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Originally Posted by 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.
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efficiencies are increasing on a yearly basis. You can get approx. 60% energy conversion in some small cases at the moment. For a national use it is a way off yet to be viable
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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.
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1million times the energy in coal per kilogram. Although I agree, waste could be an issue. Maybe good for short term use.
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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.
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Exciting prospects, probably still 30yrs or so to go (if possible) but i believe it is something worth investigating, at least so we can prove that it is feasible or not.
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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.
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10% or UK's energy is derived from wind power. Which will be rising to 20% by 2015. Limited to certain geographical areas though, and not good for many places. FYI, currently 20% of UK's energy is derived from nuclear power.
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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.
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Studies in the UK are delivering good results from wave power, but huge areas are needed. If it can work then I agree with you.
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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.
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Already used in Iceland to generate electricity and hot water. The Icelanders do not have electric bills.
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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.
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I would have no idea so wont comment on that.
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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?
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Apart from giving us a warm feeling inside, i think its pretty unlikely. The chap seems to like to drown us once in a while though :P
