The annual Clean Energy Roadshow debuted in Columbus on Wednesday and continues in Savannah tomorrow. This year the Roadshow is headed to four cities across the state, continuing in Duluth and Atlanta next month. Each event has a host sponsor and features a series of energy seminars and “ride and drive” opportunities for industry inners, government officials and the curious.
Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols founded the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Roadshow in 2011. It was originally envisioned as a round-table of experts that would discuss the challenges of new fuel technologies, and the best ways to integrate them into fleets for government, transportation and businesses. It has since evolved into much more than just talk about electric vehicles. They are still certainly a highlight but there are a number of other lesser well-known items that are also featured at the Roadshow.
Propane conversions is one fuel that is getting some attention in the clean energy world and at the Roadshow. Hank Hill’s favorite fuel source is no longer just for grills or large-scale heating. Commercial mowers, emergency responders and delivery truck fleets are just some of the former gasoline engines that may benefit from a trip to Strickland Propane, or your local propane supplier if you are not in Arlen, Texas.
Natural gas has been in the news a lot over the last decade. The fracking boom unleashed natural gas resources in the United States that had previously been unthinkable. Many truck fleets across the country have already converted to natural gas. Exports of liquefied natural gas quadrupled in 2017 – having been previously severely limited, they reached 1.94 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) last year, up from 0.5 Bcf/d in 2016. More than half of these new exports went to three countries: Mexico, South Korea and China. As other countries around the world look for cleaner sources of energy, natural gas is becoming an increasingly important part of energy generation portfolios. These LNG exports will likely continue to rise over the coming years.
Solar energy and battery storage technology has been a frequent target of green energy advocates and the industry. The days of not being able to count on the battery in your electric vehicle making it all the way on your commute are mostly over (save for the readers in Dahlonega who commute to Atlanta). One of the limiting factors of solar has long been the ability to store up that energy that is generated for longer term use. Thanks to technological breakthroughs and the overlap from solar panel batteries and electric vehicle batteries, solar energy is getting more realistic for everyday use as well. Demand for panels has brought down costs as more suppliers get into the market.
Besides all of these, there are other technologies that will be showcased as well, including energy efficiency building construction, LED lighting and landfill gas. Attendees can also learn about the latest offerings from Georgia companies, including Georgia Power, Hannah Solar, Clipper Creek and many others.
Learn more here: http://cleanenergyroadshow.com/
