Power Generation and Distribution Blog

Well, it is a circumstance, that puts the pressure for change on. Let's look at the last 2 or 3. At medieval times continents were populated by a few million people (I simplify). They got by chopping wood for fuel. Then industrial revolution started up, and wood became insufficient.

Coal mining was done on an increasing industrial scale, and never stopped since. Demand on wood dropped with the resulting profound reforestation.

Then oil /gas was discovered, and used on an industrial scale. Its use in transportation, and prominently in chemistry is essential. Its use for heat is quite debatable. Now there is the debate about Peak Oil. One thing is for sure, that the future reserves are more difficult to get and more expensive. Increasing prices are a pressure for alternate solutions.

Then there is atomic power. The most concentrated, smallest footprint one mankind devised yet. Problems? Yes. That secured, using organic reserves for heat generation will seem outright obscene.

The present debate in the society is the sure sign of the pressure point. Not everybody goes in the same direction. Western societies are mostly entangled in the clean air and associated debates. Eastern societies are mostly focused on growth.

In the end, this debate will be decided by economic capabilities. Those who build, will have it, including surplus for niceties. Those focusing on fruitless endeavors, will fall to the wayside. Economics may be called the "dismal science", but frequently by people unwilling to acknowledge its unforgiving nature vs. our wishes.

Did I say, what do I prefer? No. As in historical trend it does not matter an iota.

Did I say, this is the only thing, that will happen? No. Many flowers should blossom. But, the main trend is the main trend. Barring a cosmic change in physics, economics and people's nature.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Those unwilling to learn from history, are bound to repeat it.