Next Generation Energy is managed and written entirely by Seed editors and expert guest bloggers. Read more about them In the race to replace coal and oil, several of the technologies we've discussed here—photovoltaics, wind, nuclear—seem to be projected, by proponents, politicians, investors and the media, as it, the saving grace that will lead us into a new era of renewable energy.
But there are other players in the game, and one of these "dark horse" innovations could yet turn out to be the most promising.
Perhaps the one with the best chance is tidal energy. The sun is not the only celestial body whose unique effects on Earth can be exploited. The reliable cycles of tidal flows, created by the moon's gravitational pull on the planet, also have potential to be tapped for energy production, particularly where oceanic currents are swift and strong.
Although modern forms of tidal power are still in their infancy, the concept is not. As early as the first century B.C., dam—called barrages—were constructed across naturally occurring basins to drive grain mills, and tidal power plants today use the same basic model, with turbines and generators taking the place of waterwheels. A newer form of tidal power, tidal stream generators, are also in development in several countries.
Then there are other contenders: Craig Venter's miraculous 4th generation biofuels; artificially generated tornadoes; even energy created by tourists' footsteps.
So, does tidal energy—or any other, slightly more offbeat idea—have a shot at becoming the next big thing? In 20 or 50 years, will our energy come from the oceans? Or the Spanish Steps? Which is your favorite "dark horse" in this race?
Environment
Comments
Artifically generated tornados are very interesting - since J. T. Yen of Grumman Aerospace Corp. developes his 'Tornado-Typ Wind Energy System' (see: Proceedings af 10th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, University of Delaware 1975).
BUT much stronger and nearly 1000-fold more power are expected from the upwhirl of WATER instead of air... so have a look to THAT machine:
> http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Vortex_Synergy_Model_--_The_Messiah_Machine
Posted by: Achmed Khammas | September 18, 2008 12:00 PM
Synthetic bacteria could definitely have a major effect on energy supplies. For example, sewage could be converted into biodiesel. While only a fraction of a percent of our energy needs could be provided from sewage, it has the advantage of turning something nasty into a valuble commodity. And the gray water that results from the process can be used for irrigation or further treated and used as drinking water.
Currently one of the biggest hurdles to making biodiesel from algae is the cost of extracting it from the organisms. Synthetic bacteria could potentially release oil directly into the water where it could be skimmed off the top. These synthetic bacteria are unlikely to pose a threat to the natural environment as an organism that spends most of its energy leaking oil is unlikely to be able to compete with natural lifeforms outside of its artificial pond.
Other technologies that it has been suggested could be practical soon include high altitude wind power and membranes that generate electricity from the the mixing of fresh and salt water.
Posted by: Ronald Brak | September 18, 2008 9:44 PM
Well, there's serious talk about tidal stream generation getting deployed here in Scotland in the relatively near future. We have the geography, and the experience in marine engineering... The current target is to achieve 1GW from this source by 2020.
Posted by: Dunc | September 19, 2008 6:24 AM