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I was thinking about this and looked into some of the research. We're not quite there yet though. However, if we do have a practical way of doing it, I think it

I was thinking about this and looked into some of the research. We're not quite there yet though. However, if we do have a practical way of doing it, I think it would be best if we use volatile renewables like solar and wind and store the excess as hydrocarbons. That would give use a smooth transition path, reduce the energy storage problem, and provide a source of carbon-neutral fuels. However, longer term we must still move away from burning fossil fuels even if we make them completely carbon neutral, because while its a slow effect they are not oxygen neutral... http://scrippso2.ucsd.edu/ http://scrippso2.ucsd.edu/

philipkglass 8y ago
However, longer term we must still move away from burning fossil fuels even if we make them completely carbon neutral, because while its a slow effect they are not oxygen neutral... If synthetic hydrocarbons get their hydrogen from water (electrolysis or high temperature thermochemical cycles), their life cycle is oxygen-neutral as well. The extraction of hydrogen from water simultaneously produces a matching quantity of oxygen.
- jadedhacker 8y ago
  That's an excellent point.