 Sargent and Lundy is a green energy consultant that EnviroCitizen.org came across that provides an interesting example of how traditional energy corporations are making the switch to renewable energy technologies. Sargent and Lundy has a rich history that runs parallel to the history of electric power. The company was founded in 1891. Frederick Sargent was a close friend and associate of Thomas Edison. The company's first project was to design the Harrison Street Station for Chicago Edison Company in 1892. They expanded their business internationally in 1917 when they opened a power plant in Chile. Then, in the mid-1950's, Sargent and Lundy began their work in the nuclear power industry. Today, Sargent and Lundy has designed more than thirty nuclear power plants. In 1989, they began to catch on to the renewable energy sector, creating the world's largest solar power electric generation facility at that time.
Most of the innovative, revolutionary ideas and projects that are associated with Sargent and Lundy involve fossil fuels. While that might not seem like something that an environmentalist would be praising, Sargent and Lundy deserves strong praise for their transition into green energy technologies. While the greenness of nuclear power is hotly debated, it remains an option for the United States's future in renewable energy. Sargent and Lundy is a pioneer in the nuclear power industry. Whether you support nuclear power or not, many of the people making decisions about our energy future support it and it is making its way into the equation.
Sargent and Lundy does more than create power plants, offering consulting and engineering services to a variety of clients. They offer alternative and renewable energy services to manufacturers, developers, owners, investors, lenders, contractors, power off-takers and government agencies. The unique, diverse range of specialties offered by Sargent and Lundy makes it a viable business for environmentalists to consider. Steeped in a history of fossil fuels, Sargent and Lundy is a giant, international corporation that is now making changes to accommodate renewable energy. The best part about this is that Sargent and Lundy has a lot of leverage in the energy industry. They have resources such as money and a network of experts and professionals that can make big changes possible.
Sargent and Lundy are also working on a variety of renewable energy technologies, such as solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies, wind turbines and hydropower. They are experimenting with using landfill gas (methane) and biomass fuels as a means of creating renewable energy. They are also experimenting with using waste (also known as refuse-derived fuels) to create renewable energy. In the end, EnviroCitizen.org believes that a company like Sargent and Lundy is a hopeful glimpse into our renewable energy future; where large, traditional corporations will make eco-friendly changes.
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