User Rating: 0 / 5

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
 


Advances in technology will change the way we get energy

the look of a curious mindthe look of a curious mindIt seems very easy to get accustomed to new technology, sometimes too easy.  The age of information has completely transformed the way we live our lives.  It is not until you look back at years and how life has changed that one can develop an appreciation for it.

I clearly remember what it was like before cell phones (mobiles), tying to meet up with friends on a Saturday night and hoping they were at the location they said they would be.  If they were not, and with no way to contact them, I often wouldn’t know what happened until the next day.  Shopping, dating, music, movies, television, information, and many other things have all been transformed.  Sometimes, I like to look at how the future was envisioned in previous decades.  Visions of odd looking buildings that peered through clouds, time travel, robot maids, and flying cars come to mind.

When you look back at how our energy of the future was viewed, nuclear power reigned supreme.  Since it is the most efficient form of energy in terms of homes powered per unit, it makes sense why people thought it would be the future.  Nuclear power can be very risky and dangerous as seen by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011.  While there may come a time when safety issues are ironed out and it becomes the dominant energy source, advances in other forms of energy seem to be the future for now.

Fossil fuels account for approximately 80% of the world’s energy consumption.  Demand has been increasing as China, India, and other countries grow into economic powers which could lead to increasing prices.  Signs also point to their use as a cause for climate change.  With these in mind, it’s no wonder that alternative fuels are all the rage.  They are easily regenerated, they do not pollute, and they are available everywhere in the world.  They, like fossil fuels, are not without their issues too.  They can be costly and are not as efficient as traditional energy methods.  Technological advances may change all that.  As demand for alternative fuels has increased, more research has been done to advance technology.

Of all the forms of renewable energy, solar seems to gather the most interest, as it should, since the sun is our most plentiful resource.  The problem with solar energy has been the high costs of producing solar panels that fall well below the efficiency of fossil fuels.  Solyndra, a manufacturer of solar cells, captured headlines back in 2011 when it declared bankruptcy despite receiving support from the U.S. government.  The company quickly became the symbol of why renewable energy will not work.  Why?  Because of high costs!  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar costs an average of $156.90 per megawatt hour while traditional methods cost much less.  These costs, however, are falling as research is done to make solar panels more efficient and less costly.  How is this being done?  Researchers are developing panels that are capable of converting a higher percentage of light into energy.  In addition, great advances have been made in thermal storage making it easier to store energy that can be used when the sun goes down. If technology continues to advance, and demand keeps increasing, then the cost of solar energy will plummet.

renewable energyrenewable energySolar is not the only sector making advances.  Wind turbines are being made larger with blades that are more efficient, making it possible to capture more wind.  In addition, much research is being done to place these turbines in optimal locations.  Developments have been made in underwater turbines that can use tides to generate power.  Some countries are looking to volcanoes for geothermal energy.  Even carbon dioxide is being developed as a possible fuel source.  The future certainly looks bright for renewable energy, but fossil fuels still account for 82% of the world’s energy.  Oil, natural gas, and coal companies understand the need for cleaner fuels and are making advancements as well.  Cleaner burning of coal has been developed and the possibility of using hydrogen from coal is being researched.  Water free fracking is gaining popularity and could possible reduce the environmental hazards of hydraulic fracking.  Fossil fuel companies are finding ways to adapt to a green world.

While flying cars are not here (and they shouldn’t be as driving on the ground is hazardous enough), there are advances in energy that could not have been fathomed in the past.  As alternative fuels continue to be developed, who knows what will come of it.

By Daniel Steiger

Follow us on Twitter - @DigiPrintNews

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DPNLive - (click the ‘LIKED’ button/top of page as well)

Copyright © 2014, DPNLIVE – All Rights Reserved.


News - General News - Environment

  • Flint Water Plant
    May 13, 2016

    The Flint Water Crisis

    How a failure in government led created a tragedy. By Daniel J. Steiger “I’ve got your…
    3279
  • Satimat swatch
    Nov 20, 2015

    Satimat Swatch Updated

    Antalis produces new Satimat swatch. Antalis UK has produced a new Satimat swatch. The…
    2981
  • In 2015 wildfires have burned over 8 9 million acres of land in the United States
    Sep 25, 2015

    Fighting Fires

    Wild fires are raging out of control in the Western U.S. As a wildfire raged through…
    3409
  • Cecil the Lion
    Sep 11, 2015

    Africa’s Big Game

     The killing of Cecil the Lion is a small piece of a huge issue. Walter Palmer quickly…
    3155
  • Great White Shark
    Jul 31, 2015

    When Sharks Attack

    Do swimmers have to be afraid to enter coastal Carolina waters? The very mention of…
    3119
  • Currents of the Atlantic Ocean
    Jun 19, 2015

    The Atlantic Ocean Is Cooling Down

    Temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean will alter weather conditions around the…
    3393
  • Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang
    May 29, 2015

    All Aboard the Amazon Express

    China Announces Plans to Build a Railway Through the Amazon Rainforest Chinese Prime…
    3970
  • Mimaki Inks attain GREENGUARD GOLD Accreditation
    May 25, 2015

    Mimaki Inks Receive GREENGUARD GOLD Accreditation

    The benefits of original Mimaki inks further emphasised by latest GREENGUARD GOLD…
    3459
  • Lead Was Phased out of gasoline in the U S beginning in 1976
    May 15, 2015

    Get The Lead Out

    Many years after removing lead from product, poisoning is still an issue. For those who…
    3695
  • limbitless solutions
    Apr 24, 2015

    Is 3d Printing Environmentally Friendly?

     This technology is making an impact, but is it all positive? Limbitless Solutions is a…
    4071
  • 9 8 billion K-cups were sold in 2014
    Mar 27, 2015

    A Conveniently Growing Problem

    *K-Cups have experienced explosive growth but not all is great with the popular…
    4145
  • A view of the sunrise on top of Mount Haleakala
    Mar 18, 2015

    The Aloha State

    Hawaii may seem perfect, but it is not problem free! It is an exhilarating experience…
    3667
  • Earthquake damage on a roadway
    Feb 06, 2015

    Earthquakes That Are Man Made?

    Earthquakes are occurring in areas where they were once rare. When the topic of…
    4066
  • Jan 09, 2015

    The NHL Has The Mumps

    The virus gains attention as it spreads through hockey. While the National Hockey League…
    4348
  • A roof collapsed at Schmidt's Collision and Glass after taking heavy snowfall
    Dec 05, 2014

    How Much Snow Is Too Much?

    Even snowy Buffalo, NY gets challenged by winter weather. There are not too many things…
    4190
  • Power Plant
    Nov 24, 2014

    Let’s Make A Deal (on emissions)

    Can an agreement work between the world’s leading carbon emitters? As we progress toward…
    5059
  • cat & coyote
    Oct 31, 2014

    While The Coyotes Away The Cats Will Play

     What happens when the coyote adapts to city life? Do you know where your cat goes at…
    4436
  • Symptoms of Ebola
    Oct 17, 2014

    Ebola in America

    Is this deadly disease a real threat, or just sensationalized! Thomas Eric Duncan arrived…
    4394
  • climate summit march New York September 2014
    Oct 03, 2014

    The Peoples Climate March

    Massive numbers of people gather for climate change. Driving in Manhattan is a fun…
    4379
  • Tesla Model S
    Sep 16, 2014

    Tesla's Announces New Battery Plant

    Can Tesla produce a more affordable electric vehicle? Tesla Motors Inc made headlines on…
    4337
  • the look of a curious mind Daniel Steiger
    Aug 23, 2014

    Ladies And Gentlemen: The Beetles

    Nauseating little creatures that can impact the future. Beetles are very impactful in…
    4553
  • The Look of a Curious Mind
    Aug 08, 2014

    Yeast Rising

    A tiny microbe capable of amazing things. Many people in the United States have taken to…
    3913
  • the look of a curious mind
    Jul 18, 2014

    Turtle Crossing

    A very unusual reason for flight delays. John F Kennedy international airport sits 12…
    11650
  • The Look of a Curious Mind
    Jun 27, 2014

    All About Coral.

    Small organisms that carry a lot of weight. The warmer months provide me with a great…
    4562
  • L - R Jacinta Sullivan, Project Hangup with David  Borrington from Dekkle Printmaking Studio
    Jun 06, 2014

    Project Hangup

    Antalis lends support to latest design-led ‘Project Hangup’ environmental…
    4771
  • Two Sides Logo
    May 30, 2014

    Is Greenwashing Returning?

    Are Banks reneging on promises to move away from misleading environmental marketing? It…
    5786
  • The Look of a Curious Mind
    May 09, 2014

    A Whale Of A Tale

    The World’s Largest Animal is Quite Intriguing. One of my favorite exhibits at the…
    4765
  • the look of a curious mind
    Apr 25, 2014

    Yellowstone: Is it going to blow?

    Recent activity at Yellowstone National Park has people wondering.I saw a video recently…
    4920
  • the look of a curious mind
    Apr 04, 2014

    Oil And Water Don’t Mix

    The Galveston Bay oil spill looms large in a region still recovering from a previous…
    4488
  • the look of a curious mind
    Mar 14, 2014

    Everything Is Drying Up

    California’s Record Drought may only be just beginning. California has grabbed many…
    4037
  • the look of a curious mind
    Feb 21, 2014

    Microbes Are The Good Guys

    Extreme organisms that are not only important, they may change science. The nature of…
    5085
  • the look of a curious mind
    Feb 01, 2014

    Maintaining Balance

    Simple changes can have a profound effect on ecosystems. The Leeds Pond Preserve sits…
    4578
  • the look of a curious mind
    Jan 10, 2014

    Shaping Our Future

    Advances in technology will change the way we get energy It seems very easy to get…
    4406
  • the look of a curious mind
    Nov 29, 2013

    Preserve The Preserve

    Educating youth plays an important role in the environment. At a recent holiday event at…
    4551
  • Daniel Steiger - the look of a curious mind
    Nov 15, 2013

    Watch Out! There’s A Hurricane Coming Through

    Is global warming causing tropical activity to increase? It was pure luck that I was able…
    5161
  • The look of a curious mind
    Oct 25, 2013

    Who’s Afraid Of A GMO?

    Engineered food product debate continues in the US. It was interesting to see a group of…
    5058
  • Shelf of nappies
    Sep 14, 2012

    The Nappy Mountain

    Parents anxious to reduce their children’s carbon foot print and are looking for…
    8385
  • NatureNetting at London Olympics 2012
    Sep 07, 2012

    New Environmentally Friendly Material from CERES MEDIA INTERNATIONAL

    A Compostable Screening Material Currently Approved and Available Commercially. UK based…
    5248
  • Petrol-tank
    Aug 03, 2012

    The environmental cost of diesel laundering

    Multi-million euro business costs the exchequer over 100m a year in lost tax revenue. It…
    9236
  • Old style garden
    Jul 06, 2012

    The vanishing gardens of suburbia

    What is the result of this cementing over of once green earth? When my family came to…
    8588
  • Green-Room-garden---Bloom-2012
    Jun 20, 2012

    Blooming gardens

    Great to look at but do they pose environmental difficulties The typical Irish urban…
    10488
  • Jun 08, 2012

    The case of the disappearing bees

    Each spring, the pear farmers of Sichuan province in China get out their ladders and…
    10112

Newsletter Signup

Signup to our newsletter