• Question: what is the best sustainable source of energy

    Asked by SamW RhysH to Matthew, Neil, Paula, Pete, Philippa on 13 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Philippa Jefferis

      Philippa Jefferis answered on 13 Mar 2015:

      Hi,

      I personally think that a mixture of renewable energy is the best option for us going forward. Tidal power is reliable in that we know when the tide will go in and out, but wind power can also be useful for areas in land.

      I think what is critical is the ability to store energy in some sustainable way, so that we can balance out supply with demand.

    • Photo: Neil Taylor

      Neil Taylor answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Hi!

      I think this is a really great question… but also one that’s tricky to answer! I think it really depends what you mean by “best” – each one has pros and cons.

      For example, hydroelectricity is one form of renewable energy that is well understood and is relatively simple technology. However, you obviously need a suitable site – and these are limited in number, and some may not be viable (e.g. if you have to re-home people, or if it will harm wildlife).

      Solar power is great because there are a large number of potential sites. However, it is dependent on sunlight – so nights and and cloudy days could be problematic!

      Ultimately, I agree with Philippa – we will be best served by a mix. 🙂

      Hope this helps!

    • Photo: Pete Symons

      Pete Symons answered on 17 Mar 2015:

      Hi SamW RhysH,

      I would have to go for Thermonuclear Fusion Energy. This has the potential to solve the worlds energy problems. It has a clean output (H20, i think), there is no nuclear waste so no disposal issues and the energy output from the reaction is massive, a small amount of fuel has massive energy output. Scientists face some challenging issues about making it sustainable at the moment.

      You currently need a massive amount of energy to start the reaction and then sustain it and the energy output is currently not matching the energy put in, but as soon as they solve the problem of sustaining the reaction, many believe that Thermonuclear Energy will be the power of the future.

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