INNOVATIVE ENERGY

Technically Speaking

INNOVATIVE ENERGY

One of today’s most pressing needs is for cleaner and more reliable sources of energy. Rising living standards in countries such as China and India are putting pressure on existing energy supplies. At the same time, fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are also putting pressure on the earth’s environment, with evidence of climate change becoming increasingly visible.

Accordingly, this issue of Technically Speaking focuses on the search for innovative sources of energy. Some of the energy sources featured are as old as civilization, including wood-burning, wind power and water power. However, there have been many progressive developments bringing new efficiencies to these sources. Nuclear and solar power, however, are more modern sources of energy which continue to present opportunities for improvement. Read more to find out how Golder Associates is helping meet the energy needs of today and tomorrow in innovative ways.

Picture: The roof of the century-old Golder office building in Turin, Italy has a new look – an array of photovoltaic cells that generate a peak of 38.5 Kilowatts, which is approximately 25 percent of the building’s electrical load. This is part of a new Italian government subsidy program in which the electricity generated is fed into the power grid in exchange for a reduced rate on the building’s electrical bills. As well as a cost saving opportunity, the photovoltaic array meets Golder’s values regarding sustainability and environmental stewardship.