In his commentary Lightfoot critiques the concept of “applied hope” made popular by environmental guru Amory Lovins, and advocate of hydrogen fuel. Lightfoot contends that Lovins’s “applied hope” of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is a “pipedream” when measured against the practical challenges of producing hydrogen in sufficient quantities to become a practical fuel system.
Lightfoot observes, “Unfortunately, hope that simple solutions exist to complex energy challenges is driving simplistic and unrealistic energy policy around the world. We should let hope inspire us, but not let it inform the rational process we require to solve problems.”
Lightfoot says what is needed is policy-makers who don’t rely on hope and are encouraged “to ask the tough questions, to insist on quantification of information for comparative purposes, to seek out fact-based information and to use reason and experience when making decisions.”
Steven Lightfoot is based in Montreal and continuing an extensive career in gas turbine engineering now works in the design, construction and commissioning of electricity generating plants including district energy and waste-to-energy projects. Through his frequent writing and speaking engagements he also contributes to the public discourse on energy policy and its connection to both the environment and the economy.
Hope Is Not Enough: Inspiring Better Energy Policy
“Hope is at the root of who we are as humans. It is in our nature. We want to believe.”
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by Stephen Lightfoot, Eng. November 2012
In “Hope is not enough: Inspiring better energy policy” author Steven Lightfoot concludes that setting intelligent energy policy cannot be based on “hope”.
In his commentary Lightfoot critiques the concept of “applied hope” made popular by environmental guru Amory Lovins, and advocate of hydrogen fuel. Lightfoot contends that Lovins’s “applied hope” of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is a “pipedream” when measured against the practical challenges of producing hydrogen in sufficient quantities to become a practical fuel system.
Lightfoot observes, “Unfortunately, hope that simple solutions exist to complex energy challenges is driving simplistic and unrealistic energy policy around the world. We should let hope inspire us, but not let it inform the rational process we require to solve problems.”
Lightfoot says what is needed is policy-makers who don’t rely on hope and are encouraged “to ask the tough questions, to insist on quantification of information for comparative purposes, to seek out fact-based information and to use reason and experience when making decisions.”
Steven Lightfoot is based in Montreal and continuing an extensive career in gas turbine engineering now works in the design, construction and commissioning of electricity generating plants including district energy and waste-to-energy projects. Through his frequent writing and speaking engagements he also contributes to the public discourse on energy policy and its connection to both the environment and the economy.
Author's Contact Information
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