Since a recent topic driften into alternative energy sources, it might be time to redo the thread on new energy sources. (I don't like the term "alternate" as it implies that the current fossile fuel situation is the normal one and anything else is a "plan b". We need to replace FF, and that means a new energy source, not an alternate.)
Now advances in technology, especially nano scale mass production, could make solar cells economical very soon. New processes in making them could make them cheap and efficient to use in sunny areas effictively. Also they're made of silicon, a common element and eco-friendly.
Advanced in materials like carbon nanotube composites could make windkills light and strong enough to make and use without them getting knocked over if a hurricane pops up, and they could make underwater turbines in major water currents, like the gulf stream, feasible.
Other ways new tech could offer new energy options is by replacing older, less efficient tech with more efficient tech. Regular lightbulbs only give off .25% of the energy they consume as visible light. These new compack flourescents beat them by a long shot and could save so much energy id widely used it would be a great way to lower the need for energy. Likewise new TVs consume less power, but still need some work.
I've always been a pro nuclear guy, and still believe it is a viable energy source if done right, like the french do.
I've seen models of devices that could harness wave motion energy on the surface of oceans for power. They work but need some refining to make them large scale practical.
We all want fusion, but we've been "about 25 years form it" for around 30 yeard now, and are still "about 25 years away from it" so I'm not holding my breath.
Other fuels become economically viable as fossil fuels increase in price. It's a self-correcting problem.
-clash
Slaves.
Slaves AND soul-burner engines. Solve overpopulation AND the energy crisis. The more energy you use, the fewer people left to use it. Its perfect.
Hook Spike up to a capacitor. Problem solved! Next?
-clash