Energy: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "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.=== ---- border|alt=Energy sources ===Limits to other energy sources=== {| class='wikitable' !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 a...")
 
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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==
[[File: energy-demand-status-quo.png|border|alt=Energy uses]]
But this is the ''status quo'', with most of the world currently living in poverty.
Suppose everyone lived a "first-world" lifestyle: global energy demand would be more than double:
[[File: energy-demand-if-first-world.png|border|alt=Energy demand if everyone lived a first-world lifestyle]]
Wondering where these numbers come from? Read [[energy demand scenarios]].
===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]].

Revision as of 21:24, 21 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.


Energy sources

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

Energy uses

But this is the status quo, with most of the world currently living in poverty.

Suppose everyone lived a "first-world" lifestyle: global energy demand would be more than double:

Energy demand if everyone lived a first-world lifestyle

Wondering where these numbers come from? Read energy demand scenarios.

Can this demand (or at least, most of it) be met without fossil fuels?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Not without major technological breakthroughs.