Scaling Up Alternative Energy

By Gopal R. Rao

(From Science)

The August 13, 2010, Issue of Science (Vol 329, Issue 5993, Pages 713-876) is a special issue on energy with the title "Scaling Up Alternative Energy".

As stated in the introductory article "Getting Better To Get Bigger" by David Malakoff, Jake Yeston, and Jesse Smith:

"The end of the age of fossil fuels may be in sight, but what comes after is still a bit of a blur. There are numerous alternatives to coal, oil, and natural gas from electricity generated by solar farms to biofuels brewed from plants. Scaling up these alternative sources of energy, however, has proved a challenge. This special issue explores the progress that researchers are making in developing better alternatives, and the technical, political, and economic pitfalls associated with scaling them up."

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Gopal R. Rao, Ph.D.
Web Science Editor
Materials Research Society (MRS)

Comments

[coal mining]

The use of sophisticated software systems for coal mining that is mostly burnt for power generation and steel production and adds to the greenhouse effect is valid for western countries who may allocate resources and funds to alternative and more greener sources of power. Some of the alternatives may be "safer" than the traditional mines. Unfortunately, coal market news show developing economies are more likely to increase their use of thermal coal & metallurgical coal in coming years because of its affordability and to meet increasing demands for electricity and steel. Whether they will embrace and utilise sophisticated software systems that no doubt add to the cost of production is yet to be seen. Cherry of www.coalportal.com

[plumbing]

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