Alternative energy sources
October 4th 2007 20:48
I have frequently posted about the need to lessen US dependence on foreign countries for our energy needs. It is a huge economic issue as the price of oil and gas continues to rise due to supply and demand issues. Also, it is a serious national security issue because we have to be involved with countries that are often not our friends or allies in any way. Additionally, our purchase of oil appears to fund terrorism around the world. I'll continue to post on specific alternative energy sources on this blog, but I just wanted to link to a very good comparison of multiple alternative energy sources. It is from Wired Magazine.
As you can see, the table includes cellulosic ethanol, corn-based ethanol, geothermal energy, liquefied coal, nuclear power, solar power, tidal power, and wind power. For each energy source, it details why the technology will work and why it won't work.
Can any conclusions be drawn from the comparison? Well, I think it's safe to say that there is no magic bullet for our country's energy needs. As explained, there are drawbacks to each approach. Still, several of these technologies hold a great deal of potential. I'm especially intrigued by and hopeful for breakthroughs in solar, tidal, and wind power. While there are still technical hurdles for each of those, they appear to be infinitely replenishable resources. Of the others, I do hear good things about cellulosic ethanol, but I'm not yet sure what inflationary ripples that energy source could send through other parts of the economy.
One thing is certain, though. It is NOT good for us to be so dependent on foreign (often hostile) countries for our energy needs. Hopefully, one or more of the aforementioned technologies will see some much-needed breakthroughs in the near future and we can greatly address this large and ever-growing problem.
As you can see, the table includes cellulosic ethanol, corn-based ethanol, geothermal energy, liquefied coal, nuclear power, solar power, tidal power, and wind power. For each energy source, it details why the technology will work and why it won't work.
Can any conclusions be drawn from the comparison? Well, I think it's safe to say that there is no magic bullet for our country's energy needs. As explained, there are drawbacks to each approach. Still, several of these technologies hold a great deal of potential. I'm especially intrigued by and hopeful for breakthroughs in solar, tidal, and wind power. While there are still technical hurdles for each of those, they appear to be infinitely replenishable resources. Of the others, I do hear good things about cellulosic ethanol, but I'm not yet sure what inflationary ripples that energy source could send through other parts of the economy.
One thing is certain, though. It is NOT good for us to be so dependent on foreign (often hostile) countries for our energy needs. Hopefully, one or more of the aforementioned technologies will see some much-needed breakthroughs in the near future and we can greatly address this large and ever-growing problem.
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Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
i am just doing a project on Alternative Energy sources for work and that link just saved me about three hours ...thanks
happy Friday
also you should look into Solar Thermal Technology, the guy who started Sun Microsystems (forget his name) has invested $200mill into the technology, i read an interview with him and he stated that he looked into all alternatives and Solar Thermal was the only Tech tht has even a hope of coming close to making a dint in the problem, that is why he put his money into it....always a good place to start where Billionaries put their money me thinks
Here is the link to an excellent Blog on the topic CLICK HERE
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate
I really think that the way to get alternative energy sources going is to make them profitable for companies. If there is money to be made, it'll draw in plenty of venture capital (like with the Sun guy) and things will really start to take off.
I agree with you about the billionaires. If they REALLY want to change the world, they should help us clear those hurdles with their money and power and influence. And, of course, the government MUST be involved in moving the ball forward. I'm tired of all the talk about this problem. It's time for some action.
Happy Friday to you as well.