Comments on: A call for “green” legislation

By: Ed Nkanta

Ed Nkanta — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:40:39 +0000

Based on GE’s core competencies in all of its ramifications, GE unlike just about any other company in the world, is uniquely positioned to champion the green energy revolution in America. I am excited about our prospects going forward with respect to the energy systems vis-à-vis the renewable energy framework that GE can offer to the world. Hello, energy independence will not just be a pipe dream but a reality in not so distant future.

By: Gheorghe Curelet-Balan

Gheorghe Curelet-Balan — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:53:22 +0000

As quoted in the GE, others recommend emissions cuts to Congress GE reports post, GE’s Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said: "In the past, the U.S. has proven that we have the will, the capabilities and the courage to invest in innovation – even in difficult times" "Today, cap-and-trade legislation is a crucial component in fueling the bold clean energy investments necessary to catapult the U.S. again to preeminence in global energy and environmental policy, strengthen the country’s international competitiveness, and create millions of rewarding new American jobs."

By: Sachin Khosla

Sachin Khosla — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:45:47 +0000

I am curious as to what is the "energy policy" that has been mentioned in the article above that helped our renewables business. Does the reference to energy policy above point to the Production Tax Credit? Or does the policy require lower emissions and some emissions credit for the same? Can you please refer an article on the energy policy mentioned above? Thanks

By: Peter O'Toole

Peter O'Toole — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:08:40 +0000

David: check out our work on cleaner coal with our great utility partners. As with nuclear, we believe coal must be a central part of the US energy solution. We state this publicly, frequently — and unabashedly.

By: david foster

david foster — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:51:52 +0000

Thanks, Peter. I think GE should be careful about how it pushes for "green legislation." You guys understand the realities of power generation & delivery in a way that most politicians do not, and you can really contribute to the country by ensuring that real constraints–like the inability to store large amounts of electricity–are considered in the debate, rather than just feel-good phrases about the wonderfulness of sun and wind.

Banning coal plants would be a catastrophe for the economy, and if people like GE Power don’t point that out, who will?

By: Peter O'Toole

Peter O'Toole — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:37:30 +0000

David: we think both the technologies in your part (2) are inherently cleaner. On the nuclear example, we do believe there are ancillary issues that must be comprehensively addressed – such as storage of used nuclear fuel, nonproliferation – but we believe nuclear must be included in our energy mix if we are to meet forecast demand.

Peter O’Toole
GE

By: Gheorghe Curelet-Balan

Gheorghe Curelet-Balan — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:09:44 +0000

GE is advocating for quite some time about the need for green legislation. You can read about Jeff Immelt's "green is green" slogan and GE ecomagination initiative in the "A lean, clean electric machine" article [pdf] of the Dec 10 2005 issue of The Economist.

By: Gheorghe Curelet-Balan

Gheorghe Curelet-Balan — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:19:47 +0000

Below quote form President Obama's Inaugural Address is a testimony of his commitment to green economy. "We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do."

By: david foster

david foster — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:41:23 +0000

1)How high do you think wind & solar, as a % of overall capacity, can grow before the intermittant nature of these sources creates issues with grid stability? Or do you see realistic storage options emerging in the near term?

2)Does GE think nuclear and hydroelectric power should be considered renewable and "green" sources?