Matt FerrellMay 5, 2023
#FunFactFriday: Experts say that the next decade is decisive for PV Solar - what do you think is the most important renewable energy source going forward? News Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230418142516.htm
Next decade decisive for PV growth on the path to 2050: Experts warn waiting no longer an option for commitment to multi-terawatt photovoltaic production worldwide

Global experts on solar power strongly urge a commitment to the continued growth of photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing and deployment to power the planet, arguing that lowballing projections for PV growth while waiting for a consensus on other energy pathways or the emergence of technological last-minute miracles 'is no longer an option.'

ScienceDaily
Show threadPrimetimeMay 5, 2023

@mattferrell
I am a layman in this debate, but I have thought for a long time now, that #nuclear is (and will continue to be) the most important renewable source of energy for a clean future. It is not truly renewable, but with the right fuel it is probably renewable enough.

The power density (W/m²) of nuclear is just so much higher than wind and solar. You can combine it with hydro/dam power to create 'batteries' of potential energy. It is always on, no dependence on sunshine or wind.

1/2

Show threadPrimetimeMay 5, 2023

@mattferrell
I think we are kidding ourselves, if we expect to go green and continue (or more likely increase) our current global energy usage, without nuclear. Recent events in Germany is a good example of this.

Dont get me wrong, I think we need a combination of energy sources for a green future. But I dont think it will work without nuclear power as a backbone.

2/2

Show threadMatt FerrellMay 5, 2023
@Primetime nuclear is and will be part of the mix for sure. Unfortunately it’s crazy expensive compared to other options, but that may be changing with companies like Last Energy.
Show threadPrimetimeMay 5, 2023

@mattferrell
I read up on this a bit, and OMG nuclear is expensive. Also construction is way longer than a solar farm. I guess I should have known.

However I must confess that I dislike the idea of acres upon acres covered in solar panels, when these could be reforested. Hence my argument for power density.

Last Energy type solutions help solve both issues though, pretty cool.

Solar cells on top of my roof though, that is just logical. Unfortunately this is disincentivized where I live :(

Show threadMatt FerrellMay 5, 2023
@Primetime solar on top of existing infrastructure is a no-brainer. It’s why I’m a big advocate of “all of the above” solutions and not just one type to rule them all.
Show threadPrimetimeMay 5, 2023
@mattferrell I coulden't agree more
Show threadRafa Font 🌻 🇪🇺 🏀May 5, 2023
@Primetime @mattferrell Plus reducing our energy consumption maybe? I wouldn't go for nuclear but that's another debate. My point here is that we accept that energy consumption will go up, and maybe it should not. What are your opinions?
Show threadPrimetime

@rafa_font @mattferrell
It would be good if global energy consumption could be decreased.

But we have to consider that the developed world uses the most energy per capita in the world.

As the rest of the world catches up in terms of development and standard of living, the power consumption per capita here will increase. And these are large populations we are considering: India, China, south America, Africa.

No way to avoid increased global power consumption, in my opinion

May 5, 2023 at 10:33pmTusky