Comments on: “In 14 and a half seconds, the sun provides as much energy to Earth as humanity uses in a day.”

By: Zachary Shahan

Zachary Shahan — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Thanks, will check that out!

By: Edward Kerr

Edward Kerr — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:51:00 +0000

For some really cool info-graphics and insight into the “solar’ potential a look at this video of a lecture (don’t worry it’s a TED and only 13min) by Joe Jordan (a real scientist) is in order. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1y2wll2Ve8 Enjoy…
Ed

By: Zachary Shahan

Zachary Shahan — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:26:00 +0000

Certainly important to cut down energy consumption. But I also wouldn’t extrapolate that growth for so long. That’s nearly impossible, in many respects.

By: Richie

Richie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:28:00 +0000

Average annual growth of energy consumption is 2.6% (since 1966, BP statistical review, not including wood localy used for fire).
At this rate, the “small” 16TWy/y we use will become a whopping 24,000 TWy/y in 285 years.

More than what the Sun gives.

And thermodymadics tell that we will boil in the co-generated heat.

Cutting down our energy use is imperative (by 3 to 10 times for OCDE countries down to 2000W/capita which is the current world average of primary power consumption)

By: Zachary Shahan

Zachary Shahan — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Thanks. A good image is worth a thousand words… or maybe even many more.

By: Luke

Luke — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:39:00 +0000

I’ve seen that bubble graph before… and it’s truly amazing how much sunlight the Earth receives – it dwarfs even the potential of wind energy. I also love the concept of space-based solar power, but its too expensive to work at the moment.

Nice post…