Last week, the Atlanta Kettering Executive Network (KEN) was pleased to have a day focused on the business of energy.
An overview was presented by KEN Energy Special Interest Group member, Jeff Gross. This energy-focused group was created earlier this year to promote careers and entrepreneurial opportunities for KEN members in the energy sector. I am a part of the leadership team which includes Jeff Gross, Jin Kim and Pierre Beuret.
It was a real treat to have as our main speaker, Jay Hakes, Director of the Carter Library and Museum
and author of the recent book Declaration of Energy Independence.
I had the pleasure of introducing Jay who spoke about topics from his book, his experiences as the leader of the Energy Information Administration in Washington and energy efficiencies incorporated in the latest renovation of the Carter Library and Museum. He discussed trends in energy usage over the past 50 years and his prognosis for renewables, efficiency, nuclear power and price of oil, going forward.
Some of the topics discussed were:
- Jay highlighted the Carter Library and its advanced energy savings design, siting LED lighting and the addition of space without requiring more air conditioning/heating.
- Specific actions taken in legislation to improve energy efficiency, such as those to mandate better auto fuel mileage beginning in the 70s that forced positive change throughout the auto industry. He extrapolated this to say recent new fuel efficiencies should be manageable and necessary. However, these things would not be taking place without government policy driving them.
- Photovoltaic Solar Generation companies claim big cost reductions year-over-year - almost similar pattern as the micro chip cost history. Jay doesn't believe there is so much potential for big improvements.
- He explained how tax credits on renewable generation such as wind, have a short term effect which fizzles when tax credits expire. Jay would prefer to see taxes on fossil fuels which would make renewable a more attractive choice for energy needs.
Jay was kind enough to take questions from the crowd and meet with KEN members before and after the meeting. I always enjoy hearing Jay speak about his vision for energy use both in this country and around the world. Many thanks, Jay.
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