grid (REG), able to have its energy storage system (ESS) topped off during periods of peak production.

Construct homes of printed photovoltaic modular insulated polymer panels and store electricity with Firefly's carbon-graphite foam-based batteries and connect each home to the REG-management network to monitor efficiency.

Require that all community food production take place within a 100-mile radius (modern agricultural practices and distribution were developed when petroleum was abundant. Let’s re-think that). Utilize sustainable organic practices and large greenhouses of construction similar to that of community homes.

Construct dedicated electric vehicles with a quick-change modular ESS (much as battery-powered tools currently use) comprised of Firefly batteries with the capability of a 90% recharge in 10 minutes, 240V AC drive systems, and the amenities expected in a modern car. Build a network of battery charging, maintenance, and repair stations at which racks of fully-charged ESSes are available at a nominal fee and will fit any vehicle. As the community/REG expands, extend this “fueling” network. Additionally, liquid hydrogen production, distribution, and safe end use should parallel expansion of the REG, allowing for fuel cell powered airplanes and other machinery in which electric-drive alone is insufficient.

Make the community bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly with plenty of parks and extensive free public transportation.

As for local industry, the community should be actively engaged in discovering and exporting solutions in energy extraction, distribution, and efficiency. After initial construction of the core community, vehicle fleet, and REG, any expansion requiring fossil fuels or pollutant chemicals should be expressly forbidden (with the only exceptions being petroleum lubricants and plastics, though synthetic variants should be given priority if superior environmentally). There should be restrictions on industries that are unsustainable or create an unmitigated carbon footprint.

The REG should be connected with outlying grids with the explicit intent of annexing, upgrading, and expanding. "Urban renewal" in communities incorporated into the REG would involve upgrading homes, industry, and vehicles to sustainable power, a difficult but worthwhile endeavor. Those outlying communities demonstrating the greatest commitment to sustainable practices such as recycling would be first in line for annexation.

This is the challenge. It requires only two things: the will of innovative people and the resources of multinational corporations.

There is no time like the present.