Next question is what is the venture?
I think energy storage is a strong candidate. e.g. electrolysis of hydrogen and then recombination in a fuel cell or other such technologies.
Two reasons:
1. Many renewable energy sources are non-continuous. based on current planning - it doesn't really work if 20% of the UK's energy is generated by wind (for instance) as there has to be conventional back up in case of windless days
2. The motor vehicle problem - bio fuels can't really work on world wide scales - so electric cars seem the obvious solution. Next issue is how to store the energy.
I've not done copious research - but I know battery storage of electricity is a no-go. Hydrogen does seem feasible. Fuel cells more efficient than burning H2.
Maybe micro generation is the way. e.g. My villages build x windmills. Link them to 1 small electrolysis plant (already available). Generate H2. Store locally. Car with H2 tank and fuel cell (already available). My question is - is it really scalable? Use fuel cells as smart batteries for homes and cars. Reduce waste and consumption. Helps with solar generation too - export liquid H2?
People are already doing this kind of thing - so not sure where we fit in - but ...
I'd really love to see a small scale 100% sustainable community set up. To prove it can be done without simply going to subsistence living. Then scale it.
Another big thing. The switch in attitude from consumerism to sustainability. Why does a car have to last only 5 years. It is short termist. No reason a more expensive car could not be made that lasts pretty much indefintiely - especially if electric. I have heard someone suggest that a lease model for end users would hide the upfront costs and if car companies owned the cars there would be incentive to make them maintainable (upholstry change after 5 years etc). Side effect it would get people to think about wasted journeys. Today you shell out tons for a car - then trips seem cheap compared to trains. Plus the more you use the car the cheaper it is. Go for a pay as you go method - and that doesn't happen...
