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Do you think it is possible to maintain solar/wind for an extended period of time given the reliance on rare earth minerals that it would create? Also one argum
by crazynick4 5y ago
Do you think it is possible to maintain solar/wind for an extended period of time given the reliance on rare earth minerals that it would create? Also one argument that I haven't heard answered is how to handle the non-biodegradable old solar panels/windmills that need to be replaced.
These things definitely can be implemented but are they sustainable? Not a rhetorical question, I'd actually like to hear some opinions on this.
- worik 5y ago"reliance on rare earth minerals" There are plenty in the ground. Some in hard to get to (politically/socially) places. They can be recovered from devices if that is a design criterion. Windmills are generally made from metals which are recyclable, silicon is the major ingredient of solar cells - most common mineral on the planet. But they can be recycled too. There is a lot of toxic waste generated using current technology, these are developing technologies which gives us a opportunity. Having a fetish for the free market will not help. All this requires planning, and markets do not make plans.