Author Paul Gipe To Generate Discussion On Renewable Energy At TITANIUM 2012

According to Gipe, Denmark currently supplies 20 percent of its electricity with wind energy, while Germany—the world's fourth-largest industrial economy—provides 20 percent of its electricity from a mix of renewables. Both countries have plans to expand their renewable electrical generating profiles by 2020: Denmark, 50 percent; and Germany, 38 percent.

Japan is launching a major renewable campaign to replace its nuclear power infrastructure, which had generated half of the country's electricity, but is almost completely offline in the wake of the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. By contrast, the United States has been relatively slow to embrace the renewable energy revolution. "The United States," Gipe tersely observed, "is not where the action is."

An initial marketing assessment earlier this year by the International Titanium Association Applications Committee identified renewable electricity as a vibrant, international business sector during the next 10 to 20 years. However, the assessment also acknowledged titanium currently has a limited presence in this field. As a result, the titanium industry has an opportunity to craft a strategy to target renewable electricity. Considering its superior material properties of high strength, light weight and corrosion resistance, titanium would be a contender for applications in windmills (components in the "box" at the top of the tower), geothermal plants and bio-gas generating facilities.

The renewable revolution, as defined by Gipe, will involve a new mindset for the logistics of creating electricity. This includes a trend towards smaller, more localized ownership, storage, distribution and consumption of power. For example, private residents own 75 percent of the wind turbines in Denmark, giving them a stake in the business.

The revolution also involves moving beyond research to capital investment. "I've been saying it for years: it's no longer a question of research; it's about doing it," Gipe declared. "That's what countries in Europe and Asia have decided in terms of a developing a comprehensive energy policy. We know how the technologies work. Today it's about 'learning by doing' on a commercial scale. The encouraging news is politicians are being pushed by citizens and grass-roots organizations to move forward on renewable energy."

TITANIUM 2012 represents an efficient way for delegates to gain timely market intelligence and meet potential partners, customers and vendors. The annual gathering attracts titanium producers, distributors, designers and fabricators from throughout the world. Attendees typically hold executive positions in areas such as management, sales and marketing, product development, production, engineering, purchasing and quality control. Last year TITANIUM 2011, held in San Diego, drew a record attendance of 1,168 guests from 28 countries.

Learn more about the upcoming event at www.titanium.org or contact the ITA at (303) 404-2221.

Contact: Jennifer Simpson, Executive Director
Denver, Colorado USA
1-303-404-2221 Telephone
1-303-404-9111 Facsimile
[email protected] Email

SOURCE International Titanium Association