Energy: Difference between revisions
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Long answer: Not without [[energy supply scenarios|major technological breakthroughs]]. | Long answer: Not without [[energy supply scenarios|major technological breakthroughs]]. | ||
But there is good news: | ====But there is good news:==== | ||
If we [[minimal consumption scenario|did things differently]], then... | If we [[minimal consumption scenario|did things differently]], then... |
Revision as of 22:33, 24 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 every country was as "developed" as "western" countries: 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.
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.
This is probably the most viable route to net-zero carbon emissions.