Science Forums 2

[Tagred]

All very interesting facts and figures, beautifully crafted arguments against the need to have any alternative sources of energy. But the simple fact is that they will come to noaught when carbon based fuels will no longer be sufficient to choke the atmosphere of its biggest user. Carbon based fuels are finite. When they do become uneconomical what would the proponents of it recommend as alternatives?

I think there is still some near sightedness going on. Of course it would be nice if we could increase our use of hydrocarbons tenfold say, especially in the developing countries, help them go through the development process we've all blundered our way through and never worry about where energy is coming from, but it remains that new energy must be sought from somewhere.

There are some good arguments here about how much damage a wind farm would be to ecologies, and how much toxic chemicals and resources used in their manufacture. The simple truth is that it is a fraction of the resources used to design, develop, build and maintain any hydrocarbon power generator.

The near sightedness I think comes in because people are unwilling to see that these technologies move forward. Wind turbines are more efficient now than they were 10yrs ago, and they continue to develop, it is the same with pv's, and they will continue to be more efficient. Surely people who work within the oil industry can acknowledge that you do not get a 100% efficient system by initial design. They above all are looking for cheaper and more effective ways of getting oil/coal from the ground. At best 40% efficient right now, 30yrs ago lucky if the managed to get 35% out of the rocks.

Nuclear fission stations are a cheap way of getting electricity sure, but then they are expensive to build and have 30yr lifespans by design. The waste has to be gotten rid off, either to the UK or some defined geological inert area, for cheap electricity fine, but for long tern use is no good.

Wind/wave and other alternative power generation is feasible, and will be economical and will provide whats needed. We will not need to cover the planet with wind farms, they are by default limited to certain areas. In the UK wind farms are also offshore, with some more huge farms proposed, so there will be no impact to ecologies, indeed their footprints will enhance oceanic environments.

I can understand why people dont like the idea of alternative fuels, we are used to guzzling 5miles /gallon, wasting fuel because we can, we dont care what happens to other nations because we are concerned about our pleasant energy rich homes. But, in the near future, alternatives must be sought and developed whether we like it or not.