Re: What are the limitations of solar energy?
Posted: Thu 05 Feb 2015, 22:42:45
The problem isn't so much as needing FFs to manufacture components for RE systems but needing FFs and many other material resources to manufacture not just components for RE systems but also for infrastructure to distribute energy and for consumer goods.
If this situation takes place in a world dominated by developing countries, then more FFs and material resources such as cement, copper, and fresh water will be needed to develop infrastructure. This is part of the lag time and energy trap needed for a transition to RE.
If this takes place in economic systems that are capitalist, then high and increasing energy returns will be needed to ensure continuous economic growth. In addition, with a growing market for consumer goods, even more FFs and material resources will be required.
How much more will be needed? According to the IEA, in order to maintain economic growth, we will need the equivalent of one Saudi Arabia in new oil every seven years.
If more of that new oil is from unconventional production, if the global middle class has to keep growing to ensure healthy returns on investment from RE, and if there will be both a lag time and an energy trap involved in a transition to RE, then even more new oil will be needed.
There are additional requirements for fresh water, copper, cement, etc.
If this situation takes place in a world dominated by developing countries, then more FFs and material resources such as cement, copper, and fresh water will be needed to develop infrastructure. This is part of the lag time and energy trap needed for a transition to RE.
If this takes place in economic systems that are capitalist, then high and increasing energy returns will be needed to ensure continuous economic growth. In addition, with a growing market for consumer goods, even more FFs and material resources will be required.
How much more will be needed? According to the IEA, in order to maintain economic growth, we will need the equivalent of one Saudi Arabia in new oil every seven years.
If more of that new oil is from unconventional production, if the global middle class has to keep growing to ensure healthy returns on investment from RE, and if there will be both a lag time and an energy trap involved in a transition to RE, then even more new oil will be needed.
There are additional requirements for fresh water, copper, cement, etc.