If we ask what is needed to take over the role of fossil fuels, there are only three candidates with sufficient resource for the long term-solar, nuclear fission with uranium or thorium breeders and nuclear fusion. But, leaving aside solar power for the moment, it is almost impossible to imagine renewables providing more than half of the energy currently supplied by fossil fuels. Renewables should be deployed to the largest extent reasonably possible. But, even if efficiency can reduce demand in the developed world, it cannot provide the growth in total energy use that is needed to deliver a decent standard of living in the developing world, where 1.5 billion people still lack electricity.

Improved efficiency will be vital, and needs to be encouraged by fiscal measures and regulations.

And it is well established that burning fossil fuels has adverse effects on climate and the environment ( Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007).Īll experts agree that a portfolio approach is needed to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and to meet increased world energy demand-there is no single ‘solution’. Continuation of the current 4.5 per cent per annum growth in coal use reduces 200 years to 50. It is often said that there is enough coal for some 200 years-but that assumes current use. Meeting this demand will be extremely difficult meeting it in an environmentally responsible manner will be an enormous challenge.Ĭurrently, 80 per cent of the world’s primary energy is generated by burning fossil fuels-a resource that is rapidly dwindling. Global energy use is expected to increase 45 per cent by 2030 ( World Energy Outlook 2008).

Fusion vs fission for dummies