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45 comments on Interview with Jean Laherrère

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Luis de Sousa on August 2, 2007 - 9:50am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Alan,

Obviously we are talking here of energy vector substitutes for current systems. Electricity, although possibly a better and more lasting vector, implies major infrastructure changes - as you know better than anyone.

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AlanfromBigEasy on August 2, 2007 - 11:38am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Not as major as you think.

Electrifying existing railroads is, quite frankly, not that big a deal in the scope of other solutions suggested. (even South Africa, with all of their problems, has electrified 1,600 km of their main rail line with more to come).

An electric railroad works like a diesel railroad, except it accelerates & brakes faster. It is really not a "new system".

Adding back tracks torn up 30 or so years ago is also not a "big deal" compared to Tar Sands or other alternatives.

Building significant amounts of Urban Rail could be done with the current new highway budget.

Increasing bicycling requires trivial new resources. And electric trolley buses have lower life cycle costs than diesel buses.

Best Hopes for Expanding the View of What is Possible and Easily Doable,

Alan

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Nick on August 6, 2007 - 6:21pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

PHEV's will require very little infrastructure. 90% of vehicle owners have off-street parking, and could just plug them in.

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45 comments on Interview with Jean Laherrère

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