Reply #37: OK I read the executive summary

[kristopher]

I tried to download the chapter on energy twice, but for some reason it won't open; I get an error msg.

Going by what I see in the summary, I have a number of questions as to methodology; perhaps you could answer two for me. When calculating the potential of solar, the author limited the potential input from solar to a figure derived by using the surface area of south facing roofs in UK. Why? Is there some reason to ignore all the other potential placement options? The more normal manner of making such a calculation would be to approach it from the challenge of producing X number of m^2 of PV surface. If you want Z power you just calculate how many panels it will take and what resources you would need to dedicate to the effort to achieve your goal. Where they are finally placed is really a very negotiable proposition.

Now that is a pretty basic error for the author to have made, in my opinion. Why do you suppose that error occurred? Is it consistent with a person who is trying to make an accurate assessment of the options available; or is it consistent with a person trying to lead an argument in a predetermined direction?


The second thought I'd like your input on is the way various energy sectors are lumped together and assigned in toto to the individual. If we look at the structure of a grid based on renewables, the responsibility for power production devolves in large part to the individual. For example, a solar based grid might have each home basically self sufficient for the resident's energy needs - including EV transportation. If we use the authors model however, he presents all industrial, social services, all of the basic infrastructure energy needs and assigns their portion to the individual. That is unusual, because it is usually looked at by sector since each sector (commercial, heavy transport, personal transport, agriculture, construction etc) has distinct needs and thus distinct solutions. The problem isn't lumping the needs into an individual profile, the problem arises when those solutions for the other sectors are ignored while the question is addressed as if it were the same as a normal residential sector analysis.

Why is it preferable to do it that way instead of by sector, and what do you think these two points say about the insight the analysis offers us into understanding our options for reaching our goals?