What Renewable Fuel Sources Are Out There That Are Efficient as Well?

If we truly wish to rid ourselves from fossil fuels, we need an energy source that is both renewable and efficient. Finding that energy source will not only provide us with our energy needs but relieve us of any worry of this resource ever running out. As I did some research I found that solar energy took a huge step in efficiency. Weforum.org published an article written by writer and journalist Tom Ward which talks about "the solar panel of the future".  Ward states that scientists were able to successfully develop a solar panel with a record energy efficiency of 44.5%. Typical solar panels that you see in house rooftops produce 25% as Ward put it. This feat is made possible by stacking multiple solar materials together in one panel and catching more wave lengths of sun rays. Energy efficiency is calculated by dividing 3600 to the plant’s measured heat rate. According to Enggcyclopedia.com a typical coal powerplant produces between 35-38% energy efficiency. The problem I see here is their efficiency when there is little to no sunlight. Would these panels be better suited in orbit? Not only will these panels be getting plenty of sunlight but there is also less obstructions like clouds. With that in mind we’d have to think about the initial costs to get these panels up in orbit. The cost to sending anything up into space is quite a lot. Perhaps in time other renewable resources such as wind and water could gain an efficient system as well making them another contender to replace fossil fuel.

Hydrogen would be the resource to benefit most from these innovations. Hydrogen fusion reactors seem to be the answer to the future but are still under the developmental stages. These fusion reactors basically mimic the sun which takes in hydrogen and converts it into helium which then outputs a tremendous amount of energy. This will not only give us a limitless supply of energy since hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe but also produces no greenhouse gasses which has no negative effects on the planet. I found an article from the library database published by The Chemical Engineer (TCE) in which MIT engineers predict fusion reactors to be reality in 15 years. With $32 million of funding being provided from ENI, the collaboration of MIT engineers and CFS will strive to make efficient semiconducting electromagnets. These efficient magnets will provide for a more compact and functional system when compared to other reactor designs. This system will be more commercially practical and possibly less expensive. Development of these magnets are expected to be completed in three years. Will its efficiency be enough to power a city effectively and affordably in the predicted time? With so much progress perhaps every community will be powered by a miniature sun.

Both sources provide some positive insight with their respective energy source topic. Both sources state that progress is being made as new materials and designs are developed. Although costs tends to be a common problem with these two renewable sources of energy. Ward has claimed in his article on solar panels that the materials needed are quite expensive and that perhaps in time affordability will be possible with further enhancements. In the TCE article it is noted that $32 million is provided to fund this fusion reactor project and I'm sure other projects of this sort have gotten into the billions. Ward made it a clear point to his audience that initial spending is necessary and that it was going to be expensive. TCE only mentioned the funding amount going to the project. It was failed to mention how this system can be a financial burden even after its completion. I feel economy plays a key role in energy. Would consumers buy into this solar energy or hydrogen fusion reactor projects if the return investment isn't so certain? If energy isn't affordable people will be quick to turn away. Just like when gas prices rise up and drivers look for alternative fuels, consumers will always stick to the more economic route. We must keep that in mind and perhaps when new designs and ideas are implemented we can all take the full plunge and rid ourselves of our dependance in fossil fuels.

Work Cited

"Fusion 15 years away...from today: MIT engineers set themselves a date to demonstrate elusive nuclear process" TCE: The Chemical Engineer, Issue 922, P15-15. 1p Apr. 2018, Academic Search Premiere, doi: 129920016, Accessed 11 July 2018

Photo: Fusion Reactor by ScienceMag.org

Photo: Solar Panels by Discovermagazine.com

Video: Nuclear Fusion Energy: The Race to Create a Star by Motherboard