Delta County MI Solar Presentation (May 23rd, 2023) : Presentation, Questions, Farm Animals, Tesla and Redundant Electrical Grids!

Tesla: Life and Legacy
Representing the underpinnings of an era.

Most of the meeting was lecture style presentation on solar panel multi use farming. Some of the questions from the attendees related more to ordinances, property values, annexation and contamination. What is interesting is that they brought in a solar expert to help inform people of some of the risks and benefits of solar farming. That helps to create better decision making because residents then have an opportunity to make informed decisions on those things that impact their community and lives. Likewise, you will see people discuss energy diversity and nuclear power. Many of these local issues will likely have parallels in other locations as they pertain to concerns, processes, and discussions of the new emerging Digital Era (i.e. electric cars, nano technology, robotics, space flight, etc.)

We are electrifying our nation and I generally support those efforts because they are renewable and they provide a rich alternative source of energy (They recently became a net positive and will likely increase in their benefit with development). Each community must have an open discussion on what they want and then make a decision as a unit. In that, information must be transparent and forthcoming to make decisions. Democracy works best when people can make informed decisions based on what they think is most helpful for themselves and their society. Lack of accurate information creates problems with effective strategic decision making. 

(From my economics perspective, I would have liked to see more forecasting of trends within the market. For example, the presentation was on solar itself but what that might look like for this area in 5, 10, 20 years might be difficult but would put a current decision in connection to a strategic line of thinking. There was some referral to the Master Plan. See Maximizing the Influence of Your Forecast)

An idea popped into my head while I was writing this (Its rare but sometimes a descent thought makes its way through the mush into something I can formalize in to actual words. Just after drooling out of the side of my mouth. 🤷). I do believe that some of that energy from solar farms should be designated to the local area/municipalities to create redundancy in the system that protects against future rolling blackouts and/or energy disruptions. 

In a local primary customer approach when issues arise, the residents can rely on local energy supply to make it through the black out/disruption and then revert back over to the regular regional grid when regular power service has been restored (customers wouldn't see a disruption). Likewise, I think some of our local industries might benefit from general grid independence that comes from having local input into some of our local utility approaches (i.e. water treatment, electricity, etc.). 

Preference in local energy before feeding the larger regional grid would be beneficial in general to connecting the benefits directly to the peoples energy security but also to potential reduced costs when one can switch to the lowest cost provider when needed (i.e. solar is a larger sunk initial cost with costs being made up over time, other forms of energy are ongoing cost/benefit. This is also why I want to see the projections.)

Notes: (I only took a few as most was a presentation by MSU prof. I try to be accurate so if there is something that isn't correct please leave a message on the post and I will adjust if it seems to make sense.)

MI. Healthy Carbon Plan that seeks carbon neutrality by 2050.  MI Healthy Climate Plan. There is a lot of interesting stuff in the plan. I only briefed through it so you may want to spend a few minutes and gloss through its main points. These plans influence how policies and strategic initiatives of the state impact choices and decisions to make them realized.

-Investment of solar and batteries and other electric infrastructure. Some of the utilities companies have also created carbon reduction. Grazing and forage production and other options in duel use. Create ordinances that support farming and entrepreneurs.  (I don't mind the farm animals, its the people I'm more concerned about! 😂🙊💨)

-A couple of good questions came forward. One of which is contamination. Referred back to the master plan and where there may be restrictions on solar panels. Someone brought up a good argument about locals receiving some benefit from solar panels. The Prof in this case stated it would be pooled. I think if they reworked these in some way so a percentage of energy was used to help power local businesses and homes it would create greater benefit and salability to local communities. 

-Some discussion on rolling blackouts and some legislation on energy discounts to communities.

-One comm discussed in significant length on farms. 

-Discussion on the value of property when these large farms go in. 

-Resident felt that one person is making all the decisions and its against what people want. 

-Wants people to look at different sources of information. Wants nuclear energy. 

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Focuses on Supply Chains

The last few years have 
brought up a number of 
supply chain issues.

Supply chains are important and that comes from the development of treaties, agreements, and other understandings of how to conduct business. With the many different supply chain issues that have arisen over the past few years there is no wonder there is an attempt to improve these pathways. There will be a level of coordination among a number of nations to help improve access to certain resources for all of them.

Consider that manufacturing and nation building requires a level of consistent and steady supplies. Geopolitical issues, COVID, and canal blockage have taught us that certain materials and supplies might better be secured through more manageable networks. (I wrote a few pieces a while ago Adaptive Supply Chains, Clusters and Networks, Supply Chain Integration,  DC Exports)

You may also be interested in the purposes of supply chain enhancements....

The White House states "..revitalize U.S. manufacturing, facilitating the steady supply of the materials, components, and inputs that U.S. companies rely on to compete effectively on the world stage."(Department of Commerce, 2023, para 5)  

Read Substantial Conclusion of Negotiations on Landmark IPEF Supply Chain Agreement

The report further goes on to say the activities of the IPEF are in line with future industry investments, "$400 billion of new private sector investment in major manufacturing projects in sectors like clean energy, semiconductor fabrication, and biotechnology, since President Biden took office. This has resulted in nearly 800,000 new manufacturing jobs and the most robust manufacturing growth since the 1950s."(US Dept. of Commerce, 2023, para 17).

Supply chains can impact our businesses and the competitive position of those businesses. Furthermore, improved supply chains develop resource obtainment and overall adaptability to keep those supply chains functionable. We have learned that disruptions create economic chaos. As an additional point, when supply chains become efficient they also impact the root costs of other aspects of the economy. Export infrastructure is fundamental to strong supply chains.

 IPEF Met in Detroit to discuss to discuss Pillars I, III, IV. You may read more about the three pillars in Press Statement for the Trade Pillar, Clean Economy Pillar, and Fair Economy Pillar (Department of Commerce, 2023).

Pillar I (Trade)

Pillar III (Clean Economy)

Pillar IV (Fair Economy)

Department of Commerce, (May 27th, 2023). Substantial Conclusion of Negotiations on Landmark IPEF Supply Chain Agreement. [Press Release]. https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2023/05/substantial-conclusion-negotiations-landmark-ipef-supply-chain

Department of Commerce (May 27th, 2023). Press Statement for the Trade Pillar, Clean Economy Pillar, and Fair Economy Pillar. [Press Release] https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2023/05/press-statement-trade-pillar-clean-economy-pillar-and-fair-economy

Russia and Belarus Giving Away Nukes: How the Business Climate Changes

As we think about the supply chain interruptions that have occurred the past few years we begin to see this split continue to grow around geopolitical issues. Russia has transferred nuclear weapons to Belarus and that is a sign of escalation. As expected, it is condemned. The business climate will change because of these escalatory situations that create new business risks. For the most part, this is expected.

Personally, I think we should be reducing these nuclear stocks across the globe. Spreading them out to other countries creates inherent risks for management. The article below indicates that these weapons are being traded for loyalty (At least that is what I understand.). Its a concerning gesture and if life has taught man anything loyalty that is bought is fleeting. 

It looks like an unwarranted and political based escalation because it is Russia that invaded Ukraine and not the other way around. Everyone seems to have respected Russian territory thus far so there is no threat of this magnitude to justify nuclear dissemination. Perhaps this conflict creates an excuse to redraw the red curtain. 

We as American people will need to think about our competitive capacity and make the changes needed to ensure we maintain a top advanced position. It is more about defensive capability and economic health. We maximize our options when we are in our most competitive state. Whether these situations eventually subside or not, it makes sense to get involved in self-growth.

What kind of business impact might we expect?

1. Supply chain issues between pro communism and pro capitalism.

2. Data theft and hacking will increase.

3. As U.S. adjusts we might see industry strategy changes.

4. Some materials might be more difficult to get forcing either new product designs and/or new mineral sourcing.

5. Defense industry will get a boost. That would include suppliers.

6. In the U.S. we probably would see more collaboration as more important issues take precedence. 

7. Some investment adjustments are likely to occur.

When these things happen and it appears hazardous then it is expected nations will become concerned and adjust.

A scary article....

Lukashenko offers nuclear weapons to nations willing ‘to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus’

Memorial Day 2023

Today is a day of remembrance. We went through a lot of sacrifices as a nation and lost a lot to have those freedoms. Today, I'm going to attend one of the memorial services. 

Tentative Debt Agreement Obtained for U.S. Government Funding and Debt

This is good news. That doesn't mean that we don't have a problem and more work to do to balance the budget but a big hurdle in stability was found. Not everyone is going to be happy but its a start. 

Flowers and Dolphins from Shelter Island

There are few things in life that are as beautiful as flower and exciting as watching dolphins jumping out of the water. While we seem to get into the bustle of things quickly sometimes it is beneficial to start one's day with a little of the simple pleasures of life. 

Defrauding Research Funding: electromagnetic analysis scientists learn values the hard way!

Ethics in science is very important because we want our resources being used for exactly what they are expected to be used for. It is important to remember that fraud and cheating end up costing the rest of society some serious money. Those are resources that can be used in other places to solve other national problems. Researchers should always seek to maintain a higher standard of integrity. 

Grants are important for funding new innovative research and it is necessary to have some level of oversight to ensure the money is being spent accurately. What I find interesting about this is that despite their high education it didn't seem to impact their values. I wonder how they thought at some point someone isn't going to ask about these expenses. 

While, depending on study design and department need, there could be use for things like cameras or a other few pieces of equipment I would doubt the private hunting club would make that list. 

"$200,000 in personal expenses on Fraley’s PCard, including, two four-wheelers and a trailer, two Sony 52-inch flat-screen televisions, Apple computers, iPads, OtterBox protective cases, iPods, Kindle E-readers, Leica and Nikon digital cameras, video cameras, a mini micro pinhole video camcorder pen, a night vision monocular, two pairs of binoculars, Bose headphones, a 3D printer, sports watches with heart-rate monitors, sunglasses, materials used to perform private consulting contracts, computer monitors and solar panels for a private hunting club, a personal video network for home use, and an uninterruptible power supply for a tennis ball machine."

When I have worked with grants typically you would be required to submit budget updates and outline many of these expenses prior to approval. However, in normal large research grants you may have other expenses that come up that are not initially planned so cash equivalent resources are often needed. Stealing on this level would seem sort of obvious you are going to get caught. 

Notice they also engaged in violation of the consulting policy and used private labs for personal gain. It appears they were on a roll with the self enrichment. Either way, its a good catch.

Former chief scientist for GTRI pleads guilty to conspiring to defraud Georgia Tech and the CIA