Asking people what they would take to a desert island is sooo last year, and frankly rather dull. So this holiday season, the Summer Times has upped the ante. We have kept the desert island, but made the whole shebang super-difficult, by painting a carefully crafted scenario commensurate to the skills of the professionals and leaders to whom we put the question. How will they respond? Will they be able to stand the pressure of ... David Loughrey's `A Desert Island Conundrum'?
Name three things you would take to a desert island that lacks a sustainable plan for its energy use.
1. An ESG Green Energy POD, providing Power on Demand! It's a shipping container that contains two energy capture systems (wind turbine, and solar panels); storage systems (lithium-ion batteries and electrolyser with hydrogen storage); and a barbecue which runs off hydrogen for cooking and heating if need be. Why? Well, quite apart from providing me with energy and energy storage, the empty POD will make a handy home, AND because the POD incorporates design and innovation from a range of Kiwi energy entrepreneurs (Callaghan Innovation - hydrogen; Thinair - micro wind from Dunedin) I'd be supporting their enterprise by being their live proof of concept.
2. A water distillation plant, because the dew on the leaves of the palm tree just won't quite cut it. Very energy intensive! Fortunately, it can be powered by the POD.
3. A small sailboat. This will allow me to explore, fish, take a break from the monotony (and maybe attempt to sail home again, should I get daring/bored enough) - all 100% powered by the wind. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too much to ask to have a small net, fishing line and hooks already stowed on board? [You are reminded, Jinty, only three things are allowed. Your request is denied. Yours, Summer Times].
