Cheap, Fast, High-Output Liquid Solar–An article in the New York Times describes a relatively new method of producing energy—solar thermal plants.Resembling photovoltaic cells, large swaths of panels are aligned in the desert, using the sun to heat liquid to produce steam.The steam operates turbines, which produces energy.Probably the best aspect of this method of alternative energy production is that they can produce huge quantities of power (equivalent to three nuclear reactors) yet they take a fraction of the time to construct (only two years).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Solar Cell Production–A recent study concluded that, when compared with traditional fossil-fuel production, the manufacture of solar cells results in far fewer greenhouse gas emissions.While the production of solar cells requires the use of heavy metals, which are released into the atmosphere, traditional energy production releases much more damaging amounts of materials in the air.
Tidal Turbines Under the Golden Gate Bridge–The quest to harness the power of the tides in San Francisco Bay has been ongoing for some time.The idea is to place underwater turbines beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and to partially meet the energy needs of the City of San Francisco.While alternative energy production is certainly a contentious issue, it might become more so in the coming years.This week, a report for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (PUC) found that submerging turbines under the Golden Gate Bridge to harness tidal power would be prohibitively expensive in terms of construction and maintenance costs.Mayor Gavin Newsom indicated that he would continue to pursue the project and make tidal power in San Francisco a reality.We obviously need alternative sources of energy.I agree with Mayor Newsom that San Francisco should continue to pursue the possibility of tidal power from San Francisco Bay.
