Sustainable Energy Conference 2009
Keynote Speaker - Dr. George Jacobson
His research has focused on long-term climate variability and specifically on forest responses to climate changes during the past 60,000 years. His projects have included sites in North America, South America, and Europe. During the 1990s he chaired the Scientific Advisory Panel for the NOAA Paleoclimate Program, and for the past four years he has chaired a similar Scientific Advisory Panel for the European Science Foundation, the scientific arm of the European Union. More recently he served as an advisor to the Finnish Academy of Sciences in their development of a paleoclimate research program. He will be giving an overview of natural climate variability and its consequences for Maine ecosystems, as in his recent report to the Governor, Maine's Climate Future, An Initial Assessment. Workshops Tidal Power Back to Main Conference Page
As Ocean Renewable Power states: "We believe that development of technology and projects that will generate emission-free electricity from tidal, river and ocean currents can be done in a manner that will protect the marine environment; will be compatible with other uses of the marine resources; will provide reliable, economic new supplies of renewable energy; and will create new jobs and other economic opportunities to the local communities." Watch a video of the turbine in action - Tidal Power Video. To contact ORPC: www.oceanrenewablepower.com/orpc_contact.htm
The latest generation of home wind systems makes installation and usage easier and more transparent to the homeowner - "plug and play" systems with built-in inverters, stand-alone towers, and lighter, quieter tubines. To contact John Rush: www.evoloenergysolutions.com/contact.html
Jason Peacock is a LEED Accredited Professional and founder of Platinum Green, Inc. His training straddles both the engineering and the medical fields, giving him the expertise to design homes which are healthy for both the environment and their occupants. Jason is currently involved in a green development project for Wiscasset, Maine. Each of these buildings will be LEED Platinum certified and entirely off the grid, relying solely on Wind, Solar, and Biomass for their energy and heat. In addition, these buildings will be made with healthy (often reclaimed) materials and finishes, in order to ensure a healthy living environment. If you are a designer, builder, or homeowner, this seminar will help inform you of the many different ways to make your home more healthy, and energy efficient, while shrinking its ecological footprint on the planet. To contact Jason Peacock: jason@platinumgreeninc.com
Geothermal Installations To contact John Logan: geomaine@yahoo.com
Hybrid Solar: Combined Solar Heat and Electricity More information on Chris Straka and Ascendant Energy can be found at: www.ascendantenergy.com Solar hot water is a sensible and practical way to make a positive impact on the environment while saving money at the same time. A typical residential system will reduce carbon emissions by almost 3000 pounds and save hundreds of dollars worth of electricity. Phil Coup,of Revision Energy, will be presenting a seminar on this growing technology, as well as showing off some of the hardware located on Chewonki’s campus. How Solar Hot Water Works - To contact Revision Energy: www.revisionenergy.com/contact-revision-energy.php ExhibitsThe Chewonki Sustainable Energy Conference will also be showcasing a host of different technologies from around the state -
Electric Cars
Electric cars are actually much simpler vehicles than those using internal combustion engines meaning that there are fewer problems and much less maintenance. They're also fun and easy to drive and much, much quieter for a more relaxing driving experience. For info visit www.MaineEV.com, or call 207-233-9970.
Tours of Chewonki's Sustainable Campus Chewonki's campus is a showcase of some of the latest renewable energy systems in Maine. Join us on a tour of our solar rooftops - solar thermal, photovoltaics, and hybrid modules - as well as Chewonki's hydrogen system, geothermal unit, and biofuels shed. The tour will also include our teachable demonstrations of these systems. We use these "teaching tools" to elucidate renewable energy concepts to teachers, students, and professionals.
For more information contact: Peter Arnold or Tom Twist
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George L. Jacobson is Professor Emeritus of Biology, Ecology, and Climate Change at the University of Maine. Since his arrival in Maine in 1979, Dr. Jacobson has been a member of the Climate Change Institute, and he was Director of the Institute for nearly a decade. 
John Ferland, of Ocean Renewable Power, Corp. (ORPC), will be speaking on the promise of tidal power as a means to meet our nation's growing demand for renewable energy. Tidal power is a particularly appropriate resource in Maine, as we have some of the strongest tidal rivers on the Eastern coast. And since water is roughly 800 times more dense than air, the potential for electricity generation from these "water turbines" is enormous. 
Chewonki will be hosting John Rush, of
Evolo Energy Solutions, to speak on the topic of residential wind systems. Wind power is easily the fastest growing renewable technology today, and offers a very feasible alternative to coal-produced electricity. 
Geothermal energy is one of the most promising and economical means of residential heating. In this seminar, John Logan, of Water Energy Distri-butors, Inc., speaks on this up-and-coming renewable energy. Geothermal energy can be used anywhere on earth – not just places which have a high underground temperature. Geothermal installations use the constant temperature of the earth (45-55 degrees F) to heat homes in the winter, and cool them in the summer. A heat pump is used to maximize returns. It is estimated that geothermal installations produce 4-5 units of energy for every unit expended, and can operate at a third of the cost of conventional heating systems. 
Chris Straka is the founder and CEO of Ascendant Energy Company, Inc. of Owls Head, Maine. In 2006, the Maine Technology Institute gave a development award to Ascendant Energy to commercialize Chris’ Solar Cogenerator and SHP inventions that combine solar electric and thermal technologies. Based on his work, Chris has been a speaker at the National Renewable Energy Lab’s Clean Energy Forum, and at Massachusetts’ Clean Energy Conference. 
Zero emissions from driving 100% electric cars means no pollution and no greenhouse gasses. And because they are so much more efficient than fossil-fuel cars, the energy that goes into making the electricity is reduced by several fold -- it's like getting up to 200 miles per gallon (its energy equivalent).
    
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