Solar
It’s free, and there’s more than enough for everybody in the world. The sun provides thousands of times more energy than we actually need. If we could capture solar power efficiently, all of our energy needs could be provided by an area five metres by five metres for each person.
Countries that aren’t very sunny can get their energy by putting solar collectors in deserts, with the heat from the sun driving a steam turbine that produces electricity. Long-distance power lines can take this power to where it is needed. This might be the cheapest and most convenient way of replacing fossil fuels.
It’s also non-polluting, safe and doesn’t use land where food could be grown. Solar energy can be stored overnight and used to keep the power flowing all the time. On a much smaller scale, individual houses can be entirely powered by solar photovoltaic panels sitting on the roof. Even in cloudy countries like the UK, much electricity can come from photovoltaics. Today it would be expensive, but costs are coming down all the time.
