Can we build up only zero emissions power production quickly and cheaply enough to meet all new demand?

Question

Could we at the very least do it cheaper and faster then most people think we can right now?

Answer 1

to meet new demand? the short answer is no.
To do it cheaper and faster? maybe.. but it has to make economic sense.

If the price of oil is low relative to the price of say, solar energy, there is no incentive to switch to solar. We power our cars from gasoline because it is cheaper than running it off of any other fuel.

In small niche markets like golf courses or Disneyland, electric vehicles make some sense. But even if you populated the world with electric vehicles, someone has to make the batteries, etc.. and then dispose of them. So, while emissions may go down, other pollutants go up. And you can't ignore the energy, processing and waste that goes in to making the components (e.g. batteries) for whatever 'green' energy source you choose. There is no free lunch.

Nuclear is probably the best energy source. It easily generates more power per unit waste than any other fuel type. And it is much much cleaner, all things considered.

So, if you can get past the hype and rhetoric and look carefully at the science, you will see that there are no easy answers.

-Guru

Answer 2

The best is nuclear but no one wants it.