This is an invitation to join SDRES on Wednesday, June 10, at 7pm to see Rich Caputo answer the question, “Are Wires Needed to Bring Renewables to San Diego?”

This presentation is based on a new book by Mr. Caputo titled Hitting the Wall:  A Vision of a Secure Energy Future published by Morgan and Claypool.  The book argues that there are two issues that could have greater impact on the U.S. than any terrorist attack and they are the peaking of global oil production and climate change.  The likely impacts of these two monumental problems are collectively called hitting the wall.

Dealing with these unfolding crisis is probably the most difficult challenge our species has faced since our inception 200,000 years ago.  The difficulties are technical and economic but most of all, political.  Although a significant challenge, technical opportunities do exist to move beyond the use of carbon as a fuel.  These extend from a host of energy efficiency prospects that give the same service at a fraction of the energy now used, to a wide range of renewable energy opportunities.  Nine non-carbon techniques are examined and their realistic potential to contribute to reducing our carbon emission by 80% by 2050 is evaluated.  This national approach is applied to San Diego in the renewables area.  When you do, you come to conclusions that are at odds with the frequently voiced opinion that says that all we have to do is put distributed solar on our buildings and parking lots --- the “no wires” solution.

Mr. Caputo is retired after 25 years as an engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of Caltech, is a mediator who has done court mediations in three states, is currently on the Board of Directors of the American Solar Energy Society and is active in the San Diego Chapter. He received the 2006 SANDEE award for energy excellence in his rebuilt home in Julian.  He was a founder of the SDRES and is actively involved with the American Solar Energy Society national policy development regarding global warming solutions.

Whatever your view regarding Sunrise Power Link, please come and see the big picture!

SDRES programs are free and are held at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, 8690 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100 (2 blocks east of Hwy 163 on the north side of Balboa.  Advanced registration is not required.  If you have questions call Skip Fralick at 858-244-4868.

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