2006-10-21 16:33:30 · 7 answers · asked by Uncle Meat 4 in Environment
If pressed to select only one, I'd say solar power. We haven't even begun to tap the vast amount of energy we could harness from the sun. Current solar cells still aren't as productive as they could be, and are very wasteful to make. If we can develop a more efficient, cleaner-to-produce solar cell, it'll do wonders for alternative energy. Not to mention utilizing the sun's heat and natural light to enhance our own homes instead of wasting unnecessary fuel and money.
Nuclear power is an amazing thing as well really. One fuel cell (of which a normal person could probably grab 10-15 in one hand) equals approx. 1 ton of coal when it comes to making energy. Rediculously efficient, the biggest problem is obviously dealing with the waste, as well as maintaining the power plants. If we could find a suitable way to deal with the waste, nuclear would be an excellent option.
Wind power is good in its own way, and should be refined and used as much as we can, but it's very loud and not very efficient.
Hydroelectric power is a tough one. While it seems like it would be a simple and usable solution, it actually can do more harm than good. The lakes that the dams create are horrible for the environment, and over time the dams become unstable due to the sediment that builds up against them. You can't just remove the sediment either, as once it's there, it becomes structurally integral to the dam. Take it out, and the dam is likely to collapse. Let it sit, and eventually it'll clog the turbines. Catch-22.
As for hydrogen and fuel cell technology, they'll be great, especially for cars, but for large scale use they'll need to be refined and further developed. They'll do better on smaller scales until then.
I don't think we can focus on just one source of energy. In order to overcome our reliance on fossil fuels we're going to need to learn to use multiple sources of energy together.
2006-10-21 18:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by Jeremy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, as much as the eco-nuts do not want to endorse it, coal is the best bet for near future. Beyond that, Hydrogen and Fuel cell technology will be the way to go.
With and eye to the future, eventually we will solve the fusion issue and that will immediately the best energy solution for a long time.
2006-10-21 23:43:37 · answer #2 · answered by jbgot2bfree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the definition of "most promising" Hydrogen is virtually unlimited and pollution free, bio-fuels are renewable, etc..
2006-10-21 23:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by Back Porch Willy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say solar. Solar radiation is available (at some level) 24/7. We just need to up our collection methods, and effective/efficiency quotient.
2006-10-21 23:44:38 · answer #4 · answered by dcall2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen fuel cells. We can produce hydrogen from water, and have the waste be water.
2006-10-22 00:35:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ethynol, otherwise known as green fuel
2006-10-21 23:41:12 · answer #6 · answered by joeman d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My personnel opinion is solar electricity
2006-10-21 23:41:50 · answer #7 · answered by Leo C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋