A FUNDAMENTAL LOOK AT ENERGY RESERVES FOR THE PLANET

Global warming, fossil fuel depletion, the growth of large new economies, and the latent risks of terrorism and international conflict are weaving an uncomfortable stranglehold on the world’s energy outlook. This is reflected by an extreme volatility in energy commodity prices and associated economic disruptions, superimposed over long-term environmental worries. The International Energy Agency, through its programs such as Solar Heating and Cooling*, is actively working to advance the new energy technologies and strategies needed to meet future demand while reducing dependence on the liquid fossil fuels that currently drive the planet’s economies. Often cited alternatives include clean coal, nuclear, and an array of renewable options: hydropower, biomass/biofuels, geothermal, ocean thermal energy conversion, waves, tides, wind, solar, etc. In the eyes of leaders and decision makers, developing such a mix of alternatives is a reasonable approach to bring about the desired stable energy future -- akin to putting future energy eggs in different baskets. However this view presupposes that all alternatives have a comparable capability. Hence the purpose of this brief note: to step back and take a fundamental look at their respective potential.