TreeHugger Picks: Prototypical Energy Types for the Future
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01. 5.07
Following up with our peek at the future with some stunning car prototypes, we gaze into the crystal ball of energy production methods and ideas that have the potential to make the future a much greener place.
1) Wave power has garnered lots of attention as the next big thing in renewable energy.
2) Hydrogen has been the darling eco-energy of the future for awhile, but has yet to
3) Wind power, and specifically offshore wind power, has the potential to power the entire US.
4) Biofuels, like those derived from switch grass, can help wean the world off its overindulgence in oil.
5) Solar power just keeps getting more efficient, and it works great where the sun shines and as a good alternative for where the wind doesn't blow.
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It's probably best if we drop hydrogen as a goal. The conversion losses are too great and the energy density is too low.
Much better to go with electrons and use batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc. for storage. Plus we get to use the existing distribution system for electrons (the electric grid) rather than spending billions on creating a new infrastructure.
For more, see Dr. Ulf Bossel's paper here:
http://www.inspiringgreenleadership.com/downloads/FutureIsElectronsNotHydrogen.pdf
I don't think hydrogen storage has had much time to adapt.
I know that hydrogen as volume has a low density, however per gram it has the highest of coal, petrol, methane.
Ohh so you know by volume coal has the best energy. So I guess we should use that right?
See twenty hydrogen myths by Physicist A Lovins
http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid171.php#20H2Myths
Always thanks for your kindly news letter
Shadow7988, actually, I think uranium packs more power per pound than coal.