There’s enough wind energy over the oceans to power human civilization, scientists say (solar, install)

[JD59]

New research published on Monday finds there is so much wind energy potential over oceans that it could theoretically be used to generate “civilization scale power” — assuming, that is, that we are willing to cover enormous stretches of the sea with turbines, and can come up with ways to install and maintain them in often extreme ocean environments.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.d2c93c45883e

[guidoLaMoto]

Wind energy is derived from solar energy. There's no question that sunlight striking our planet is many, many times greater than our human energy requirements. But all engineering solutions require compromises among the conflicting factors, including cost.

As this article How (Not) to Run a Modern Society on Solar and Wind Power Alone - LOW-TECH MAGAZINE points out, we'd need to build 10x more generating capacity than our actual usage to compensate for the unpredictability of solar/wind power generation. (Don't forget that too little OR too much wind shuts down mills.) The materials, including rare earths which are, well, in rare supply, to build wind generators would be a limiting factor, not to mention cost. Also, don't forget the inefficiencies of transmitting power over distances adding to costs bad enough when using power plants located near their points of usage. So much worse when the generators are out at sea.

It can be done, but should it be done?

[DCforever]

Better than living next to a coal fired plant. BTW rare earth elements aren't.

[guidoLaMoto]

From Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare-earth_element#China

"New demand has recently strained supply, and there is growing concern that the world may soon face a shortage of the rare earths.[20] In several years from 2009 worldwide demand for rare-earth elements is expected to exceed supply by 40,000 tonnes annually unless major new sources are developed.[21]"

What's your definition of "rare?" One picks on the rhetoric if one can't refute the facts.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by guidoLaMoto

From Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare-earth_element#China

"New demand has recently strained supply, and there is growing concern that the world may soon face a shortage of the rare earths.[20] In several years from 2009 worldwide demand for rare-earth elements is expected to exceed supply by 40,000 tonnes annually unless major new sources are developed.[21]"

What's your definition of "rare?" One picks on the rhetoric if one can't refute the facts.

"Rare" in Rare Earth is part of a name not an adjective. Demand is increasing but there are about 1000 years of reserves at current production level. China priced other suppliers out of the market in the 90s. Higher prices = More world production.



If you are going to use Wikipedia, be through. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mounta...are_earth_mine