By Digoy Fernandez
Contributor
THE sense I get from my previous posts on the possibility of opening up the dialogue (again) to the possible use of nuclear energy elicited both strong feelings from those who favor its use and those who feel that nukes are a dead end option. Probably, one way out of the morass is to try and consider the fact that, at present, the world is making use mostly of a combination of fossil fuels, nuclear energy, geothermal plants, hydroelectric power, and the odd based wind farm or solar energy powered plant. Of the fuels mentioned above, it is probably proper to consider that fossil fuels like coal and crude oil and nuclear energy would form the bulk of what we could term as interim solutions pending the entry of more efficient and renewable sources of power.
The move toward electric cars — that still require an electric grid to draw power from — and those I mentioned a few blogs ago that are powered by air, water, or hydrogen probably spell the death knell of the fossil fuel industry. Applications for crude oil would be more limited in the not too distant future to industry as cars and other forms of transportation find ways to exploit clean and renewable sources of motivation.
In a very recent conversation I had with a classmate who just happens to be the Energy Secretary — no, I did not get the idea of going nuclear from him — he pointed out another possible source of energy that is best suited for countries located along the equator or in tropical areas: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). I am still Googling the topic because it is so interesting. But essentially, the process makes use of the heat energy stored in the world’s oceans to generate electricity. An ideal situation would be for a differential of 20 degrees Centigrade, which is possible in the equatorial region where surface temperatures really differ from those of the deeper nether regions (We have many deep underwater trenches surrounding our archipelago!).
The OTEC process is still undergoing study and experimentation. But soaring oil prices should provide a suitable motivation for both governments and the private sector to take a long hard look at this almost infinite source of clean energy.
Thus, even if we do eventually succumb to the temptation to the need to utilize nuclear power, this would also be, at best, an interim solution as we plumb the other existing and new technologies for the best possible application on a massive scale.
3 Feedbacks on "Interim solutions on the way to energy heaven"
pchesv
There are some studies that tapping OTEC and tidal wave energy may affect marine wildlife. This concern may, however, be addressed through proper engineering design. Care must always be taken when we want to use the earth.
I think there needs to be a shift from the current mindset of finding alternatives to the use of fossil fuel. True, that we must aim for the use of more sustainable sources of energy. But to complement it, people must learn to reduce consumption. Instead of building more roads for cars, why not build more efficient bus systems or bike lanes. We can learn from the experiences of Bogota City, Columbia. They have kilometers long of bike lanes that people enjoy using. In our homes, we can switch to more efficient lights, practice turning everything off when not in use and reducing use of the aircon. Sometimes we’re too lost looking for big solutions when the answers are just under our noses.
Alan Carr
I am a Building Energy Rating Assessor in Ireland and i totally agree with the last comment from “pchesv”, Governments across the world have allowed the general public waist as much energy as they like in their own homes as long as they can afford to pay for it, this i feel is a major contributor to the amount of energy we use today.
Helen Mogan
I agree with pchesv. Bike lanes, more efficient use of energy, less is more. We need to benchmark with countries or communities piloting non-fossil fuel alternatives: planned solar power in Ras Al Kaimah in the UAE, wind power in the Ilocos, Philippines, and Brazil’s bio-diesel. India’s Jathropa experience is worth experimenting. And I agree, the biggest effort is to TURN OFF! and unplug. Some studies show that as much as 30% of electric bill is charged to “standby”, plugged electrical appliances. I agree with Alan Carr, too. I have seen enormous amounts of energy wasted on air-conditioned flats and villas 24/7. Some temperate countries spend up to 60% of their budgets on electricity; majority of which goes to air-conditioning. There is so much an individual like you and me can do: teach others what we know and let them pay forward by teaching others what we have taught them.
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