Cross Atlantic Alternative Energy Debate

The first ever CAAE debate was held on April 27th at Oaks Park High School in Redbridge via videoconference with Scotia- Glenville High school, New York State.

Roger Evans, AM and member of the Environment committee, spoke during the debate and was invited to give his views and to talk about the Mayor's energy strategy. Roger Evans quotes on his blog “Whilst I think there is a future for solar and wind power, I don't believe that it is sufficiently productive to cater for our power needs. Biomass is a more interesting option, particularly as it includes energy from waste and cleaner alternatives to straight incineration are being developed and trialled in London.....”

Paul Tonko, U.S. Congressman for the 21st District in New York and Member of
Congressional House of Representatives Subcommittee for Energy and Environment. Spoke of plans to make recommendations about the design of wind farms and solar energy plants in future for the US.


The Conclusion
Students from both sides of the Atlantic took it in turns to present their research, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear, solar, wind and biomass generation.
Dr Tom Headen from Cellar Energy spoke about the latest work his organisation is doing in the UK with hydrogen cellular research as an alternative fuel.

There was also no clear overall winner from the debate. In conclusion the best idea was to use electricity generated by all these methods with no clear overall alternative source.

The London- NYS partnership, has enabled schools to form successful international links using video conferencing, is co-ordinated jointly by the NYSERNet (a private not-for-profit corporation which fosters science and education in New York State), NERIC (North East Regional Information Centre) and the London Grid for Learning.

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