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Editorial: Let's get sold on solar
Editorial Board
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Opinions
| Our View | |
| Situation: | Eastern needs a new power plant and senior administrators claim to be looking into solar energy as a substitute for coal. |
| Stance: | The opportunity to become a top of the line operating school should be seized, and Eastern should live up to its Green EIU theme. |
Going green has become a trendy slogan for universities, and Eastern is no different.
However, Eastern does have a rather pressing situation concerning electricity production. The university's steam power plant was constructed in 1928 and is in dire need of a major reconstruction.
Waiting for state funding has become a common theme for all Illinois state universities, and now Eastern is investigating possible ways of funding a new power plant independently from the state.
Solar power might become an option, according to Eastern administrators, and that possibility should be explored to continue the "Green EIU" theme and to support societal advancements.
After all, Eastern is a branch of the state government and the two entities reflect upon each other. Let's not forget that Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., denounced Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman's recent decision to completely terminate the FutureGen contract as despicable, but Durbin still remains openly optimistic about the project being located in Mattoon.
Eastern's construction of a solar power plant or use of solar technology could show the new presidential administration that Illinois is serious about using clean energy and is deserving of the FutureGen project.
"Decisions on the use of solar power will depend on the analysis of the economic return," said Eastern President Bill Perry.
He said using renewable fuel sources would not only conserve resources but would also reduce dependence on oil, natural gas and coal.
"This approach makes us more responsible environmental citizens and the cost savings relieve pressure on tuition and state funds for the operation of the university," Perry said.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Alex
posted 9/12/08 @ 6:04 AM CST
Talking about a natural fit?
We at Solar Botanic are mimicking nature, creating natural looking artificial trees and plants, fitted with Nanoleaves, the leaves are a combination of nano technologies that enable the leaf to convert solar radiation (light & heat) into electricity, furthermore the leaf petiole or the stem, and twigs comprise nano-piezovoltaic material – these tiny generators react to movement caused by wind or from falling rain drops and start to produce electricity, this synergy of technology with natures design will soon become a reality. (Continued…)
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