Science Forums 2

[geokker]

I have no clue how much oil is left and whether it will last for another 60 years or 60 days. I do know that it is a limited resource. Eventually, we will have to switch to an alternate for all of our energy needs. I also know that there is no substitute for forward thinking preparedness and anticipation. So, we must make a concerted effort to explore alternate energy sources. This is all obvious to me but what is out there?

From a painfully unqualified perspective, I will list some possibilites for your delectation:

1. Solar power. On the ground this seems unlikely to meet the planets needs for power. Possibly, orbital collector and transit facilities may suffice, but it sounds difficult, costly and fragile.

2. Nuclear energy. This is tried and proven technology. It's relatively clean but further research and investment must be mobilized to increase efficiency, safety and ease of waste reprocessing.

3. Fusion energy. Sounds promising. This seems like the path governments are on. Potentially, it would provide near limitless clean power from negligible reactants. Costs are high but then, no cost is too high when we're talking about essential energy. It may never happen though.

4. Wind power. No way. This just isn't feasible in my opinion. It just can't scale. The energy required to make enough windmills would drain the planet of oil.

5. Wave power. This is like wind power, but getting closer to the source - cutting out the middle man. Every time I see a wave crashing I can feel the immense power behind it. It's a no brainer to harness that baby.

6. geothermal power. This sounds quite straightforward. Sink a pipe until you hit heat, pump down water, until it turns to steam which is piped up to push a turbine. The Earth is a big, churning mass of friction after all.

7. Gravitational power. It seems to me that the reason the planet is active is largely due to the huge gravitational influence of the moon. Its orbit needs to be utilized. Don't ask me how.

8. God power. As there seem to be so many religious types out there (still), I guess I can't discount God coming down and saving us all from a chilly, oil-less future. Perhaps through death? Maybe prayer itself will warm us?