photovoltaic cells, hydrogen, ethanol, biodiesel, wind power, nuclear power, wave power, etc.
why?
2007-04-30 14:11:44 · 5 answers · asked by bksrbttr 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
WHY? personally, i don't think it's going to be hydrogen or ethanol because of the expenses (one turning food into oil to fuel our sedentary lifestyle, the other using up too much energy)...but i want to know why you guys think something will be most efficient and widely used in the long run....
2007-04-30 14:19:50 · update #1
Ethanol and bio fuels are not the answer at all at this time and most likely will never be.
Hydrogen is not at this time either however it does have the potential to be a great help. When it is possible to gain more energy from the hudrogen than it takes to [roduce it it will be a big help.
Nucular has its problems but for the present and near future there is no other that is better for producing electricity.
If the new fusion reactor that is being built works then the future will definately be better for all of us.
Water power is great but there is very little more we can use now. Wind power is not practical at all. The maintainence is too great.
2007-04-30 14:31:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen isn't an energy source. It's just a way of transporting and using another fuel.
Wave/tide power is too costly and interferes with navigation and marine life. It's hard to build a structure to withstand big storms and corrosion.
Ethanol from corn is just a stopgap, a way to get a foot in the door and get some experience. Ethanol from agricultural byproducts like corn stalks is a good way to use what would otherwise go to waste. Transporting it for an automotive fuel is difficult and costly. It will play a small part.
Biodiesel is readily used, but the potential supplies are limited. It also will play a small part.
Wind power has many good attributes. Its development in the US is hampered by inconsistent public policy. It produces a significant share of electric power in Germany and Spain.
Nuclear fission is by far our best source for a significant share in the near term, reducing fossil fuel usage and CO2 emissions. If it's used enough in the US, and if we have the public will to do it, we will build fast breeder reactors to utilize spent fuel and greatly minimize radioactive waste.
Photovoltaic cells are improving dramatically, especially in terms of cost. The price of the electronics to connect rooftop solar from a house to the power grid has become very reasonable. Several are available which look just like standard roofing tiles. There's a company (Canadian Solar?) making photovoltaic panels which also heat water. That technology alone is enough to make most homes nearly energy self-sufficient. When technology permits every electric or hybrid car to have a photovoltaic roof, it could give another 20-40% boost in their energy efficiency. It is the only technology effective at providing the energy at the point of use, eliminating transmission costs and losses.
2007-05-01 00:09:43 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think we will use a lot of solar power in the future, wind too. I also think that we will be using alternative forms of energy. Not just the 110 V 60hz stuff we use now. There is currently a lot of research being done on over-unity devices. And most of these devices don't produce conventional electric currents.
I also think Nuclear may play a part but we will have to harness the power of the reaction, not just use it to boil water.
2007-04-30 23:30:20 · answer #3 · answered by Rusty 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nuclear power, simply because it takes less to produce it than the end result.
2007-04-30 21:24:40 · answer #4 · answered by realwrekonizereal 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
pv, hydrogen and nuclear
2007-04-30 21:16:25 · answer #5 · answered by usawatertech 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋