Greifenberg Charts Course toward Energy Independence
Goal of 90% national energy self-sufficiency by 2016 announced.
24. October 2011
Greifenberg Press Agency (GPA)
GREIFENBERG – Joseph Hilger, Minister of State, announced today that the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg would achieve a goal of 90% national energy self-sufficiency by 2016. In doing so, Hilger also issued a call for the introduction of a National Plan for Sustainable Energy (NPSE), as well as a conservation of resources and the preservation of the quality of life of the citizenry.
Dawn Sherman, Minister for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, National Development and Technology, described the concept of Sustainable Energy Planning as “a process of developing long-range policies to help guide the future of Greifenberg’s national energy system.” Sherman further stated that “Sustainable energy planning is particularly appropriate for micronations that want to develop their own energy security, while employing the best available practice in their planning processes.”
The term “sustainable energy” differentiates itself from other renewable energy terminology such as “alternative energy” and “green energy,” because the former focuses on the ability of an energy source to continue providing energy, according to Dr. Eric Stone, Minister for Public Works and Environmental Affairs. For the last six months, Sherman and Stone have been exploring the possible use of sustainable technologies including solar, wind, and geothermal energy. “Once Council of Ministers has made its decision on the direction we intend to go,” Sherman announced, “Greifenberg will be able to meet most of its energy needs with a new sustainable energy system by the year 2016.” According to Sherman, preliminary discussions by the Council of Ministers regarding actual financial investment in the NPSE would take place after the final decision on which sustainable energy technology was to be used. “I would estimate, however, that an initial investment would be in the neighborhood of GKR 67,000 (approximately USD 50,000),” she said.
The goal of the proposed National Plan for Sustainable Energy is to encourage and accelerate the sustainable production of energy from renewable sources, stimulate long-term economic development and improve the environmental future of Greifenberg. Dr. Stone noted that HRH Grand Duke Paul has been promoting sustainable energy investment for some time.
One reason that Greifenberg is pursuing a sustainable energy program is for environmental reasons. The result of continued growth of fossil-fuel based energy, according to the International Energy Outlook 2011, is that world energy- related CO2 emissions are expected to rise from 29.5 billion metric tons in 2007 to 35.2 billion metric tons in 2020 hitting a high of 43.2 billion metric tons on 2035. This is an estimated CO2 emission projection increase of 44 percent over the next 28 years.
The impetus for energy independence is also a strategic one for Greifenberg. Continued growth in demand for nonrenewable energy forms poses a serious and immediate, as well as future, problem for nations of all sizes. According to Dr. Stone, “The United States' existing fossil-fuel-based power plants will not be able to keep up with demand in the relatively near future." Since Greifenberg currently depends solely on sources within the United States for all of its energy needs, this represents a serious national security concern.
Dr. Stone observed that “Greifenberg is very vulnerable to oil price spikes and shortages. Moreover, all of the money spent on energy leaves the country. It goes without saying that if oil prices doubled it would have a severe impact on our economy and our quality of life.” Readily available energy at an affordable price is essential for all sectors of Greifenberg’s economy. By focusing its efforts on renewable energy sources, Greifenberg will better protect itself from the volatility of the energy markets. “It is essential that we act now to lay the foundation for accelerated sustainable energy development that will sustain Greifenberg’s progress,” Dr. Stone warned.
The development of a national sustainable energy power generation system could also prove to be a much needed economic stimulus for Greifenberg. The net cost of a 10 KW Solar Energy System would be approximately GKR 42,667 (USD 32,000). General utility savings, together with the sale of Solar Energy Renewable Credits (SERCs), would allow the Government to recoup its initial investment within 5-7 years. Once the initial investment is recouped, the money saved and the SERCs sold would allow an annual contribution to the treasury of approximately GKR 6700 (USD 5,000). Dr. Stone, a leading advocate for the use of solar energy, believes that the potential revenue generating aspects of a national sustainable energy power generation system based on solar energy may even be greater. “It represents a wonderful model of one of the most advanced technologies available to micronations,” he explained. “I hope Greifenberg’s example will inspire other micronations to pursue their own sustainable energy programs,” he added.
