Tag: Disruptive Technologies

Origins of A Tsunami Called Natural Gas
Economy, Energy, Environment & Climate Change

Origins of A Tsunami Called Natural Gas


Before the natural gas tsunami came ashore of the U.S. energy sector in 2014/2015, it was little more than a rogue wave at sea.  This is a story of its impacts on one energy technology while it was still barely discernible from the surrounding waves in which it lurked as it gained momentum and mass.

In 2008 through 2010 I worked with a small diversified “solar” company in Colorado as a Project Manager – “Jack of All Trades.” At the time, we focused on distributed solar thermal at the municipal and residential scales, while engineering a more versatile racking system than that on the market out of Europe.

We were using ingenuity as well as trial an error to combat limitations imposed by “one size fits all” applications, where the reality was, there were Continue reading “Origins of A Tsunami Called Natural Gas”

Desperation Unbecoming of an Energy Diva
Economy, Energy, Environment & Climate Change, Global Trends

Desperation Unbecoming of an Energy Diva


Valentine’s Day can bring out the best and the worst in people.

In this new “love ballad” by the Energy Policy Alliance, we see how the inherent need to be loved is not just a human trait anymore. How certain sectors of the energy industry can take on human emotions of neglect, rejection and the wear and tear of getting older.

Unfortunately, this can bring out the worst in not only humans, but industry as well, and desperation can set in. Such is the case with all relationships, and the choice is ours to decide whether we want to see the glass half-full, or half-empty. To appreciate what we have, or lament what we are lacking.

It looks as though Mrs. Oil has a half-empty attitude, but can you blame her given her long run at the top and being the most universally adored and fought over energy for decades? Changes are bound to happen as nothing lasts forever, and the global energy environment is at its most dynamic position shy Ms. Black Gold’s storming the stage not more than a hundred years ago to claim the spotlight.

Is Mrs. Oil starting to get desperate? Is she seeing the writing on the wall? Is she trying to steal the noteworthy fame of her fellow energy divas knowing full well they frequented the same clubs, but rarely socialized directly with each other all through their history?

Continue reading “Desperation Unbecoming of an Energy Diva”