high oil prices are awesome!

People are driving less- even Americans, business class only airlines are going bust (woohoo!) and public appeals for efficient public transport as an alternative to private are growing. Sweet.

George knows it too.


Addition:

So does Johann.

ecohackers 2 - the revenge

Someone's managed to do something decent with all the wondrous technology we've developed. Its simple enough to be practical and theoretically viable. Watch this space . . .

do you want a new nuclear power station at Hinkley?

You can register your opinion with the Western Daily News.

punkscience is now a union member

I just joined Unite-Amicus. I thought it was the right thing to do and Peter Tatchell agrees. We shall see how this pans out . . . .


They happened to offer new members the chance to register their political position in the form of a questionnaire. Unfortunately I am physically incapable of turning down any opportunity to slate the Labour party. Hence:

interesting renewable generation factoid

According to Caroline Lucas, research shows that wind energy creates over 2000 jobs per terawatt of energy produced, compared to just 75 for nuclear.

I'd be very interested to find that research. A quick google failed to produce anything tangible.

Green Vehicles

They make this little gem (credit to EcoGeek). Its very similar to something that I want to build myself, originally inspired by the Aptera. The reverse trike layout, the side-by side seats for two. The main difference between the TRIAC and the Aptera is that the latter has an internal combustion engine powering a generator as well as conventional battery storage so that although it can be used as a true BEV it can also be used as a hybrid, achieving 250mpg. That's pretty damn sweet!

The reason this phenomenal mileage is achievable is simply that the Aptera is so thoroughly streamlined that it doesn't have to waste >80% of the energy in its fuel pushing air out of its way. I can't begin to compete with that but I did want to put together a BEV at home that would allow me to scoot around town cheaply and with minimal emissions. So I've been researching suppliers thet hree main components needed for a BEV: The batteries, a speed controller and the motor. The chassis can be a straightforward welded steel job (I looked into a bamboo frame too, BTW) and the running gear can come off bikes. The best bits I've come across have been these guy's speed controllers and motors from China. As for batteries, I had the idea of using recycled lead-acid batteries from a scrap yard- often these are perfectly serviceable (unlike the vehicles they were in).

Whether this turns into any more than a pipe-dream remains to be seen but its fun to research and in a few years I have a nasty feeling that incentives to move to electric powered transport will be particularly prevalent.

Addition:

Another reverse trike. Not very green but highly badassss!

Michael Meacher

He voted for the Iraq invasion and, therefore, is a git. However, he's bang on with this CiF article about UK politics.

Vote Green.

punkscience is back . . .

. . . and he's struggling to come to terms with the world he's returned to.

Bombs in Exeter (where he works).
Oil at $135 a barrel.
Nu Laybur in meltdown and the prospect of a Tory government (can it be worse than Labour?)



The saga continues. Watch this space . . .


P.S.
Thanks for the love, chaps. Much appreciated.