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Renewable energy fair shows oil alternatives

by Angela Blanchard
Saturday, August 11, 2007

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The U.S. continues to be the world's largest energy consumer and likewise is under pressure at home and abroad to cut back. Conservation is one way of doing that and the other is seeking alternative energy.

Aside from sunny weather and entertainment, renewable energy is what has been drawing a crowd all day. A renewable energy fair is in Anchorage to show the public there are options out there that are becoming more and more practical for the average consumer.

"Energy obviously is fundamental to every economy," said Robert C. McFarlane, former U.S. National Security advisor.

It's that kind of energy that continues to stir interest and debate locally and world wide.

McFarlane says the U.S. is more concerned now over energy security than ever before, given continuing conflict in the Middle East.

"A lot of that money that we're spending, last year $309 billion on foreign oil, is being siphoned back to al Qaeda and to terrorism, so we're supporting the enemy, if you will, by buying foreign oil," said McFarlane.

And as this annual renewable energy fair shows, there are plenty of alternatives.

"What we have here is a DC motor controller. It's rated for up to 300 volts and 1,000 amps. I can pull about 180 horsepower into that motor with this controller," said Mike Willmon, Alaska Electric Vehicle Association.

Translation: it gets him to and from work and saves over $1,000 a year on fuel costs.

"Takes some of my time, I think it's worth it," said Willmon.

Many alternative inventions still need the kinks worked out, like solar power in the land of the midnight sun.

"We don't have as much sun as California or Arizona, so it's going to take us a little longer for the payback to be more attractive," said Andy Baker, clean energy consultant.

Still, these panels can offset energy cost when the sun is shining.

Energy experts, vendors and environmentalists alike would like to see more people give alternative a try and many think Alaskans can lead the way.

"All of these things are uniquely available right here in Alaska and I can imagine the day when you become a test bed for all these technologies," said McFarlane.

He says it's going to take time to wean ourselves off oil, but it can be done.

The energy fair continues through 9 p.m. tonight.

If you come down to the fair, you can also learn about geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric power, all of which are feasible and, in some cases, up and running here in the state.

Contact Angela Blanchard at ablanchard@ktuu.com