The area at the north end of the festival site has been named the Portal to the Future, where we bring together important trends that contribute to community-building and local resilience. This year the theme is: The future is born of our imaginations. Come and conjure up the world, community and even the you of your fondest dreams.
There are presentations that happen each day from 12:00-4:00 in the “energy tent.” The 2022 presenters will cover green energy topics, ideas for building community and living with nature, the healing value of the food you eat, forest conservation, and growing chestnut trees. At left, Brian of North Quabbin Energy explains “winserts” – home-made window inserts. Conservation is first in the holy trinity of energy consciousness – conservation, efficiency, renewables.
There are also booths in the Portal with new technology, ideas for you to consider, and experts to learn from.
Solar energy is stored in the battery packs. When that power runs out and the sun isn’t shining, the batteries can charge back up with the on-board diesel generator. It also has two LED light poles for all kinds of night-time fun.
Richard has spent the last 8 years working in the renewable energy field, installing and repairing solar farms, installing electric car charging stations and battery back up systems. He is an EV advocate and enjoys letting people drive his electric car. He’ll be on site during the festival to answer questions about his car and the trailer.
The LaunchSpace will also have a tent in the Portal. It is a non-profit, member-based community workshop in the Orange Innovation Center, providing tools, equipment, education, and support to people who want to make and repair things, but don’t have space, money, or time to build a shop of their own. It offers an environment to share creative energy, a classroom for personal learning for all ages, and workforce training for re-entry into the job market. Makers of all ages, including two of the Fest Organizers (Lydia Grey and Laura Pepper) will display their work (not for sale) in the Portal.
Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics (PV²) are energy experts who have been part of the festival for many years. The music on the Main Music Stage that is typically powered by a solar electric system that they provide. In 2019 all of the festival, including the vendors in the Portal to the Future were powered by solar energy and batteries. Learn what these folks have been doing in 2020 to continue to support residential and commercial solar installations.
This Chevy Volt powered the Renewable Energy Tent!
Transportation is responsible for much of the past, present, and future greenhouse gas emissions. Are there alternatives? Sure there are! E-Bikes and hybrids and fully electric cars, such as this Chevy Volt, are here to stay as battery technology keeps advancing by leaps and bounds. Come check out some examples and learn how this car can be used as a generator.