Another story on a 'new' way of using solar power--which actually turns out to be one of the "oldest forms of energy used by humans" -- sunlight concentrated by mirrors.The author says "I believe it will be the most important form of carbon-free power in the 21st century. That's because it's the only form of clean electricity that can meet all the demanding requirements of this century." But the story would have been improved if he had some other voices in it telling us what THEY think as well!

I don't appreciate the sensationalistic title, for the rest of the fabulous species trying to inhabit their natural niches on this planet are much more worthy of saving than selfish, destructive humanity. But I grasp the sad need for it in today's "shallow is good" media circus. I thought the article offered a very good, factual overview of CSP technology and its feasibility -- now to see if something this common-sensical can make any headway among America's petroleum-soaked, status-quo-clinging policy makers in time for it to make any real, rapid difference...

contains a lot of good accurate information. Clearly understandable.

"If we are smart, the United States can be the economic leader here. We can accelerate the deployment of a technology that may be critical to saving humanity from a ruined climate." I have little to add to Beth's review, except that I expected this old technology to be old hat and it wasn't. Romm made the subject interesting.

Romm is an energy expert, and he provides quite a bit of information. He is the source for some claims in this opinion piece, but does include other sources too. Evidence is given for much but not all of the story. Slightly political.

This article is not as detailed as others I've seen but it does bring the topic of concentrated solar power, which concentrates and stores the sun's heat, to a general readership and adds informaiton on the history of its development. The author writes, "So what do we need to do to ramp up CSP? Interestingly, most CSP executives don't talk much about the need for government R&D. They mostly need policies aimed at creating initial market demand that would help bring down costs quickly over the next several years. One such policy is a so-called national renewable portfolio standard, which would require utilities to get a minimum percentage of their electricity from new renewable forms of power, or purchase such power from other ... More »

Solar power is most definitely the energy source that can save the planet. It is of course ridiculous and short sighted to imagine the thermal version of CSP (Concentrating Solar Power) as a “be all” end all energy source that can save the world. The true conversion from a centralized fossil fuel economy to a distributed solar economy will occur as a result of Space-Based Solar Power combined with many forms of terrestrial solar power. Historically, any major conversion from one major energy technology to another, for instance wind and water, wood burning to coal, steam to internal combustion engine occur based on 3 criteria. Investment in the technology represents a “locally rational” economic decision. Investment is ... More »

Romm is very credited on the subject of renewable energy as indicated by his credentials and background (see bottom of article). He organizes his argument in an easy to follow manner so the reader if having no knowlege on the topic isn't caught up in concepts beyond their understanding. Romm's article is very bias and offers no arguments from the other side however, his article is more an offering of a solution and a call to action.

While I understand the point the journalist is trying to make, I feel as if he gives a very one-sided argument. He points out our shortcomings as a fast-growing population and our wasteful habits, but fails to detail how to execute it.

when I read the story, i felt it was too one-sided, focussing on the good points of CSP. the disadvantages were not not mentioned. Also, figures regarding proportion of different energy sources in use were not given.

I believe this writer has done his homework. He gave solid background into the history of solar electric thermal, but it's hard to trust his first-person style. He sounds knowledgeable. He mentions that he has spoken with energy experts and saw "countless presentations on all forms of clean power," that doesn't tell me much. He doesn't mention names or the context of the discussion. I guess it's not bad for this type of non-formal presentation, but it would be nice to google a name or two. Other than that, I like how he's coming out with suggestions and giving reasoning to his point. The writer uses the words "should" and "must" talking about ways of completing tasks he brings up, but he doesn't say how they're going to be ... More »