John Liu
St. Paul, MN
2024, Senior, Creative Writing

My grandfather, an industrial builder, dedicated his career to the field of industrial construction. He specialized in constructing massive facilities such as factories, docks, coal-fired power plants, and dams. Among his many accomplishments, he took immense pride in constructing ten large coal-fired power plants across the country. These projects not only brought him financial success but also made significant contributions to the energy sector. He often emphasized, “I bring job, light, warmth, and joy to people.” However, he held a skeptical view towards solar power, believing it could only heat bathwater at best. He firmly believed that traditional coal and oil energy were necessary to provide people with light, warmth, and reliable power. Additionally, he was concerned that the development of new energy sources would harm his company’s economic interests, as much as he hated to admit it.

In 2018, after accumulating a substantial fortune, my grandfather decided to retire. He planned to move away from the bustling city to a quiet farm in his hometown, seeking a peaceful country life. In his memory, his hometown was characterized by vast fields, fresh air, and a clear river teeming with various fish. Due to his busy career, he had not visited his hometown for many years, so he was especially excited and filled with expectations.

However, upon his return, he was shocked by what he saw. The once-lush forests had disappeared, and the river had turned dark brown and polluted. Machines roared everywhere, towering chimneys belched black smoke, a pungent odor filled the air, and dust almost blocked out the sun’s rays. It turned out that a coal mine with massive reserves had been discovered in his hometown. Coal was being mined and shipped all over the country. The local government was even planning to build a large coal-fired power plant in the area to convert the coal into electricity.

This revelation deeply affected my grandfather, as he realized that the business he was once proud of was contributing to the destruction of his beloved hometown. Determined to make a change, he firmly declared, “we have made same mistake before, and I won’t let it happen again.”

“But people need money, they need jobs, cities need electricity, and coal can be turned into all of that, and we have almost endless reserves of it,” I questioned.

“We do need money and jobs, but we also need a clean and comfortable home,” grandfather responded. “We can think of ways to achieve that. For example, we have great water resources to utilize. We get almost 6 hours of sunlight a day, and we can harness solar energy.”

“Didn’t you always think solar energy could only be used to heat bathwater?” I asked in return.

“That was 10 years ago, and I was wrong. It is time to change,” my grandfather admitted. “I hope when you were at my age, you can still see blue skies, breath clean airs, and drink clean water.”

With a sense of urgency, my grandfather acted immediately. He planned to join forces with his friends and convince the government to abandon coal-fired power plants and instead invest in hydroelectric plants and solar power towers.

Together, they formed a coalition of like-minded individuals who believed in the importance of sustainable development. Ironically, all his friends who were once lifelong traditional energy developers are united in their opposition to coal power plants. The coalition conducted extensive research on the potential of renewable energy sources in their region. They discovered that their hometown had immense untapped potential for hydroelectric power generation due to its abundant water resources. Armed with this knowledge, they developed a comprehensive plan to present to the local government.

Grandpa and his coalition members organized meetings with government officials, presenting their findings and highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of hydroelectric power. They emphasized how it could provide clean and reliable energy while creating job opportunities for the local community.

Initially met with skepticism, as the government had already invested significant resources in the coal-fired power plant project, my grandfather’s passion and determination, along with the support of the community, began to sway their opinion.

To further solidify their case, my grandfather and his coalition organized field trips to existing hydroelectric power plants in neighboring regions. They invited government officials, displaying the success stories and the positive impact these projects had on the environment and local economies.

As the government officials witnessed firsthand the benefits of clean energy, they started to reconsider their plans. They realized that transitioning to renewable energy sources would not only preserve the environment but also attract investments and promote sustainable development in the long run.

After months of persistent efforts, my grandfather and his coalition succeeded in convincing the government to abandon the coal-fired power plant project and instead invest in hydroelectric power. While the decision was met with mixed reactions, the majority of the community supported the shift towards clean energy.

My grandfather’s journey from a clean energy opponent to a clean energy advocate had a profound impact on his life and the lives of those around him. He became a local hero, inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices and protect their environment. Through his efforts, he not only saved his hometown from further environmental degradation but also paved the way for a more sustainable and cleaner future for generations to come.

With the government’s support, my grandfather and his coalition embarked on a mission to develop hydroelectric power plants in their region. They collaborated with engineers, environmental experts, and local communities to identify suitable locations for these plants. Careful consideration was given to minimize the impact on the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Construction of the hydroelectric power plants began, creating job opportunities for the local community. Skilled workers were trained, and new employment opportunities were generated, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. As the plants started generating clean energy, the community began to experience the benefits firsthand.

The once-polluted river began to rejuvenate, with fish returning to its waters. The air became cleaner, and the pungent odor that once filled the air was replaced by the refreshing scent of nature. The landscape transformed, with greenery flourishing once again. The community took pride in their role in preserving their environment and embracing sustainable practices.

Simultaneously, my grandfather and his coalition turned their attention to harnessing solar energy. They recognized the abundant sunlight their region received and saw the potential for solar cell power plants. They collaborated with solar energy experts and investors to develop plans for solar farms that could harness the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.

The transition to solar energy brought about further economic growth and job opportunities. The solar farms not only provided clean energy but also became tourist attractions, attracting visitors who were interested in witnessing the power of renewable energy firsthand. The revenue generated from tourism further supported the local economy and encouraged sustainable development in the region.

As the years passed, my grandfather’s efforts and advocacy for clean energy gained recognition beyond his hometown. He was invited to speak at conferences and seminars, sharing his journey and inspiring others to embrace renewable energy sources. His story became a symbol of transformation and hope, demonstrating that even those deeply rooted in traditional energy practices could change their perspective and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Today, my grandfather’s legacy lives on. His hometown has become a shining example of how a community can transition from being dependent on fossil fuels to embracing clean energy alternatives. The once-polluted river now flows crystal clear, and the air is filled with the sounds of nature rather than the noise of machinery. The community continues to thrive, with sustainable practices ingrained in their way of life.

My grandfather’s transformation from a clean energy opponent to a clean energy advocate serves as a reminder that change is possible, even in the face of deeply held beliefs. It is a testament to the power of education, awareness, and the determination to protect our environment. His story inspires us all to question our own assumptions and take action towards a cleaner, greener future.

Share Gallery

From a Clean Energy Opponent to a Clean Energy Advocate: A Story About My Grandfather