A Former Insider Speaks Out About Energy
David Garman was the leading advocate for fuel cells and hydrogen inside the Department of Energy, as Assistant Secretary and later as Under Secretary. He spoke recently to the US Fuel Cell Council about the challenges inherent in making energy policy in the US. He agreed to let us post his notes on the Insider. If you have ever wondered why politicians never seem to “get it right,” Dave explains it all.
Full text of his speech is available here: davidgarmancouncilremarks_61108
07.07.2008
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July 10, 2008 @ 9:48 am
Eben Johnson says...
Nothing about diesels? Nothing here, nothing on the talk shows. In past years the clean-air advocates pushed hard for very tough emissions legislation…to the point that Detroit was confident there would never be any diesels in the US car fleet. To that, Detroit added that Americans don’t want diesels. Partially true, they don’t want the diesels GM tried in the 70s, but today’s diesels are completely different. The technology is available today, very fuel efficient, and fantastic driver experience…visit Europe for a first hand experience.
To the point of leadership, I say and support the idea that changes in the global economy, energy security, and more require that we modify our priorities. For starters, modify the emissions regulations to allow diesels to be sold in the US, without penalty, at Tier 2, Bin 8, not Bin 5. This small adjustment will help drive big reductions in total fuel consumption.
Longmont, CO, USA
July 17, 2008 @ 10:48 am
Where's the Beef says...
GM singly handed destroyed the US diesel market, by introducing those terrible 5.8L gas engines turned into diesels. At that time Mercedes and Peugeot were selling over 50% of their cars in the US. In one fell swoop GM had buyers paying $2-5K more for a diesel and when they went to trade them in they were penalized 2-5K because it was a diesel dog. Almost overnight the automotive diesel market in the US dried up.
Let’s all hope that GM’s rush to get the VOLT car out, doesn’t do the same to electric cars!
Two weeks ago at a conference in Switzerland, Cummins engine introduced a diesel concept that is going to also utilize the residual engine heat (through refrigerant) to generate electricity. The overall efficiency is expected to be 56%!
Yes diesels are ultimately the easiest route to go for ICE’s…current TDI diesel autos get the same mileage (and acceleration) as hybrids (when you factor in HVAC). Don’t try to heat or AC your hybrid car on battery alone….you have to rely on the hybrid ICE for that! Hybrids do great if you don’t use the AC or want heat!
Unfortunately a diesel hybrid which is ideal is too expensive according to PSA which has stopped development…
August 2, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Kroneborge says...
I agree that comparisons to the Apollo project, or Manhatten project or not the best. I think a better one is how we totally changed the nature of our economy for WW2 is just a couple of short years. If we did that we could do this too. We just need the will.