Another Energy Thread

[Avi1001]

I was just reading an environmental thread in another sub- and realized I would like to start an energy thread.

It can include topics related to renewables: solar, biofuels, geothermal, wind, biomass, hydro and non-renewables: oil and gas, coal, nuclear. Whatever you like.

I don't have a link to post at the moment, but I think I will find one soon. If someone else finds an interesting link first, no problem. This is a community thread .

 

[Avi1001]

I didn't think it would take too long:

America, Your Annual Energy Report Card Has Arrived

Energy usage increased by over 2.3% this year.

Note that CO2 is also rising again.

 

[John Doe]

I didn't think it would take too long:

America, Your Annual Energy Report Card Has Arrived

Energy usage increased by over 2.3% this year.

Note that CO2 is also rising again.

About 5 years ago the internet accounted for around 2% of US electricity usage. Since then, wireless internet has replaced much of the ADSL traffic. Wireless is very inefficient. And wireless is also growing at such a rate that soon there will be a complete loading of the spectrum. This means that the internet will be consuming considerably more than 2% of total electricity usage. And the internet will also hit peak data capacity, and begin grinding to a halt.

Think about that. A huge amount of precious finite energy resources, and finite data capacity, powering porn, youtube, twitter and snapchat etc. Our descendants will shake their heads in disbelief.

Nero tweets while Rome burns.

 

[Revoltingest]

The internet has its positive side too. Many of us spend less time & resources
commuting for work & entertainment because we can do so from home.

 

[Avi1001]

The internet has its positive side too. Many of us spend less time & resources
commuting for work & entertainment because we can do so from home.

Of course the internet is a positive development. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a caveman.

 

[Revoltingest]

Of course the internet is a positive development. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a caveman.

Even they are getting in on it.

 

[dust1n]

Of course the internet is a positive development. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a caveman.

This is the only sort of opinion of the internet I'd expect to find on the internet.

 

[Avi1001]

Now that we know there are problems with the environment and the economy, is there anything we can do ? Yes, but will we do it ? Is there any leadership ?

IPCC report: Climate needs swift shift to clean energy

 

[Avi1001]

Are renewable energy advocates gaining strength?

A battle is looming over renewable energy, and fossil fuel interests are losing - The Washington Post

 

[Avi1001]

Energy usage results in emissions......emissions caps, are they a good thing?

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/05/energy-choices/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

 

[Brickjectivity]

Are renewable energy advocates gaining strength?

A battle is looming over renewable energy, and fossil fuel interests are losing - The Washington Post

One or two of my relatives recently admitted that global warming is real, whereas before they would have questioned whether it was a legitimate scientific fact. A certain large and famous media conglomerate also recently changed its stance on that issue here in the USA, one that is usually on the other side of the fence from the Washington Post. I am thinking that the article has some good points, too.

I think it is too positive, however. A lot depends upon the cost of renewable energy coming down. Since subsidies have been used badly for so long (sugar subsidies and oil subsidies) they are 'Poisoned' in the public's mind. Any 'Subsidy' of renewable energy will be vulnerable to criticism. Therefore I don't have high hopes for renewable energy over the next 10 years unless some new technology or new pricing surprises us.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I would go for a nuclear powered car. No emissions whatsoever. No fueling for at least 3-5 years apart.

HowStuffWorks "Pros and Cons of A Nuclear-Powered Car"

 

[Avi1001]

I love the idea, but Revolting is our local auto expert, so lets see what he thinks.

I think it would cost too much up front to be feasible. But on the other hand people are paying $250k for a Tesla

I would go for a nuclear powered car. No emissions whatsoever. No fueling for at least 3-5 years apart.

HowStuffWorks "Pros and Cons of A Nuclear-Powered Car"

 

[FreeThinker619]

peace do you have any info on tachyon energy?

the stuff i read about seem to be purely speculative

 

[columbus]

I would go for a nuclear powered car. No emissions whatsoever. No fueling for at least 3-5 years apart.

HowStuffWorks "Pros and Cons of A Nuclear-Powered Car"

No emissions? Have you ever seen what a car looks like after a big truck rolls over it?

Tom

 

[Revoltingest]

I love the idea, but Revolting is our local auto expert, so lets see what he thinks.
I think it would cost too much up front to be feasible. But on the other hand people are paying $250k for a Tesla

One needn't be an expert on cars (& I'm not) to see the downsides to a nuclear powered car:
- Radiation hazard (crashes, terrorists, poor maintenance)
- High cost. Few people buy Teslas, & even then they all get hefty gov subsidies.
- Security problems...you know, to prevent terrorists from getting at the fuel.
- Styling will certainly be strange. (Nuclear power does that to designers....they get all George Jetson about it.)

 

[mystic64]

Of course the internet is a positive development. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a caveman.

Well my friend , i admit that I am probably somewhat of a caveman, but the internet is only a gift as long as the hackers for good can stay ahead of the hackers for bad or self gain . I am inclined to agree that the internet that science uses is a gift, but the public internet is on one hand a wonderment and a gift, but on the other hand it is a dangerous tool if one does not watch their step with it.

 

[Avi1001]

Well my friend , i admit that I am probably somewhat of a caveman, but the internet is only a gift as long as the hackers for good can stay ahead of the hackers for bad or self gain . I am inclined to agree that the internet that science uses is a gift, but the public internet is on one hand a wonderment and a gift, but on the other hand it is a dangerous tool if one does not watch their step with it.

Which side does this forum fall on ?

 

[mystic64]

One needn't be an expert on cars (& I'm not) to see the downsides to a nuclear powered car:
- Radiation hazard (crashes, terrorists, poor maintenance)
- High cost. Few people buy Teslas, & even then they all get hefty gov subsidies.
- Security problems...you know, to prevent terrorists from getting at the fuel.
- Styling will certainly be strange. (Nuclear power does that to designers....they get all George Jetson about it.)

What about a plasma drive engine? You can't beat them for efficiency and simplicity ?

 

[mystic64]

Which side does this forum fall on ?

Sir I think that you ask a trick question . Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!