Nuclear energy has been in the news lately, and its proponents have once again cited the intermittent nature of renewables as a compelling reason to embrace nuclear. They say that only nuclear can wean us off fossil fuels fast enough given the imminent climate crisis.
My argument has always been that renewable technology is still in its infancy and that the sector will explode with new tech in the near future. This post is about one such possible ‘new tech’ – thermoelectric generation.
I can’t explain the science, but I can say that this new direction in power generation would work at night, while solar is unavailable. You can read the complete article here:
https://newatlas.com/energy/thermoelectric-generator-renewable-energy-cold-space/
The amount of power generated was miniscule, but this experiment sought only to prove that the principle was sound. Scaling up the process and making it robust enough for commercial applications will take a while, but then so does setting up a nuclear power plant.
My money’s on the new tech rather than the old.
cheers
Meeks
Meeka's Mind 
September 19th, 2019 at 8:26 am
Once big business and governments figure how how to make big bux from generating renewables they’ll be a goer. User pays regardless… the only way to win is by reducing consumption.
LikeLike
September 19th, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Yeah, you’re right. I just wish it were possible to continue decentralising power generation rather than ceding it to the big players again. Still, so long as renewables continue to gallop ahead, I won’t complain.
LikeLike
September 19th, 2019 at 12:13 am
And recovering from a nuclear power plant disaster takes … even longer. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 19th, 2019 at 7:08 am
God yes… Watched a program about Chernobyl today recently and the sheer size of the exclusion zone was mind boggling. Such a waste and likely to remain so for thousands of years, at least around the plant itself. Heaven help those dogged survivors if the cover springs a leak.
LikeLike
September 18th, 2019 at 2:58 am
I like renewables and agree that we need to invest and give it a chance. One problem in the US is that everyone focuses on the “one big fix” – like fossil fuels or nuclear or even solar, none ideal. The either/or scenario sets up a false choice with everyone having to take a side. What is probably more doable and wiser is a broad approach, taking advantage of multiple energy solutions based on dependability and consumption needs. 🙂 Great link!
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 18th, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Yes! We don’t have nuclear in the mix here in Australia, and I wouldn’t want to start now, but the govt has said it will convert our hydro electricity plant into a huge ‘battery’ by pumping the water back up. Geothermal is also coming on, and I’ve read about tidal power being harnessed. The more the merrier. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
September 18th, 2019 at 12:32 am
The trick is to get both governments and industry on board with all the renewables. This is a huge hurdle in the U.S. I hope the rest of the world pulls us along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 18th, 2019 at 10:53 pm
We’re in the same boat, here in Australia. Luckily at least some of the states are going it alone. Like your California?
I suspect that many third world economies are forging ahead much faster than we are. They’ll be the powerhouses of the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 18th, 2019 at 12:09 am
Hello Meeka. I love the idea. Getting power on both sides. Add the other renewables like geothermal into the mix and no need for polluting fuels. hugs
LikeLike
September 18th, 2019 at 10:53 pm
Absolutely, Scottie. It will happen. Let’s just hope it happens fast enough. -hugs-
LikeLiked by 1 person