Energy: Difference between revisions
(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.
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
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.