Energy: yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Energy is a basic issue that affects the lives of all humans on the surface of the Earth. Through the ages some form of energy was used to sustain social life styles. Muscle power, wood, coal, petroleum, and natural gas in succession have played their role; coal, nuclear (fission and fusion), and solar resources will play increasingly important roles in the future. This article deals with a historical perspective on energy, the energy requirements in our daily life, types of resources available, and recoverable reserves of some of these resources. A critical look at the current energy consumption trend poses some interesting and challenging questions. An attempt must be made to answer some of those questions now to ensure the survival of future generations. Dwindling fossil fuel resources call for alternative sources of energy. A comprehensive survey of all possible energy technologies is presented with their pros and cons, development status, and time period for implementation. Reasonable optimism exists about future sources of energy, including coal, nuclear, geothermal, oil shale, and solar.
- Research Organization:
- Institute of Gas Technology, Chicago, IL (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6347247
- Report Number(s):
- NP-23497
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
292000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Supply
Demand & Forecasting
AVAILABILITY
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
ENERGY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
EVALUATION
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
GLOBAL ASPECTS
IMPLEMENTATION
NUCLEAR FUELS
OIL SHALES
REACTOR MATERIALS
RECOVERY
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESERVES
RESOURCE DEPLETION
RESOURCES
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOLAR ENERGY