Energy supply solutions summary: Difference between revisions
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* '''[[Solar panels]]:''' Only if they can be made cheaply [[solar/challenge 1|without scarce minerals]] (it's ok if the efficiency is lower). Need to mass produce enough to cover every [[rooftop solar|rooftop]]. Need [[energy storage]]: [[sodium-ion batteries]] or similar. | * '''[[Solar panels]]:''' Only if they can be made cheaply [[solar/challenge 1|without scarce minerals]] (it's ok if the efficiency is lower). Need to mass produce enough to cover every [[rooftop solar|rooftop]]. Need [[energy storage]]: [[sodium-ion batteries]] or similar. | ||
* '''[[Wind power]]:''' Only to generate [[hydrogen gas]] (which can be used as fuel instead of [[natural gas]]). Otherwise too intermittent, too far away for power lines. | * '''[[Wind power]]:''' Only to generate [[hydrogen gas]] (which can be used as fuel instead of [[natural gas]]). Otherwise too intermittent, too far away for power lines. | ||
* '''[[Nuclear]]:''' Only if it's [[thorium]]. Fusion is a pipe dream, uranium-235 is too scarce, and uranium-238 | * '''[[Nuclear]]:''' Only if it's [[thorium]]. [[nuclear fusion|Fusion]] is a pipe dream{{x|although it's ultimately the best choice in the ''distant'' future}}, [[conventional nuclear power|uranium-235]] is too scarce, and [[uranium-238]] reactors have too many weapons proliferation concerns. | ||
In any case, it becomes a lot easier if we '''[[public transit|drive]] [[walkability|less]]''' (some careers are an exception obviously) and '''[[frugalism|buy less]]''' new stuff. Those factors alone account for 2/3 of the world's [[energy]] consumption. | In any case, it becomes a lot easier if we '''[[public transit|drive]] [[walkability|less]]''' (some careers are an exception obviously) and '''[[frugalism|buy less]]''' new stuff. Those factors alone account for 2/3 of the world's [[energy]] consumption. | ||
Revision as of 17:11, 3 November 2023
Things that actually stand a chance to replace fossil fuels in the near future:
- Solar panels: Only if they can be made cheaply without scarce minerals (it's ok if the efficiency is lower). Need to mass produce enough to cover every rooftop. Need energy storage: sodium-ion batteries or similar.
- Wind power: Only to generate hydrogen gas (which can be used as fuel instead of natural gas). Otherwise too intermittent, too far away for power lines.
- Nuclear: Only if it's thorium. Fusion is a pipe dream
(...)( although it's ultimately the best choice in the distant future ) , uranium-235 is too scarce, and uranium-238 reactors have too many weapons proliferation concerns.
In any case, it becomes a lot easier if we drive less (some careers are an exception obviously) and buy less new stuff. Those factors alone account for 2/3 of the world's energy consumption.