Dan Reicher: Video and Presentation

DAN REICHER

Realizing the Potential of Energy Efficiency: Technology, Policy, and Finance

To become sustainable in terms of energy we must understand how technology, policy and finance coexist, and we must strive for efficiency first. We should focus on the low-hanging fruits - insulation, water heating, lighting systems, fuel efficient vehicles - while we work on the bigger, more expensive things. We must also be able to measure energy use in order to improve it. Google has focused some of its resources on modernizing the smart grid, resulting in the deployment of the PowerMeter. The internet giant also sees real potential in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), and is actively researching plug-in vehicles. In order for progress to be made in these and other technologies, funding must be made reliable and policy must play a significant role.