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Solar energy is very problematic and for now, isn't going to solve the world's energy problems. For one thing, it generates energy for just when the sun is shi

Solar energy is very problematic and for now, isn't going to solve the world's energy problems. For one thing, it generates energy for just when the sun is shining and no clouds overhead, which aren't usually peak hours. There are other problems as well. https://sciencing.com/future-solar-power-obstacles-problems-21852.html https://sciencing.com/future-solar-power-obstacles-problems-... I'm waiting for Fusion power...

rileyphone 8y ago
You'll be waiting 10 years for the rest of your life.
- FlyMoreRockets 8y ago
  Progress! First, it was always 30 years away, then 15 years, now it's down to 10 years. Not sure how to determine the asymptote, but it'll doubtless happen with the Singularity. Links: Why Nuclear Fusion Is Always 30 Years Away http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2016/03/23/nuclear-fusion-reactor-research/ http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2016/03/23/nuclear-fu... Nuclear fusion is 15 years away from reality, say MIT engineers https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/nuclear-fusion-is-15-years-away-from-reality-say-mit-engineers/ https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/nuclear-fusion-is-1...
  - jandrese 8y ago
    There's still the big question mark of "will it be economically viable?" By the time Fusion is ready we might be heavily transitioning to cheaper renewable energy sources and not want to subsidize expensive power.
    - FlyMoreRockets 8y ago
      Very good point. Doubtless though, if it ever achieves technical viability, fusion will have a niche, because not all applications require economic viability. Can't beat the energy density it provides, either. Would be great for outer solar system missions.
goda90 8y ago
Why wait for Fusion when we already have viable fission that can patch the world's energy problems while we continue to develop solutions to its shortcomings?
- FlyMoreRockets 8y ago
  Public perception has been poisoned with regard to nuclear fission. Changing public perception is expensive.

rileyphone 8y ago

You'll be waiting 10 years for the rest of your life.

FlyMoreRockets 8y ago
Progress! First, it was always 30 years away, then 15 years, now it's down to 10 years. Not sure how to determine the asymptote, but it'll doubtless happen with the Singularity. Links: Why Nuclear Fusion Is Always 30 Years Away http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2016/03/23/nuclear-fusion-reactor-research/ http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2016/03/23/nuclear-fu... Nuclear fusion is 15 years away from reality, say MIT engineers https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/nuclear-fusion-is-15-years-away-from-reality-say-mit-engineers/ https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/nuclear-fusion-is-1...
- jandrese 8y ago
  There's still the big question mark of "will it be economically viable?" By the time Fusion is ready we might be heavily transitioning to cheaper renewable energy sources and not want to subsidize expensive power.
  - FlyMoreRockets 8y ago
    Very good point. Doubtless though, if it ever achieves technical viability, fusion will have a niche, because not all applications require economic viability. Can't beat the energy density it provides, either. Would be great for outer solar system missions.

goda90 8y ago

Why wait for Fusion when we already have viable fission that can patch the world's energy problems while we continue to develop solutions to its shortcomings?

FlyMoreRockets 8y ago
Public perception has been poisoned with regard to nuclear fission. Changing public perception is expensive.