c300man's Comments c300man's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/159577/comments Natural Gas Stocks: The Ultimate Form of Stored Solar Energy http://seekingalpha.com/article/160510-natural-gas-stocks-the-ultimate-form-of-stored-solar-energy?source=feed#comment-668528 668528 and I think a good choice of companies.

I think you are right on about the thought of the relatively low energy intensity of the sun being effectively concentrated over millions of years to the coal, oil, and NG high-energy-intensity 'batteries' the Great Provider set aside for our use. The only other thing readily available with more energy density is Uranium which should also be fully exploited.

At least one other thing Hubbert didn't imagine was a company like BP finding a large oil deposit 7 miles deep in the Gulf of Mexico.

I very strongly believe we should always use our lowest cost energy alternatives. No wise person pays more than necessary for whatever he wants to buy that meets his requirements. The same should be true for energy. We should use our lowest cost resources until some other alternative becomes cheaper. Having our politicians interfere with this process in the form of subsidies, mandates, questionable environmental restrictions, etc., is costly and wasteful - it is that simple. ]]>
Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:40:51 -0400 and I think a good choice of companies.

I think you are right on about the thought of the relatively low energy intensity of the sun being effectively concentrated over millions of years to the coal, oil, and NG high-energy-intensity 'batteries' the Great Provider set aside for our use. The only other thing readily available with more energy density is Uranium which should also be fully exploited.

At least one other thing Hubbert didn't imagine was a company like BP finding a large oil deposit 7 miles deep in the Gulf of Mexico.

I very strongly believe we should always use our lowest cost energy alternatives. No wise person pays more than necessary for whatever he wants to buy that meets his requirements. The same should be true for energy. We should use our lowest cost resources until some other alternative becomes cheaper. Having our politicians interfere with this process in the form of subsidies, mandates, questionable environmental restrictions, etc., is costly and wasteful - it is that simple. ]]>
Postal Service Set to Lead the Way in Deploying Electric Fleet http://seekingalpha.com/article/159957-postal-service-set-to-lead-the-way-in-deploying-electric-fleet?source=feed#comment-661587 661587
For your answer and reference to your earlier article on frequency regulation. In my more simplistic consideration it is easy to understand a pumped storage facility being filled at night and then being used during the daytime to generate energy when needs are greater. Thinking of many batteries for momentary use for frequency regulation is a different sort of application. So thanks for describing those other sorts of FR systems.

For the PO E-LLV's analysis apparently the assumption is that they would be plugged into the grid at a time they would be really most helpful. If they are in use on the streets during peak energy use times that seems unlikely. They could be providing FR during off use time (5 pm - 7 am) but the need or benefit at that time would seem to be much less. ]]>
Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:25:10 -0400
For your answer and reference to your earlier article on frequency regulation. In my more simplistic consideration it is easy to understand a pumped storage facility being filled at night and then being used during the daytime to generate energy when needs are greater. Thinking of many batteries for momentary use for frequency regulation is a different sort of application. So thanks for describing those other sorts of FR systems.

For the PO E-LLV's analysis apparently the assumption is that they would be plugged into the grid at a time they would be really most helpful. If they are in use on the streets during peak energy use times that seems unlikely. They could be providing FR during off use time (5 pm - 7 am) but the need or benefit at that time would seem to be much less. ]]>
Postal Service Set to Lead the Way in Deploying Electric Fleet http://seekingalpha.com/article/159957-postal-service-set-to-lead-the-way-in-deploying-electric-fleet?source=feed#comment-661440 661440
A point I'm missing is the idea of selling energy back to the grid. I thought the vehicle batteries would be charged at night during their off use hours when electric rates might be lower. In the analysis by the PO is it the overnight period when they expect to sell energy back to the grid? Are they assuming they can sell energy back at some other period when they can receive a higher value? As you say, the E-LLV's are in use delivering mail during peak electrical energy demands. ]]>
Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:40:11 -0400
A point I'm missing is the idea of selling energy back to the grid. I thought the vehicle batteries would be charged at night during their off use hours when electric rates might be lower. In the analysis by the PO is it the overnight period when they expect to sell energy back to the grid? Are they assuming they can sell energy back at some other period when they can receive a higher value? As you say, the E-LLV's are in use delivering mail during peak electrical energy demands. ]]>
The Truth About Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy http://seekingalpha.com/article/154615-the-truth-about-fossil-fuels-and-renewable-energy?source=feed#comment-619377 619377
When will Part II be out?

I can only hope our congress and administration will read and start to digest the sort of information you have presented. ]]>
Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:29:34 -0400
When will Part II be out?

I can only hope our congress and administration will read and start to digest the sort of information you have presented. ]]>
Why Isn't Midwest Wind-Generated Power Blowing East? http://seekingalpha.com/article/148560-why-isn-t-midwest-wind-generated-power-blowing-east?source=feed#comment-588010 588010
New technology is / can be employed to reduce this energy loss but that comes at a cost. Hopefully the author can comment about this transmission energy requirement and how it can be minimized and at what cost. ]]>
Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:29:16 -0400
New technology is / can be employed to reduce this energy loss but that comes at a cost. Hopefully the author can comment about this transmission energy requirement and how it can be minimized and at what cost. ]]>
Investing in the Smart Grid http://seekingalpha.com/article/148222-investing-in-the-smart-grid?source=feed#comment-585894 585894
One factor that is missing from the discussion is the cost and energy required to transmit electrical energy long distances. That is the reason generation facilities need to be located as close as practical to where the energy is used. Otherwise much energy is lost in the long-distance transmission. The idea of generating a lot of solar energy in the southwest or wind energy in the countries mid-section and sending that energy long distances is wasteful. The 'smart grid' doesn't address this fundamental aspect of electrical energy transmission. Of course research is underway (and long has been) to improve this transmission efficiency but nothing practical is available yet. ]]>
Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:19:08 -0400
One factor that is missing from the discussion is the cost and energy required to transmit electrical energy long distances. That is the reason generation facilities need to be located as close as practical to where the energy is used. Otherwise much energy is lost in the long-distance transmission. The idea of generating a lot of solar energy in the southwest or wind energy in the countries mid-section and sending that energy long distances is wasteful. The 'smart grid' doesn't address this fundamental aspect of electrical energy transmission. Of course research is underway (and long has been) to improve this transmission efficiency but nothing practical is available yet. ]]>
House Throws Away Big Money in Cap-and-Trade Bill http://seekingalpha.com/article/146186-house-throws-away-big-money-in-cap-and-trade-bill?source=feed#comment-569612 569612
Please take the time to read the EPA - Carlin report that has been suppressed by the EPA. It is available from many sources on-line (98 pages). Also, look at Mr. Carlins credentials and papers over his 40 year EPA career. His report should have taken the administration, EPA and congress back to square one about global warming and the need for any sort of cap and trade but instead it seemed to provide the impetus to railroad and foist this legislation all the quicker on the American people.]]>
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:27:48 -0400
Please take the time to read the EPA - Carlin report that has been suppressed by the EPA. It is available from many sources on-line (98 pages). Also, look at Mr. Carlins credentials and papers over his 40 year EPA career. His report should have taken the administration, EPA and congress back to square one about global warming and the need for any sort of cap and trade but instead it seemed to provide the impetus to railroad and foist this legislation all the quicker on the American people.]]>
Will India's Changes Bring Headwinds for Gold? http://seekingalpha.com/article/144184-will-india-s-changes-bring-headwinds-for-gold?source=feed#comment-553639 553639 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:48:21 -0400 Stay Away from U.S. Treasuries - Invest in Energy Stocks http://seekingalpha.com/article/143062-stay-away-from-u-s-treasuries-invest-in-energy-stocks?source=feed#comment-546545 546545
As the American public begins to better understand what these energy policies will result in in cost and control of their lives I think we will see many changes in future elections. We will elect politicians who will truly support and push for use of all of our countries natural resources especially tight NG and offshore oil. As oil price increases oil shale and coal conversion and NG conversion to liquids will increase. Use of nuclear energy will be expanded and permitting will be simplified and the permitting timeframe will be shortened.

All the while alternative energy systems / types will be supported and developed and become a more significant part of our total energy supply as they become cost competitive (without subsidies) with the proven technologies.

Also, there will always be room to improve efficiency. But again, cost should be the determining factor. Small efficiency gains at great expense don't always lead to a lower total cost.

All of this just seems like common sense most people would agree to if given the opportunity to set energy policy. Unfortunately there are so many associated issues that aren't presented honestly such as global warming and foreign mid-east oil (really most of it is Canadian oil) that leave voters wondering what is best for them and our country. I think it will become more apparent and our energy policies will swing to more support for use of our own resources.
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Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:04:28 -0400
As the American public begins to better understand what these energy policies will result in in cost and control of their lives I think we will see many changes in future elections. We will elect politicians who will truly support and push for use of all of our countries natural resources especially tight NG and offshore oil. As oil price increases oil shale and coal conversion and NG conversion to liquids will increase. Use of nuclear energy will be expanded and permitting will be simplified and the permitting timeframe will be shortened.

All the while alternative energy systems / types will be supported and developed and become a more significant part of our total energy supply as they become cost competitive (without subsidies) with the proven technologies.

Also, there will always be room to improve efficiency. But again, cost should be the determining factor. Small efficiency gains at great expense don't always lead to a lower total cost.

All of this just seems like common sense most people would agree to if given the opportunity to set energy policy. Unfortunately there are so many associated issues that aren't presented honestly such as global warming and foreign mid-east oil (really most of it is Canadian oil) that leave voters wondering what is best for them and our country. I think it will become more apparent and our energy policies will swing to more support for use of our own resources.
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Energy: Zero Sum, We Lose http://seekingalpha.com/article/141783-energy-zero-sum-we-lose?source=feed#comment-536464 536464 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:49:01 -0400 Power Plays on Energy Management http://seekingalpha.com/article/139506-power-plays-on-energy-management?source=feed#comment-517627 517627
New technology that takes over all these simple responsibilities is fine and needs to be developed but there is no mention of their cost and on-going maintenance / upgrading expenses. It is always prudent to question just how complicated you want to make a simple task and what are the true savings. ]]>
Tue, 26 May 2009 07:50:53 -0400
New technology that takes over all these simple responsibilities is fine and needs to be developed but there is no mention of their cost and on-going maintenance / upgrading expenses. It is always prudent to question just how complicated you want to make a simple task and what are the true savings. ]]>
Oil Rises Again: What Does it Mean? http://seekingalpha.com/article/127280-oil-rises-again-what-does-it-mean?source=feed#comment-436396 436396
www.exxonmobil.com/Cor...]]>
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:49:07 -0400
www.exxonmobil.com/Cor...]]>
Renewables: Another Perspective on Energy http://seekingalpha.com/article/126649-renewables-another-perspective-on-energy?source=feed#comment-432211 432211
There will be a day when we truly enjoy and capture all of the energy nuclear energy has to offer. We've enjoyed the benefits chemical energy has offered and will for a long time to come but I think a greater transition to nuclear will occur. The waste issue is not a problem to the engineering and scientific community only to the politicians and environmental extremists. ]]>
Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:19:04 -0400
There will be a day when we truly enjoy and capture all of the energy nuclear energy has to offer. We've enjoyed the benefits chemical energy has offered and will for a long time to come but I think a greater transition to nuclear will occur. The waste issue is not a problem to the engineering and scientific community only to the politicians and environmental extremists. ]]>
Smart Grid: Powering Us Out of Recession http://seekingalpha.com/article/125555-smart-grid-powering-us-out-of-recession?source=feed#comment-423018 423018
Wages paid to plant employees during that outage =
800 employees x 8 hrs x $10 / hr = $64,000

There are lots of opportunity for improved and more efficient energy use and reduction of energy waste although you can't eliminate some cost for moving energy.

I believe we need to increase use of nuclear energy. Mining and processing of Uranium ore is safe. Disposal of spent fuel is safe but unfortunately the Obama administration has let politics guide their decision making. ]]>
Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:49:36 -0400
Wages paid to plant employees during that outage =
800 employees x 8 hrs x $10 / hr = $64,000

There are lots of opportunity for improved and more efficient energy use and reduction of energy waste although you can't eliminate some cost for moving energy.

I believe we need to increase use of nuclear energy. Mining and processing of Uranium ore is safe. Disposal of spent fuel is safe but unfortunately the Obama administration has let politics guide their decision making. ]]>
Is a Car Produced in Alabama Really an Import? http://seekingalpha.com/article/122470-is-a-car-produced-in-alabama-really-an-import?source=feed#comment-402775 402775

info.detnews.com/video...








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Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:34:22 -0500

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BusinessWeek Exhibits Exxon Apostasy http://seekingalpha.com/article/120674-businessweek-exhibits-exxon-apostasy?source=feed#comment-390471 390471
biz.yahoo.com/bw/09021...]]>
Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:15:16 -0500
biz.yahoo.com/bw/09021...]]>
Oil Stocks: Where Can You Find Black Gold? http://seekingalpha.com/article/114000-oil-stocks-where-can-you-find-black-gold?source=feed#comment-350757 350757
If you want a much bigger and more complete picture of the long-term energy outlook for our world you should visit the EXXON website and read (under Energy/Evironoment) their Energy Outlook - 2030. This is a yearly study that is thorough and comprehensive and is based on many sources.

c300man ]]>
Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:12:42 -0500
If you want a much bigger and more complete picture of the long-term energy outlook for our world you should visit the EXXON website and read (under Energy/Evironoment) their Energy Outlook - 2030. This is a yearly study that is thorough and comprehensive and is based on many sources.

c300man ]]>
Energy Companies in the Spotlight: Exxon Mobil, BP, Total SA and Petro-Canada http://seekingalpha.com/article/108915-energy-companies-in-the-spotlight-exxon-mobil-bp-total-sa-and-petro-canada?source=feed#comment-319601 319601
It would probably be helpful for many readers (including myself) for the author to include some term definitions as data is given. This would include SOOL, Utilisation, and then also the bp data for BP; I thought it referred to basis point drop in something but wasn't sure what.

Also then, it would be helpful to present some conclusions as to what the data or change in data may mean or predict for stock price.]]>
Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:34:56 -0500
It would probably be helpful for many readers (including myself) for the author to include some term definitions as data is given. This would include SOOL, Utilisation, and then also the bp data for BP; I thought it referred to basis point drop in something but wasn't sure what.

Also then, it would be helpful to present some conclusions as to what the data or change in data may mean or predict for stock price.]]>
Time to Fill Up on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve http://seekingalpha.com/article/106039-time-to-fill-up-on-the-strategic-petroleum-reserve?source=feed#comment-306191 306191
We all know we have to employ all available energy sources and also develop new and better ones. It would be folly to not rely on proven technology such as NG, oil, coal, and nuclear until we have efficient and dependable alternatives. Sure, biomass ethanol has promise, and it makes everyone feel good to imagine growing some grass and turning it into ethanol to power our cars and trucks, but I sure would not gamble our future on a hope and promise. ]]>
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:37:19 -0500
We all know we have to employ all available energy sources and also develop new and better ones. It would be folly to not rely on proven technology such as NG, oil, coal, and nuclear until we have efficient and dependable alternatives. Sure, biomass ethanol has promise, and it makes everyone feel good to imagine growing some grass and turning it into ethanol to power our cars and trucks, but I sure would not gamble our future on a hope and promise. ]]>
Has Exxon Topped? http://seekingalpha.com/article/89650-has-exxon-topped?source=feed#comment-224745 224745
They are in a great business, the leaders in their field, well-disciplined in all areas of their operations, have outstanding management, and treat their shareholders very well. What more could an investor want?

I haven't checked recently and it may be down a little with the recent share price dip, but since 1978 Exxon has returned over 15% per year including dividends and share price gain. ]]>
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:33:33 -0400
They are in a great business, the leaders in their field, well-disciplined in all areas of their operations, have outstanding management, and treat their shareholders very well. What more could an investor want?

I haven't checked recently and it may be down a little with the recent share price dip, but since 1978 Exxon has returned over 15% per year including dividends and share price gain. ]]>
Uranium: Safely and Efficiently Powering the Future http://seekingalpha.com/article/76536-uranium-safely-and-efficiently-powering-the-future?source=feed#comment-165120 165120
Nuclear energy should become the major source of our nations electrical supply. We have been using it for 50 years with no serious problems. There is no problem with storage/monitoring/ret... of nuclear waste. The only problem is with politians who think they are buying votes by opposing waste storage. Yet other places don't mind having nuclear bombs (Amarillo, TX) in their area.

With further study waste processing (as France does) will further improve the nuclear fuel/waste cycle.

They are vast quantities of Uranium around the world and many mining companies able to provide a reliable cheap supply of the fuel. ]]>
Fri, 09 May 2008 16:30:49 -0400
Nuclear energy should become the major source of our nations electrical supply. We have been using it for 50 years with no serious problems. There is no problem with storage/monitoring/ret... of nuclear waste. The only problem is with politians who think they are buying votes by opposing waste storage. Yet other places don't mind having nuclear bombs (Amarillo, TX) in their area.

With further study waste processing (as France does) will further improve the nuclear fuel/waste cycle.

They are vast quantities of Uranium around the world and many mining companies able to provide a reliable cheap supply of the fuel. ]]>
Corn Ethanol Can Never Replace Meaningful Quantities of Motor Fuel http://seekingalpha.com/article/70137-corn-ethanol-can-never-replace-meaningful-quantities-of-motor-fuel?source=feed#comment-132621 132621
If we would get our heads out the sand and support and promote nuclear to become a much more significant part of our nations electrical supply we could then gradually switch to a high percentage of electric-battery powered cars and small trucks. The approval times and regulatory hurdles for new nuclear plants are rediculus. A standard plant design should be used. The scare of nuclear waste disposal is way overblown also.

Let us use the power of the atom!
c300man

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Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:40:29 -0400
If we would get our heads out the sand and support and promote nuclear to become a much more significant part of our nations electrical supply we could then gradually switch to a high percentage of electric-battery powered cars and small trucks. The approval times and regulatory hurdles for new nuclear plants are rediculus. A standard plant design should be used. The scare of nuclear waste disposal is way overblown also.

Let us use the power of the atom!
c300man

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Ben Stein Watch: In Defense of Exxon Mobil http://seekingalpha.com/article/66795-ben-stein-watch-in-defense-of-exxon-mobil?source=feed#comment-121539 121539
I wish most of the other companies I own were run as well as Exxon.

Sounds like you may prefer the model where the state provides your oil. ]]>
Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:58:40 -0500
I wish most of the other companies I own were run as well as Exxon.

Sounds like you may prefer the model where the state provides your oil. ]]>