Pickens is set on achieving the goal of generating 20% of the U.S.’s energy needs— the percentage that the Department of U.S. Energy statistics indicate can be generated by wind in the U.S. With blades that stretch 148 feet in length, and turbines that stand over 400 feet tall, wind facilities spread out from the Texas panhandle to North Dakota could produce that 20%. This would take a significant investment of over 1 trillion dollars, and another 200 billion dollars to deliver the energy to homes in need. Mr. Pickens claims that windmills and his plan are the blueprint to the future of energy and will reduce foreign oil dependence by harnessing renewable resources. He has stated directly that his group has plans to pitch their plan directly to the next elected president.

A homegrown approach nonetheless, Neil Young’s grass roots ideas are generating interest. His Linc-Volt automobile is said to achieve 100 mpg, quite a feat for a 19 ft cruiser, one of the largest automobiles of its time. Mr. Young’s documentary about the project is expected to draw more attention to his ideas. While efforts are being focused on the automotive aspect, more interest could be focused on his comments about reversing the use of the power grids. Using turbines to capture excess energy, already purchased by the consumer and generating more energy with them to distribute to those around you has merit, albeit somewhat vaguely described at this point.

Perhaps as important is his take on automotive manufacturers. In the upper echelons of big business, and big automotive makers, there exists a fear of failure and a climate of mediocrity. There is vision lacking not only in new product development, but directly in business models. GM and other firms profited heavily from large automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and truck manufacturing– building heavy vehicles that obtain low gas mileage and use conventional gasoline. While the wheels slowly grind to create more efficient automobiles that use alternative energy, their existing domestic business model is still in place and is problematic. Manufacturing and selling large vehicles still represents their primary income, or primary loss of income as it has been reported in the last week. General Motors has reported a second quarter financial loss of 15.5 billion dollars. North American sales dropped by 20%, and, since the start of the year, its share price is down 59% to $10.23. GM CEO Rick Wagoner attributed the loss to negative economic conditions in the U.S., worker strikes, and the high cost of fuel. Job cuts and other cost saving measures are being implemented.

While T. Boone Pickens’ project is big and requires big investment, it may yield big results and spur other similar projects. Many distinguished critics argue that the U.S. energy problem will be solved by multiple ideas and resources. Here are two ideas by dissimilar people with independent approaches.