Toward a solar civilization. [Review of development strategies]
The case for solar energy development is based on the vast amount of energy flowing through natural systems relative to the amount of fossil-fuel energy flowing through machinery. The extent to which society can shift into a solar economy is unknown, but the associated economic, technological, and institutional issues must be addressed if solar energy is to be a viable option in the next century. A review of the alternatives indicates serious environmental problems with coal and security problems with nuclear fission. The global diffuseness of solar radiation is seen as a positive factor in terms of allowing an equitable world distribution of energy. New social structures, life styles, and innovative technologies are needed, as well as new strategies for sharing costs and organizing energy distribution. Several strategies are outlined that would use solar energy to produce heat, power, and chemical fuels. 21 references.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Univ., NJ
- OSTI ID:
- 6381209
- Journal Information:
- Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 33:8
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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POLICY AND ECONOMY
14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
BIOMASS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LIFE STYLES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR FURNACES
SOLAR HEATING
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
CONVERSION
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY SOURCES
FURNACES
HEATING
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
299001* - Energy Planning & Policy- Solar- (1989-)
140000 - Solar Energy