Step Three: Testing out the process and the technology

This isn't a new idea but the suggested paradigm of using ethanol production and its associated closed loop self-supporting system is (new). In addition, this is not being done to generate a profit for a corporation but to provide the host nation with the ability to be self-reliant and a self-sufficient society.

The first step is to evaluate the technology and see if the closed loop system (cycle) can produce enough energy to be self-sufficient and provide enough product for sale to support the humanitarian aid and necessary infrastructure build out.

Intuitively, it make senses since sugar cane has a purported 8:1 energy return compared to corn at 1.25:1. America has invested millions of dollars in the development and execution of corn ethanol plants located all over the US; it is the primary source of the 10-20% ethanol blend american travelers have come to know. It is so second nature, many Americans are unaware that that they are putting corn in their tank.

Once the engineering study and business case have been completed, it is recommended to create a small scale model of the process and test it out. This may take 9-12 months based upon the technology selected but during this time, the team will work with the government to provide the needed diplomatic and security support needed to take the process to Haiti or other impoverished Caribbean  country. In addition, we need teachers, health care professionals, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, and architects to evaluate the "Master Planned Community" and how it can be efficiently deployed.

Next.... what role and responsibility will the host nation's politicians play. This is not going to be business as usual but a master plan to transform a country and its people into one of pride and liberty.

Step Two: How do we get there from here....

1. Repeal (eliminate not amend) the Sugar Act of 1948, Public Law 388 and all sugar tariffs and quotas. The  purpose for this law(s) has been overcome by events. There is no logical reason to protect this market at the expense of millions of south american partners
2. Identify a commercial sector partner who has the right resources and the skills to develop, implement and execute this process and humanitarian effort.
3. Develop a prototype sweet energy triangle - desalination -> sugar cane production -> ethanol
4. Develop a master plan for infrastructure, community development, buildings both public and private, education, health care, commerce, etc.
5. Solicit support from benevolent, faith-based charitable organizations to lead humanitarian efforts.
6. Follow the Deming Cycle of  "Plan -> Do -> Check -> Act." The Sweet Energy Solution Corporation will supervise all aspects of production, humanitarian efforts, and infrastructure development.
7. All national involvement will be based upon merit. As the nationals (locals) learn a new skill, graduate from primary school, fulfill community commitments, they will be rewarded with additional rewards and autonomy.
8. This is a generational commitment:  Over the course of one, possibly two generations, this process will transform a nation from a country in need, to one of self reliance, self respect and a plan for generations to come.

Step One: Creating an Viable Market

Developing alternative fuel supplies. The United States can take the lead from Brazil. As of 2006, Brazil is 100% free from foreign oil supplies. In addition to their own oil reserves, they supplement their fuel demand with ethanol and ethanol blended fuels made primarily from sugarcane grown in country. Sugarcane is the most efficient method to produce ethanol and new Brazilian automobiles exclusively use 100% ethanol or 85/15 ethanol/gasoline blend (Regan, 2006, pp1).

Can America accomplish a similar goal? The answer is yes. Right now, General Motors offers blended fuel automobiles that can run on 85/15, ethanol/gasoline blend. The technological problem is not consumption but fuel production. Right now, the key element for US ethanol is corn and it is a poor choice for a couple of reasons. One, it requires the most energy to transform it into ethanol. Where sugarcane yields 8:1 (8 units of ethanol for every 1 unit of energy to transform it), corn comes in last at 1.14:1 (Stillman, 2006, pp1). Second, using corn for ethanol production can have a dramatic impact to the food economy causing inflation.

Sugarcane is the right answer. In addition to being the most efficient method of producing ethanol, it will not have a dramatic effect on food supply and demand. Already grown in the southwest US and Hawaii, an added benefit is economic growth in US friendly (developing) nations like the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. The climate in these regions are well-suited for sugarcane production and the investment in agriculture production will be offset by the economic benefits it will bring through increased cash flow and employment.

Background: Sweet Energy Solutions...... Providing hope of a self reliant and prosperous future.

The SES energy triangle solution is a long term solution to an ongoing problem of how to make a host nation or country self sufficient and self governing in order to reduce or eliminate their need on foreign assistance and aid. This solution could take 3-5 years to implement and another 3-5 years before it could yield significant results. Finally, like most burgeoning and fragile humanitarian and economic efforts it is important to provide ongoing support to make sure negative forces do not destroy years of accomplishments.

Because of the protracted timeframe and risky proposition of developing economic and humanitarian solutions, stockholders and interested parties need assurance that their financial and humanitarian support will be used wisely and will eventually pay a dividend in the end. This dividend will come in the form of reducing or eliminating regional humanitarian crisis’s in order to move to other nations and countries that need this type of benevolent support. Through an effective performance plan, the organization and its constituents can develop shared expectations through effective goals and objectives and demonstrate progress through effective measurement of the organizations ability to meet these expectations and transparent and frequent reporting.

Unlike other typical capital ventures, SES as a non-government organization reliant upon the USG for its security and financial support, it is important to show progress towards the final outcome due to the fickle nature of public opinion and the public’s willingness to support long term projects. In addition, failure to deliver on SES promises can have a profound impact on those it was intended to help. Providing hope to those who do not have anything and failing to deliver can result in irrevocable and desperate feelings. These negative feelings can translate to hatred towards the US, which can lead to terrorism.

As stated earlier, SES is not going this alone. It is reliant on global support from the USG and UN and others to make sure this program will be a success. Therefore, Strategic Goal 1 and its associated objectives will be a joint effort with these parties to ensure shared expectations and commitment of all involved. SES will NOT proceed unless strategic goal 1 and its associated objectives have been met.

Strategic Goal 1 -  Secure the appropriate US Government (USG) support the Sweet Energy Solution energy triangle.

Objective 1: Working with the UN and the USG, identify countries that can benefit the most from the SES energy triangle solution.

Objective 2: Secure long term funding from the UN, US and other benevolent sources to develop, implement and execute SES energy triangle solution.

Objective 3: Ensure UN and USG will provide immediate and long term security needs.

Objective 4: Ensure UN and USG will provide immediate and interim humanitarian assistance (food, shelter, and medical care).