Will we choose solar energy as our alternative resource?

The FPL Group is one of the United States biggest providers of electricity and is ranked first among electric utility energy--efficiency programs.  In Florida alone, it serves 4.5 million customers.  FPL is also number one in wind energy with the 7,500 turbines in 16 states.  It also is the largest generator of solar thermal power in the world, co-owning and operating seven solar plants in the Mojave Desert in California.

Lewis Hay, III Chairman and CEO of FPL Group, Inc. has called for action by our government in the fight against climate change.  "Every day we delay, another 18 million tons of CO2 are released into the atmosphere, most of which will remain there for close to a century.  And with every year of inaction, the carbon reductions needed to deal successfully with climate change become larger and harder to achieve.  We need real leadership on climate change....I want my grandchildren to think of carbon dioxide the same way my parents did--as a simple input to photosynthesis, not as a heat trapping noose around the planet."

Expanding upon this approach is Florida Power and Light's initiative to develop the largest solar-power plant outside of California (Solar Electric Generating System--FPL Energy LLC).  They expect to build three solar projects in Florida, believing that higher fuel prices will focus support on the natural energy development (pending approval from PSC).  "The three projects will cost about $688 million and will offset more than 3 million tons of carbon dioxide."

Other recent solar initiatives:

Far Niente Winery in Napa Valley

GE Energy forms and alliance with GAF Materials Corporation to bring solar and roofing systems to commercial and residential customers.

An explanation of how the energy crisis came about is published: Power to Change the World: Alernative Energy and the Rise of the Solar City

An investor writes about how we can Profit From Clean Energy.

Sources:

FPL Group.com

Palm Beach Post, Eve Samples, June 03, '08.  "FPL Seeks OK For Large Solar Plant in Martin, With 2 More in Wings"

Palm Beach Post, Allison Ross, July 10, '08. "FPL Taps California Company to Build 2 Solar Plants"

Ethanol As Car Fuel--Don't Believe The Myths

The Car Addiction

Update on Jul 14, 2008 by At Basil & Spice

Reuters US!     Reuters UK!    Fox Business!