Page 392 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook
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Energy Strategy for Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Chapter j 18 365
Note also that intermittent renewable energy can be used to electrolyze
water into hydrogen, in combination with a number of environmentally benign
technologies. The example, the US Case Study, shows a hydrogen fueling
station from Honda in Torrance, California, USA, that uses renewable energy
(solar) to convert water into hydrogen for the Honda hydrogen fuel cell cars,
expected in the mass market place within 3e5 years, according to industry
reports in February 2006.
IMPLEMENTING MEASURES
Form an Energy Advisory Council for IMAR
l This should be a small permanent group with the ability to bring in experts
in various areas, as necessary
l One task of the Council would be to recommend roles and actions by the
various players, including: the IMAR government, state-owned enterprises,
private industry, nongovernmental organizations, universities, consumers,
investors, and experts (both domestic and foreign)
l A specific analysis should be made of the important externalities for the
energy industry, especially health impacts of pollution, mine safety, and
climate change
l These externalities need to be factored into the economics of comparing
clean energy technologies with conventional ones; the Council should
recommend how to do this (a strong central government has the advantage
of being able to overcome the myopic perspective of individual companies
whose actions are controlled by the own internal accounting.)
l The Council should examine current feed-in laws, pricing schemes,
taxation/credits, etc., and take necessary actions to manage other potential
impediments to constructing the infrastructure required for the new
systems required for the energy transition described in our reports
l Seek direct foreign investment with joint ventures and partnerships
l Create an investment fund or “bank” that provides favorable financing
based on vision and goals
l Establish an international and reciprocal program for visiting scholars,
scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, etc.
l Set up regional “science parks” or hubs that are focused on an energy and
environmental base
CONCLUSIONS
New and alternative sources of energy can replace fossil fuels, conventional
coal combustion, and other “dirty” sources as new power generation
approaches come into the marketplace and become more cost effective. The
policy(s) and plans from the central government and IMAR will promote and
implement these alternative strategies, perhaps based on lessons learned in