10.25 Future Energy Systems - by Duncan Gray

Review:

This past Thursday, Oct 25, brought us Duncan Gray discussing Energy Systems of the Future. In discussing energy, which is at once one of the most fundamental concepts in science and one of the hardest to define intuitively, Duncan attempted to make clear the wide range of energies from natural sources as well as the difficulties with harnessing this important commodity. Duncan is clearly a great fan of solar energy. However, having said this we should realize that energy from oil, gas, coal, wind, waves, slaves and animals are all forms of solar energy. However, the devil is in the details and the challenge is how to eat our cake and still have it: How to get energy in a convenient form that is economical and will not destroy our planet or our peace of mind. I once heard a physics professor say that ours is a class I civilization, one that uses the energy of its planet. Type II would use the energy of its sun. Type III, on the other hand, would use the energy of its galaxy. I raised my hand and asked, but what about type IV? "And what energy would such a civilization use?" I thought a type IV would use no energy. I don't recall his exact remark but a year later he began to teach a course about physics and extraterrestrial civilizations. But meanwhile . . . .

Science Buzz Cafe # 19 with Duncan Gray, October 25th, 2007

Preview:

This coming Thursday night brings us Duncan Gray to talk about Energy Systems of the Future. He will explain the realities and magnitudes of the dimensions of Energy and Power and where our future needs will most likely be met. He will discuss the pros and cons (the professionals and confidence men) and why they find it so lucrative to work the energy field. He will explain in painful detail how each exciting new technology functions and will then continue the tradition originated by geologist Terry Wright: he will pass out samples.