EnergyBiz - September/October 2007 - (Page 6) » LETTERS Ultimate Answer,” [May/June] was a reminder of U.S. Atomic Energy Chairman Lewis Strauss’ promise more than 50 years ago of abundant electricity from nuclear fusion that would be "too cheap to meter." The caption under the drawing of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor explains that the plasma many times hotter than the sun is held in place by a strong magnetic field produced by huge superconducting coils. True — but only until nuclear fusion reactions produce much stronger magnetic forces that blow the plasma apart and stop the reaction. There is no scientific basis for a prediction that continuous, controlled fusion energy will ever provide usable energy on earth. Clinton Bastin Chemical Engineer U.S. Department of Energy (Retired) Avondale Estates, Ga. YOUR ARTICLE, “THE The photo of the New York City skyline accompanying the article, “Empire State’s Energy Plan,” [July/August] appears to be out of date. The World Trade Center is visible in the background. Scott Choinski National Electrical Manufacturers Association Rosslyn, Va. I am disappointed that the important and complex issue of developing renewable energy sources got lost in emotionallycharged rhetoric. [“Ocean Wind, Summer Thoughts, July/August.] While we need to strive to develop new energy solutions, we should never forget the value of nature and beauty. There’s not a lot of it left in the world. John Angelis Power quality consultant Mequon, Wis. EDITOR IN CHIEF Martin Rosenberg marty.rosenberg@energycentral.com 913 385 9909 CHIEF COPY EDITORS Don Bishop, Martha Collins SENIOR EDITORS Warren B. Causey, Ken Silverstein, William Opalka wcausey@energycentral.com 770 443 5866 ksilverstein@energycentral.com 304 345 5777 bill.opalka@energycentral.com 860 633 0090 NEWS EDITORS Carly Stonehouse, Rebekah Thiessen carly.stonehouse@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x138 rebekah.thiessen@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x111 FEATURE WRITERS Lee Buchsbaum, Lisa Cohn, Darrell Delamaide, James Dukart, Richard Korman, Salvatore Salamone, Al Senia, Richard Schlesinger, Gary Stern CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jürgen Mantzke DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Andrew Sternard PUBLISHER Mark Johnson mark.johnson@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x109 VICE PRESIDENT/MARKETING Audra Drazga audra.drazga@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x146 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Larry Robinson larry.robinson@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x115 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES A year after completing our book, “Cape Wind,” the question remains: Will this 130turbine project ever be built off Cape Cod? We don’t need to build a fusion reactor in France or anyplace else. We already have one, and it works fine: no maintenance and constant output. Gravitational confinement works splendidly when enough mass is put in one place. The only thing is: You have to stand back 93 million miles. The goal of collecting solar energy efficiently is the place to put our resources — not into intractable technical obstacles like plasma confinement and the deterioration of materials by neutrons. Tom Sheahen Deer Park, Md. Your May/June edition was the best ever! Usually I will browse through and read in detail an article or two. May/June was an exception. I read virtually every article, making copious notes throughout. Project proponent Jim Gordon sure hasn’t given up. He’s already talking with Danish engineers and making preliminary project-management plans. The fabulously wealthy and fabulously well-connected opponents who summer on Nantucket Sound haven’t given up either, although they are much quieter since our book has been published. Massachusetts’ new governor, Deval Patrick, a genuine grassroots candidate who was elected without the initial blessing of the Kennedy Clan, has moved the project ahead on the state level. The project remains mired on the federal level. My prediction: Gordon will get his federal and state permits. After that, it’s anybody’s guess. Wendy Williams Co-author, “Cape Wind” Mashpee, Mass. Mike Elmer, David Jeans, Ken Manes, Jean Micketti sales@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x100 ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Stephanie Wilson MARKETING MANAGER Stephanie Fisher PROJECT COORDINATOR PJ Davis TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT Dan Wilson, Tim Anderson CUSTOMER SERVICE Shamane Curtis BILLING Monica Coffey ENERGY CENTRAL www.energycentral.com PRESIDENT/CEO Steve Drazga VICE PRESIDENT/CONTENT Mark Johnson SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/SIERRA ENERGY GROUP Mike Smith 2821 South Parker Road Suite 1105 Aurora, CO 80014 PHONE: 303 782 5510 FAX: 303 782 5331 high-quality reprints, please contact Larry Robinson larry.robinson@energycentral.com 303 782 5510 x115 Media kits are available by contacting Larry Robinson, advertising sales manager 2821 S. Parker Road, Suite 1105, Aurora, CO 80014 or e-mailing sales@energycentral.com. ADVERTISERS: REPRINTS: For Our utility owns and operates nuclear, hydroelectric, wind and solar generation in the state of Washington. We also are well into the planning and siting process for a large IGCC facility. Carbon sequestration and cap and trade programs will be key in determining the future viability of IGCC. All of these resources, plus an interesting article on fusion power, were covered in the issue. Thank you for your outstanding coverage of a broad spectrum of issues. Edward "Ted" Coates Executive Board Energy Northwest Richland, Wash. CORRECTION Due to a writer’s error, a May/June article, "Utilities Dress Up for Wall Street," mistakenly reported that an unnamed company cut its dividends six months after denying it would do so. It cut the dividend the week after its denial. To contribute to the Letters column, please e-mail your submission to energybiz.editor@energycentral.com. Provide your name, address and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for style and space. 6 E N E RGYB I Z September/October 2007 http://www.energycentral.com
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