Do we need new energy technology?

Can we solve our energy problems with technologies that already exist - or do we need new breakthroughs? It's a compelling question, and if we don't hit the right answer we may see more people wandering around like the fellow in this picture.

As it happens, The Economist is running an online poll asking just that question. There's still time to affect the outcome - take a look at the arguments, and vote here.

Comments

[Kenny Gonah]

I would like to point out that the so called green fuel energy is not totally being exhausted. There are indeed existing variants of the same. Most car hire firms and individuals tend to ignore known 'Domestic' solutions that are proven to work and achieve fantastic results I being a living proof. To expect

mass produced energy saving technology at this time may be a far cry , however for a start and to those willing to put the effort, this technology is very much achievable by using the same a simple formula that I use. Basically this is a hybrid of gasoline and water and some simple electrolysis to achieve minimum 25% in fuel reduction and up to 90% when done at a larger scale. The equipment and process of getting to this level does not need a genius to to it and all this information can be quickly downloaded from this site. http://xrl.us/oqwes

It will be worth it. Lets save our planet.

[Paul Newbold]

Freddy, there are UK companies (and other worldwide) commercialising hydrogen electrolysers that can convert renewable 'off peak' leccy into H2 gas. Which can then be burned to re-produce leccy (and water).
This technology can smooth out the output of solar, wind and wave to match peak demand.
As you imply, such an approach can revolutionise the economics of renewables for power generation. We then just need a fleet of 30 million electric and fuel cell cars (although internal combustion engines can be adapred to burn hydrogen directly).

[Freddy]

The overwhelming technical innovation that we need is an efficient way to *store* electrical energy.
Given this, suddenly all those ridiculous solar and wind plants can actually be useful, instead of a gross waste of public money. The electrical grid becomes much easier - read cheaper - to manage. And we can actually start converting to electric cars.
The person who invents and patents an efficient way of storing electricity will rapidly be able to buy Bill Gates out of pocket change.

[Bill Liverpool]

Stop wasting our gas for electricity generation and use nuclear, we would have enough gas for domestic use for 200 years then? Also there is a large amount of gas in coal seams in the north of England and Wales, the USA gets 15% of its gas from this source.

[jon]

The stone age did not end because we ran out of stone.!

[Larry Pines]

Joel IS correct in that new technologies (or improvements on those existing) must be developed to make more efficient use of existing ('natural') renewable energy resources but that also means Stuart is correct as well.
This question has been answered throughout time as humans developed and/or improved the means to do the work they desired whether that was to bring water to crops at a distance, provide shelter or defense.
The roots of most of today's technologies can easily be spotted in tools developed thousands of years ago - as if there existed a global civilization on par with today's which fell into disrepair. In-fact; a check of the inscriptions in some ancient structures earily hints at technologies we've just lately developed in the past 75 years - such as plasma lighting (i.e.: 'flourescent') and helicopters while ancient mariners are now known to have used analog computers!
No doubt someone soon will have
're-invented' a technology which will supply all the electrical energy anyone could ever need.
To improve lifestyles for humans without impairing that of all other creatures is the challenge.

[Joel Fridjohn]

New technology must be developed in order to make better utilization of renewable energy sources.
The silicon photovoltaic cell must be made more efficient and cheaper to produce.
Solar thermal power stations should also be made cheaper to erect.
Wind turbines also must be made lighter stronger and more efficient in their production of electricity.

[stuart anson]

simple efficiencies can drastically cut people's energy bills - empty your car boot and accelerate when driving more gently will cut petrol bills, a small turn down of the thermostat will save household energy as well as using energy efficient bulbs

the worlds energy can be used much more efficiently and we can all save money to!