Energy & Technology

An ecological civilization must rethink its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. A sustainable civilization will require policy changes in the two focal areas: consumption/usage (current production and policies) and alternatives (new and future production and usage patterns).  Which changes, in which order, and at what scale are required for a stable human civilization? What social changes will be entailed by changes in energy consumption?

There are great efforts being made toward responsible energy consumption. Here are some examples:

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) recognizes that a sustainable, ecological civilization requires the production and use of renewable energy sources.  Its mission is to “promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration”.

Its 3-part vision encompasses:

  1. providing the highest quality renewable energy education/training to the broadest possible audience
  2. ensuring that their programs/services respond to changing energy issues, enabling the public to make informed and astute lifestyle choices
  3. sharing their success with other like-minded organizations, strengthening the achievement of common goals.

Working with their Midwest partners, MREA is increasing the implementation of renewable energy through these state-of-the-art programs and educational events:

  • Renewable Energy Training, offered year-round, both online and in-person, for solar PV, solar thermal, and small wind systems.
  • The Energy Fair, now in its 28th year, the longest-running renewable energy and sustainability event in the nation.  Two fairs will be hosted in 2017, one on June 16-18 in Custer, WI, and the other on Sept. 9-10 in St. Paul, MN.
  • Grow Solar is a coordinated effort among Midwest organizations and municipalities to increase access to solar through technical assistance, solar group buy programs, and training for inspectors and installers, building a solar market that provides long-term benefits to multiple communities.
  • Solar University Network partners with both universities and utilities, offering resources to accelerate the growth of solar energy on Midwest campuses.

For more information, visit their website here.

You can also contact Nick Hylla, Executive Director of MREA.