The nuclear negotiations with Iran and recent events in Ukraine tie together in a way that might be far from obvious to most people. The connection? Renewable energy can be a tool for solving problems in both countries.
Iran is what got me thinking this way, so let's start there. The current biggest issue in relations between Iran and the West would have to be Iran's controversial plans for nuclear power. For purposes of this blog post, I will assume their intentions are peaceful.
So here is the idea, in brief: Iran gives up nuclear power plans, and we free up their assets ONLY for the purpose of buying renewable energy technology and related technical assistance. The exchange could cover any country, so Iranian resources could be used to buy solar panels from China or wind turbines from Norway, but I would prefer to see American companies get most of the business.
It seems like there would be far more winners than losers in this equation. Specifically, there would be lots of American jobs created or preserved. Iran would get the capacity to meet growing needs for energy. People worried about Iranian nukes would be reassured that Iran had given up the means to build nuclear weapons.
Regarding Ukraine, well, you can see where this is going. The details are somewhat different. Ukraine depends heavily on Russia for energy, in the form of natural gas. This is a good deal for Russian gas companies, but not such a good deal for the average Ukrainian. Furthermore, the country needs new and reliable energy generation, from some source. We don't have any Ukrainian assets to release, but we do have money for grants and interest-free loans.
Ukraine might benefit from lots of small power stations, for buildings or towns and villages.
Both nations will need detailed surveys of renewable energy resources. This isn't a priority, but you need to map out where wind and solar will work. Wave, tide, and geothermal power are also relevant. Where can those resources be exploited.
Iran is what got me thinking this way, so let's start there. The current biggest issue in relations between Iran and the West would have to be Iran's controversial plans for nuclear power. For purposes of this blog post, I will assume their intentions are peaceful.
So here is the idea, in brief: Iran gives up nuclear power plans, and we free up their assets ONLY for the purpose of buying renewable energy technology and related technical assistance. The exchange could cover any country, so Iranian resources could be used to buy solar panels from China or wind turbines from Norway, but I would prefer to see American companies get most of the business.
It seems like there would be far more winners than losers in this equation. Specifically, there would be lots of American jobs created or preserved. Iran would get the capacity to meet growing needs for energy. People worried about Iranian nukes would be reassured that Iran had given up the means to build nuclear weapons.
Regarding Ukraine, well, you can see where this is going. The details are somewhat different. Ukraine depends heavily on Russia for energy, in the form of natural gas. This is a good deal for Russian gas companies, but not such a good deal for the average Ukrainian. Furthermore, the country needs new and reliable energy generation, from some source. We don't have any Ukrainian assets to release, but we do have money for grants and interest-free loans.
Ukraine might benefit from lots of small power stations, for buildings or towns and villages.
Both nations will need detailed surveys of renewable energy resources. This isn't a priority, but you need to map out where wind and solar will work. Wave, tide, and geothermal power are also relevant. Where can those resources be exploited.
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