UK policy on climate change used to make sense when David Mackay was chief scientific advisor to the UK government, He also understood the limitations of renewable energy, unlike our current advisors.
He was the Chief Scientist at the Dept of Energy in the UK. His analyses perfectly described how the modern world is dependent on cheap dispatch-able energy, currently provided by coal, gas and oil, and where suitable Hydro Electric and Nuclear Power .
His argument was that renewables ( wind, solar, biofuels ) are only feasible for low population densities. Nuclear Power is currently the only effective “zero” carbon energy source .
Renewables like Wind, Solar, Hydro are really only effective for low population densities with limited energy intense transportation. Even then a prolonged wind drought in winter may still require an emergency fossil fuel backup for safety critical systems.
Hi Clive,
what do you think about the technology Stefano Buono is developing with Newcleo?
Could it really be a game changer for the future of global energy, or do you think that, ideally, fusion will eventually replace everything else?
Thanks!.
Sounds interesting. He is using a new type of reactor with a better net power production,
Fusion is potentially the answer to all our energy needs for ever.
which I worked on JET which almost reached Power Breakeven.
Hello Clive ,
David’s paper is still available to download even if its a little out of date:-
“https://www.withouthotair.com/Contents.html”
Eventually our political leaders will have reality hitting them in the face , whether that changes anything is anyone’s guess.
Thanks for the post.
Forbin
It is a shame that politicians are only interested in short term fashions like Wind Farms etc. If David Mackay was still alive the UK Energy policy would be in a far better place.
Looks like Stefano Buona is trying to revive Italy’s Nuclear Program !
Good luck to him
Coal, gas and oil are limited resources.
If we do not transition to renewables how long will our civilization last?
Nuclear Energy is the only long term solution. Renewables are just too unreliable.
Controlled Nuclear Fusion however is the ultimate reliable energy source.