What Alternative energy power should the United States develop?

Question

The idea is that the West in general and the U.s, in particular, should be more self-sufficient in energy resources to reduce dependence on oil imports from the Middle East

Answer 1

invest in fusion and solar technology, mandating solar cells on the roof tops of all/most new construction would be a hell of a good idea

Answer 2

Hardly an expect, but from an environmental design perspective, one can see the infrastructure of most countries would need to change for effective change from nonrenewable resources to renewable resources. For example, generally all new home construction at least in the USA is built around natural gas and/or electric from nonrenewable sources and the "dreaded" car. As such, most homes would be difficult if not impossible to retrofit for solar, wind, hydro, or other renewable resources. Plus being built in single-use neighborhoods, i.e. subdivisions, the average home-owner is dependant on the car for transportation. Mixed use neighborhoods and vast expansion of public transportation would be necessary to reduce the need for private transportation.

The reason I'm stating this about infrastructure, is that most renewable resources are best utilized in a decentralized method. Except hydro-power, which of course requires a large river and dam, renewable resources have proven to be ineffectual in providing for consumption rates. In general, these resources can only provide energy needs for residential and commercial areas in a decentralized manner, and virtually impossible for industrial applications.

So that leads us to oil and coal domestically and regions away from the Middle East. Supply and demand economics. If we utilized more of these sources, the price from the Middle East would drop. And from a political standpoint, the Middle East countries would be more willing to confront terrorists within their borders and play ball, if we were to start pulling oil production technology and spending our money elsewhere, which is where the question is probably implying. Of course, the problem exploration and research is more costly elsewhere.

This all leads me to believe there is going to have to be multi-faceted method for weaning us off Middle-East oil. First is better efficiency in transportation, cars and mass transit, and the built environment, city planning, and building design to greatly reduce consumption. Also we need to use technology like bio-diesel, and domestic oil (oil isn't just for gasoline, but also in production of plastics and rubber) more development of mixed used neighborhoods, mostly retro, but some new.

As far as the built environment, residential and commercial building can be built using a combination of high efficiency, passive and active solar, and bio-diesel. This would require better and more comprehensive design. As far as transportation, a use of hybrids to bio-diesel and reduction of the need for cars, by public transportation and mixed-use neighborhoods.

As far as industrial, I only see one plausible long-term solution, and that is nuclear.

The problem is very complicated. But that is some general thoughts.

But there is going to have to some transition, because with a hundred plus years of infrastructure building, our transition from Middle Eastern oil and oil in general, won’t be solved over night.

Answer 3

Ignoring blocking moves by existing energy suppliers, there are NO alternative energy sources, even used together, that could come close to supplying our nations existing energy needs, and remember, anything that burns gives off that horrid Co2.
Even a small percentage reduction in energy use will cause economic chaos (Thanks, Mr. Gore) world wide. Only short term option (20 year plan) is go NUCLEAR.... (oops, did I pronounce that right?).

Answer 4

Got any suggestions?

The Liberals don't seem to want to do anything. We have plenty of oil in the US which they don't want us to drill for. Ted Kennedy doesn't want wind power to block his view from his 20 million dollar picture window. They don't want Nuke plants. The list goes on and on.

It will take Nuke plants to produce hydrogen even somewhat economically. Solar has been a perennial loser, pretty much the same with wind power.

Answer 5

There is no, and may never be, any Alternative Energy as efficient or as cheap as oil.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IS A FARCE!!!!!!!
It's all about Money & Power. There is a agenda to fool people.
If anyone wants to become less dependent on foreign oil, fight to have drilling in Alaska and Off Shore.
Don't be duped by people with an agenda.!!!!

Answer 6

For vehicles? Bio-Diesel! Uses the same deisel engine, produces 0 cfc's, and actually does something with a waste product!

Answer 7

Starving masses power.

Harness a thousand Liberals to a SUV and crack the whip.

Go big Red Go

Answer 8

The one that works the best. That is an unknown at this point.