Archive:000/Decarbonize the energy supply: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "How to produce enough energy (for the world) without burning fossil fuels? ==Ongoing challenges== ===The {{(}}renewables + energy storage{{)}} approach=== * Solar & wind power would have to be the main sources. Other renewables are limited to very specific geographic regions. * Batteries might be enough to smooth out the day/night cycle of solar. But the ''seasonal'' fluctuations of wind & solar ?|probably need ''far more'' energy storage...") |
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==Ongoing challenges== | ==Ongoing challenges== | ||
===The {{(}}renewables + energy storage{{)}} approach=== | ===The {{(}}renewables + energy storage{{)}} approach=== | ||
* [[Solar]] & [[wind power]] would have to be the main sources | * [[Solar]] & [[wind power]] would have to be the main sources, because [[?|other renewables are limited to very specific geographic regions]]. | ||
* Batteries [[?|might be enough]] to smooth out the day/night cycle of solar. But the ''seasonal'' fluctuations of wind & solar [[?|probably need ''far more'' energy storage capacity]]. See discussion on [[?|whether any other energy storage types could be enough]]. | * Batteries [[?|might be enough]] to smooth out the day/night cycle of solar. But the ''seasonal'' fluctuations of wind & solar [[?|probably need ''far more'' energy storage capacity]]. See discussion on [[?|whether any other energy storage types could be enough]]. | ||
* Most solar panels today would probably be unsustainable or even impossible to scale up, due to having [[?|too many scarce minerals in them]]. See discussion on [[?|alternatives]]. | * Most solar panels today would probably be unsustainable or even impossible to scale up, due to having [[?|too many scarce minerals in them]]. See discussion on [[?|alternatives]]. | ||
More discussions | More discussions | ||
{{talk|People also have other concerns about renewables and energy storage. I need to direct readers to pages that address those concerns.}}: | {{talk|TODO: People also have other concerns about renewables and energy storage. I need to direct readers to pages that address those concerns.}}: | ||
* [[?|Is there enough land to scale up wind power]] (without causing significant [[habitat loss|ecological damage]])? | * [[?|Is there enough land to scale up wind power]] (without causing significant [[habitat loss|ecological damage]])? | ||
Revision as of 23:01, 7 September 2024
How to produce enough energy (for the world) without burning fossil fuels?
Ongoing challenges
The {renewables + energy storage} approach
- Solar & wind power would have to be the main sources, because other renewables are limited to very specific geographic regions.
- Batteries might be enough to smooth out the day/night cycle of solar. But the seasonal fluctuations of wind & solar probably need far more energy storage capacity. See discussion on whether any other energy storage types could be enough.
- Most solar panels today would probably be unsustainable or even impossible to scale up, due to having too many scarce minerals in them. See discussion on alternatives.
More discussions discussion TODO: People also have other concerns about renewables and energy storage. I need to direct readers to pages that address those concerns.:
- Is there enough land to scale up wind power (without causing significant ecological damage)?
The nuclear approach
Considering the different types of nuclear power, it seems that thorium power is the one with the least problems.
Actions / discussions / next steps:
- Why isn't thorium power a thing yet?
- Would small (shipping-container-sized) thorium reactors be viable?
Vehicles
(electric and/or hydrogen and/or ammonia)
This section has not been filled in yet.