3 ms·
Storage is something that until a few years ago I hadn't considered but it really is a big deal. I've talked to a number of people who say something like "If we
by joshstrange 4y ago
Storage is something that until a few years ago I hadn't considered but it really is a big deal. I've talked to a number of people who say something like "If we run out of oil or really need to make changes we can just build more solar/wind/etc" but that only solves one side of the problem. You can't pour solar into a 747 (yes, I'm aware of the electric planes but they aren't passenger planes and aren't close to being that yet). Gas, for all it's problems, is incredibly energy-dense and replacing that is not something done easily.
- idiotsecant 4y agoThere are some applications that need to be chemically powered for the foreseeable future, even with expected battery improvement. Those applications are also rounding error in the overall consumption of energy. I am happy with a world that is able to move away from coal, natural gas, and fuel oil burning to produce bulk electricity, even if that world still has 747s in it! One piece at a time.
- joshstrange 4y agoNo argument here, though while it may be a rounding error in overall energy (something I don’t know) the main uses I’m thinking of, planes and cargo ships, are pretty bad polluters which is a concern. And while pollution is my top concern, running out (or more realistically supply dropping and price skyrocketing) is a close second. As in, I agree that all of this is a win but we could be forced into a very bad position if oil suddenly skyrockets in price due to scarcity (with no end in sight) and don’t have alternative, applicable energy storage options for things we depend on.
- landemva 4y agoThere is plenty of oil. Oil products are likely to increase in price due to lack of refinery investment.