Energy: Difference between revisions
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The intermittency problem of [[solar]] and [[wind]] could be solved with [[energy storage]], if the right innovations happen. | The intermittency problem of [[solar]] and [[wind]] could be solved with [[energy storage]], if the right innovations happen. | ||
==Energy demand== | |||
Categorized by end use:<br> | |||
[[File: energy-demand-status-quo.png|border|alt=Energy uses]]<br /> | |||
===Can this demand (or at least, most of it) be met without fossil fuels?=== | |||
Short answer: No. | |||
Long answer: Not without [[energy supply scenarios|major technological breakthroughs]]. | |||
Even worse: Most of the world is currently living in '''poverty'''. Suppose every country was as ''developed'' as ''western'' countries: [[energy demand scenarios|Global energy demand would be more than '''double''']]: | |||
[[File: energy-demand-if-developed.png|border|alt=Energy demand if everyone lived a first-world lifestyle]] | |||
====But there is good news==== | |||
If we [[minimal consumption scenario|did things differently]], then... | |||
* Everyone on the planet could have a decent quality of life, and | |||
* Energy consumption would be just a fraction of what it is today. | |||
* Plus, people would be less [[labor|overworked]]. | |||
[[minimal consumption scenario|This might actually be the most viable route to net-zero carbon emissions]]. | |||
Revision as of 03:57, 31 May 2022
This page is about energy in 2 main forms: fuel and electricity.
Energy supply
The majority of energy comes from fossil fuels which cause climate change.
Limits to other energy sources
| Energy source | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Hydroelectricity | Only viable in a few parts of the world |
| Geothermal | In most parts of the world, is only suited for heating and cooling |
| Solar | 1. Intermittant (not available at night) 2. Manufacturing is too resource-intensive |
| Wind | 1. Intermittant 2. Turbine construction is too resource-intensive 3. Requires a lot of space, usually far from where people live |
| Nuclear | Limited supply of uranium-235 + Safety concerns |
| Biomass waste | Limited supply |
| Biofuel | Limited supply + Competes with food, contributing to hunger and deforestation |
The intermittency problem of solar and wind could be solved with energy storage, if the right innovations happen.
Energy demand
Categorized by end use:
Can this demand (or at least, most of it) be met without fossil fuels?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Not without major technological breakthroughs.
Even worse: Most of the world is currently living in poverty. Suppose every country was as developed as western countries: Global energy demand would be more than double:
But there is good news
If we did things differently, then...
- Everyone on the planet could have a decent quality of life, and
- Energy consumption would be just a fraction of what it is today.
- Plus, people would be less overworked.
This might actually be the most viable route to net-zero carbon emissions.