Energy the options

[n5gooner]

ok - so in 15 - 20 years we will be running out of fossil fuels / gas and oil. We know that wind / wave power works - why don't we use more of it ???



And all that fuss about Nuclear power - we know it works, we know there is a by product from it that presently we can't deal with. (but may be able to in the future)



I for one would be more than happy to have solar panels on the roof of my cottage and a wind turbine on the side of it. Surely if we had a system where all new build homes has solar panels on the roof, plus wind turbine on the roof, and the cost of solar and wind power was reduced and TAX friendly so existing homes could have them installed this would fix most of our problems for power????



or am I missing something.....

[milanbenes]

very easy

grow oil seed rape in the grain belts of africa

for refining into bio diesel

transfer of wealth

Milan.

[DaveB]

The main problem with solar power is that it is still the most expensive, in terms of £ per Kw, means of generation. Rather than tax breaks it needs an active subsidy to make it economically viable for the masses rather than those with the budget to salve their eco-consciance. If that happens then yes, great way to reduce pollution and generate energy at the same time. As for the wind turbines, nothing to stop you doing it now apart from planning regualtions and Nimby neighbours. It's relatively cheap, hell you can build your own if you really want to just google for the plans. Not always reliable unless you're somewhere where you can guarentee a reliable breeze for a significant percenatge of the time.

We should also be doing more to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels. Building houses with higher levels of insulation and energy efficiancy, pushing for alternative fuels etc. Bio fuels work now and you can run any diesel engine vehicle on them as long as you can get them. Not the 90/10 mix you get in the filling stations but the 100% bio fuels. Again, you can make it at home relatively easily if you're that way inclined. Just tell the tax man your doing it and pay the fuel duty. Works out at about 30p per litre including duty.

Otherwise I agree with you, renewables are the way forward, provided the Govt can be persuaded to invest in these small scale technologies and not the high profile, big ticket items like Nuclear Power.
</rant>

[ASB]

Wind Turbines: Currently not particularly efficient, volumes generated are low. They are bloody noisy and ugly. Also they produce quite a lot of ozone. It needs quite a bit of improvement. The "commercial" sites are largely only effective due to the inflated prices the grid pays for their energy.

I also wonder what the overall impact will be with wholesale wind energy. This will reduce wind flows and may have an adverse environmental effect. In order to produce the energy you have to take it from somewhere, in this case out of the wind patterns.

Solar: Vast improvement is needed again. The amount of energy produced by a roof full of panels is not high. Perhaps incentives may increase take up and improve efficiency. Certainly in some better climates the do produce enough for local consumptions, but a roof full is unlikely to get anywhere near average western consumption.

Tidal: Anything big enough to make a meaningful production tends to have a detrimental affect on the local eco system. EdF have a tidal barrage in St Malo which produce a few megawatts (i.e. didly squat). This has completely changed the local eco system. Mind you it is an impressive structure and does mean there is a new river crossing so not all bad.

Nuclear: Probably one of the better options. But fraught with risks. Major pollution for future generations is a bit of a downer to say the least.

There are certainly no easy answers. Getting used to being cold, in the dark and walking is the best bet from an environmental viewpoint.

[wc2]

very easy

grow oil seed rape in the grain belts of africa

for refining into bio diesel

transfer of wealth

Milan.

Excellen plan. - Wonna go into business ?

[milanbenes]

would love too

let me get my plan b off the ground

that will provide the financial spring board and
business credibility to move into other areas

one step at a time

Milan.

[wendigo100]

Wind farms out at sea would be better than on land, where they are an eyesore unless perhaps in towns. More expensive to build at sea, but they are a long-term bet and technology is improving all the time.

Nuclear power works.

We need to improve battery technology though. Then the peaks and troughs of solar and wind power can be smoothed out to give a constant supply.

[Joe Black]

The only option:

[DodgyAgent]

Wind farms out at sea would be better than on land, where they are an eyesore unless perhaps in towns. More expensive to build at sea, but they are a long-term bet and technology is improving all the time.

Nuclear power works.

We need to improve battery technology though. Then the peaks and troughs of solar and wind power can be smoothed out to give a constant supply.

The future is alcohol.

[NoddY]

Geography textbook from 1970:

"fossil fuels will run out in 40 years time"

Economics textbook from 1980:

"coal, oil and gas are likely to run out in 40 years time"

Business Studies textbook from 1995:

"energy costs in 40 years time are likely to be significantly higher because supplies of fossil fuels will be depleted"

Citizenship textbook from 2005:

"many governments and NGO's are seeking alternative sources of fuel, this is because fossil fuels are due to run out in 40 years time"