Fun Stuff > CHATTER
Stewards of the Earth
SubaruStephen:
Using molten salts as a battery looks like a good idea to add to our existing power generators.
explicit:
I will say that every type of power generation has environmental issues with it, you kinda are just stuck with trying for whatever does the least harm.
metastasis_d:
--- Quote from: explicit on 03 Feb 2015, 19:32 ---I will say that every type of power generation has environmental issues with it, you kinda are just stuck with trying for whatever does the least harm.
--- End quote ---
Too true. That's why I'm hoping we can make enough technological breakthroughs to mitigate them.
explicit:
I can't really think of too many egregious environmental issues for solar power though. It's mostly just... not very good right now...
Aziraphale:
--- Quote from: explicit on 03 Feb 2015, 19:59 ---I can't really think of too many egregious environmental issues for solar power though. It's mostly just... not very good right now...
--- End quote ---
I think -- though I'm working from memory here -- it has to do with the minerals used in the photovoltaic cells. The mining would bring with it certain environmental (and probably human rights) issues, while the expense of extraction and the rarity of the stuff used contributes to expense. There've been cells designed more recently that use stuff that's more commonly available, but those haven't gone into production yet. Will add a link if I can find one.
ETA: Found a link for the environmental consequences of rare earths, but can't find the article I'd read about the alternative solar panels.
http://news.thomasnet.com/imt/2013/08/22/rare-earths-and-other-chemicals-damaging-the-environmental-value-of-renewables
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