Jennifer Marohasy

a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the natural environment

Archives for February 22, 2007

New Open Renewable Not-For-Profit Energy Project: A Note from Robert Rohatensky

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Hi Jennifer,

We are involved in a not-for-profit project to develop a system for clean, location independent and renewable electrical power generation that can be built from common materials.

The system design of the project is being managed in a not-for-profit and open manner and applies the same methodologies and principles that have made Linux and other Open Source Software projects such a success.

The information is presented here: http://www.energytower.org
We have some initial electrical and thermal output calculations of the system for various locations here:
http://www.energytower.org/index.html#Calculations

I believe that this project will create an implementable, economical, reliable and serviceable system. Although the entire project is being managed in a not-for-profit manner, the intent is to work with business.
The detailed design, manufacture of the sub-assemblies, construction, system operation and integration with existing operations and waste heat sources can have large economic benefits for the entire economy.

Sincerely,
Robert J. Rohatensky
Regina, Canada

Queensland Water for Southern Irrigators: The Bizarre Beattie-Bradfield Plan

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Just 2 years ago the Queensland government passed the Wild Rivers Act 2005. It’s purportedly about preserving the natural values of wild rivers through regulating future development while maintaining grazing, fishing and eco-tourism. The bottom-line is that the legislation was championed by activists to stop the further development of irrigation in north Queensland.

The legislation is resented by many, who perceive double standards from the one government: a government which supports new dams and infrastructure development in south east Queensland, but introduces the first Act of its type in Australia to limit development in the north of the state.

But now to add insult to injury, the Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, resurrects the 1920’s Bradfield plan and suggests water be diverted from north Queensland Rivers to the Murray Darling system and for irrigation.

So the Murray Darling Basin is short of water. Well it’s in drought and furthermore inflows to major rivers have been reducing because of bushfires, plantations and more efficient use of water on farm including recycling.

There has been lots of rain in northern Australia and it’s in northern Australia that most of our water falls.

But for a Queensland Premier to suggest that large sums of money be spent building the infrastructure and piping water south, while at the same time restricting development in the north of this own state. Well that’s un-Australian!

rainfall06_bom_summary.JPG

Rainfall for the Murray Darling Basin from 1900 to 2006