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Nuclear fusion: Difference between revisions
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Whatever the case may be, energy generation in the near future will most likely be based on a mix of many options, that will vary in accord with local economic, environmental, and social conditions. | Whatever the case may be, energy generation in the near future will most likely be based on a mix of many options, that will vary in accord with local economic, environmental, and social conditions. | ||
== Energy generation in the future == | |||
As hinted at above, it appears desirable to significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, due to the effect of the burning of fossil fuels on the global climate, contamination, and the accompanying loss of valuable resources (e.g., plastics). | |||
What alternatives are available? A host of methods for energy generation exists that do not depend on fossil fuels. Among the primary such sources are wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy. Other sources, such as geothermal energy and wave energy, are and probably will remain quantitatively less important, or compete with food supply, as is the case with biofuels. | |||
Hydroelectric energy is a potential 'baseline' energy source, meaning that it is, or can be, available permanently and on demand. However, this energy source is only available at relatively few locations where the orography and climate is suitable. | |||
Wind and solar energy are potentially plentiful, but strongly dependent on local weather. Therefore, they are not generally considered to be 'baseline' energy sources, and can only serve to supplement other reliable energy sources. Energy generation should not be interrupted on a cloudy, windless winter's day! Combinations of various distinct power sources could mitigate this problem somewhat, but it is unlikely that it can be eliminated. | |||
Nuclear fission power is an alternative that does not contribute to the greenhouse effect and serves as baseline power supply, but suffers from problems associated with nuclear waste storage and processing, and public acceptance. | |||
Therefore, the search for a baseline power source for the future is still an unresolved issue. | |||
The discovery of a method to store energy on a large scale would completely change the picture, and enhance the viability of solar and wind energy; but currently, no such method is available. | |||
== Fusion as an energy option == | == Fusion as an energy option == | ||